Canada's Green 30

Date: May 12, 2014

Published by: Maclean’s

Below is an excerpt of the original article.

-- Companies that integrate sustainability programs into their workplace culture win praise from their employees --

Intuit has been named one of this year’s “Green 30” — a collection of Canadian businesses whose employees, according to consulting firm Aon Hewitt, are most positive about their record of environmental stewardship. But Intuit’s approach to sustainability also marks something of a shift in how companies are integrating green programs into their operations. Having them driven by employees and incorporated into the corporate culture — rather than dictated from on high in the boardroom and bolted on as an afterthought — makes green initiatives far more effective at achieving meaningful change.

What do companies get out of it? Well, green initiatives save money, but they also help attract and retain talent. Wood, for instance, has now been at Intuit for nearly four years, and sees interest among his colleagues growing. “We’ve been getting great participation,” he says. “People are excited.”

THE GREEN 30

The Green 30 is based on how employees perceive their companies’ environmental efforts. We asked each organization that made this year’s list, compiled by Aon Hewitt, to highlight some of the key programs and achievements that earned them high marks.

iQmetrix
Retail management software
Vancouver

An employee-founded and -led green team initiates programs such as energy conservation and recycling
Workers have adopted a park behind its office in Regina and will be responsible for its upkeep, as well as use its recreational facilities