Case Study

Leading engineering firm thoughtfully tackles its carbon footprint

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The Big Picture

Climate Smart Service
Climate Smart Certification, 2010 — 2019
Industry
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Location
Vancouver, BC, Canada
Actions Implemented
  • Introduced composting
  • Introduced container recycling
  • Optimized accounting processes to reduce paper
  • Switched to paper with 30% recycled content

Impacts Achieved

 7.8

tonnes CO2e reduced

$1,200

in annual cost savings


70,000

sheets of paper not used

*Since 2010

About Glotman Simpson 

Glotman Simpson Consulting Engineers, a Vancouver-based engineering firm with a staff of 75, has been providing innovative structural engineering solutions and unparalleled client service for over 50 years. The Glotman Simpson team is part of the creative engineering behind some of the most iconic structures in Vancouver, such as the Vancouver Convention Centre, TELUS Garden, One Wall Centre, and Marine Gateway to name a few. 

The challenge 

Glotman Simpson Consulting Engineers has been thoughtfully managing its greenhouse gas emissions with Climate Smart since 2011. The Glotman Simpson team rolled up their sleeves to focus on tackling their garbage and paper usage. The GS Green Team, led by Lauren Semancik, People + Brand Ambassador, dove in to take took a closer look at implementing notable change. 


The results

Glotman Simpson implemented paper reduction initiatives, which alone led to a reduction of over 70,000 sheets of paper used, and a cost savings of over $1,200 a year.
 
The firm also reevaluated their recycling program after realizing that the container recycling bin was being emptied into the garbage rather than being recycled each night. They revamped their recycling program in the spring of 2016, resulting in over 11,000 pounds of waste diverted from the landfill in 2016. 
This past year was really rewarding for us in terms of seeing a real impact from our green initiatives. Seeing an opportunity for improvement in our inventory data and implementing just a few simple changes generated such a positive outcome.
Lauren Semancik People + Brand Ambassador

How they did it

  • Revamped their recycling program, resulting in over 11,000 pounds of waste diverted from the landfill
  • Changed accounting process to store incoming invoices electronically, replacing the old practice of printing two copies of each invoice received
  • Purchased proportionately more paper with 30% recycled content
  • Eliminated over 70,000 sheets of paper used
  • Introduced composting as a waste stream
  • Implemented container recycling
 

What's next for Glotman Simpson Consulting Engineers

Glotman Simpson is always looking for ways to reduce waste, and with the help of the Climate Smart team, was able to make a difference to reach their targets. Moving forward, Glotman Simpson is committed to ongoing measurement and continued efforts to reduce their footprint. 

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