The David Johnston Research + Technology Park (R+T Park) University of Waterloo and its tenants have committed to a Greenhouse Gas Reduction Target through Sustainable Waterloo Region’s Regional Carbon Initiative (RCI).With a goal of a 40% reduction in greenhouse gasses per capita by 2024, the companies in the R+T Park are actively working to successfully achieve their target result.
With the increase of sustainability brings the increase of cost savings for the park in its entirety. “SAP’s local involvement will help towards reaching SAP’s global goal to reduce the net greenhouse gas emissions from our operations to levels of the year 2000 by 2020,” states Bobbilynn Keating, Facilities Specialist, SAP. Working diligently since their kickoff meeting in May of 2015, the current members of the Green Team are keen to be part of this initiative, which is building a closer dynamic amongst the business professionals within the R+T Park community. A Green Team is a group of passionate and knowledgeable people eager to lead the R+T Park into their low-impact, environmentally friendly future.
Other benefits of the ten year plan include a stronger work culture, employee benefits and community involvement. The park has been an environmentally responsible community citizen for over a decade and the RCI commitment allows for the transition into an even greener community. “The reduction target for the park aligns with our core corporate values,” comments Adrian Conrad, COO, Cora Group Inc. “and the recognition we’ve received as a leader in the region for our commitment to sustainability and leading edge building practices.”
The R+T Park’s Green Team, comprising representatives from all the buildings, companies, and developers in the park, are receiving support from Sustainable Waterloo Region (SWR) through the RCI to complete an accurate baseline assessment, help set a target, and ensure that the desired target is achievable.
For a copy of this press release, please download: R+T Park Carbon Commitment Press Release (pdf).