Companies across Canada support energy conservation
Here at the WWF-Canada Toronto office, things have been exceptionally busy – in very good ways. As we ramp up our enthusiasm for Earth Hour on March 31, we are energized by the support and feedback we have received from a number of our friends, followers and partners about their participation inNational Sweater Day.
Over at HSBC Canada, Sweater Day was a success thanks to the help of their Climate Champions, a network of over 100 employees who have completed a unique training course on climate change, sustainability and leadership.
This training was done as part of their five-year environmental programme with The Climate Group, Earthwatch Institute, Smithsonian Tropical Research Centre and WWF. Climate Champions across Canada encouraged their colleagues to turn to a sweater rather than turning up the thermostat and promoted the message of energy conservation in the workplace.
Highlights of their Sweater Day festivities included:
Over at HSBC Canada, Sweater Day was a success thanks to the help of their Climate Champions, a network of over 100 employees who have completed a unique training course on climate change, sustainability and leadership.
This training was done as part of their five-year environmental programme with The Climate Group, Earthwatch Institute, Smithsonian Tropical Research Centre and WWF. Climate Champions across Canada encouraged their colleagues to turn to a sweater rather than turning up the thermostat and promoted the message of energy conservation in the workplace.
Highlights of their Sweater Day festivities included:
- More than 400 employees participating – in offices and branches Ultimate Sweater fashion shows and contests – winners were awarded for most original sweater, most colourful and even best accessorized! Gifts included coffee gift cards, blankets and bed socks in the spirit of keeping warm!
- Sweater Day hot chocolate and apple cider and cakes were served.
- Quizzes, contests and photos in the lead up to the event
“Engaging employees in events such as National Sweater Day is important as they raise awareness of the small changes we can make to our daily routines that will help to reduce our impact on the environment,” said Kim Hallwood, Head of Corporate Sustainability at HSBC Bank Canada. “As an organization with more than 7,000 employees across Canada, we realize that these small changes can collectively make a big impact.”
A few more notable mentions included HP and RSA. HP had 300 employees participate in their Sweater Day Quiz, and many wore crazy sweaters in the office.
One of RSA’s brokers gets into the spirit on National Sweater Day.
RSA had several dozen employees participate by wearing sweaters and what’s really exciting this year is that they launched a contest with their brokers (external) to get them involved for the first time as well – 15 brokerages and about 150 different brokers dressed up for the big day.
And last but CERTAINLY not least, a huge thank you also goes out to the dozens of other corporations, not-for-profit organizations, universities, townships, and individuals who donned their best sweaters for the occasion.
Thank you for all your support – we couldn’t do the work we do here without all of you.
To see photos of ever more National Sweater Day participants, check out our Sweater Day 2012 Facebook Album.
