Giving Back To The Environment

TOGETHER, WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND HELP SAVE THE PLANET.

How? By recycling, reducing waste, reducing energy consumption, shopping green, and practicing environmental protection. Together, we can reduce our environmental footprint. Let's give the earth a big hug!

WHAT IS WILLOWBROOK SHOPPING CENTRE DOING TO BE GREEN?

Willowbrook is committed to developing and implementing a continuous improvement strategy of best practices based upon the principles of environmental sustainability and social/economic responsibility.

Responsible Property Management In Action... As part of our commitment to environmental stewardship, we are proud that Willowbrook is certified BOMA BESt 2 by the Building Owners and Managers Association of BC.

Providing A Healthy Environment... By facilitating a commitment to environmental responsibility through design material use and operations, we choose suppliers and services that support sustainability. From our washroom products to our cleaning supplies, preference is given to green products when possible. Landscaping practices incorporate drought tolerant plants and chemical reduction programs, roofing products ensure durability, and construction materials are reused whenever possible.

Take A Breath of Fresh Air... In addition to air quality testing/benchmarking, we try to use low-VOC emission products in the building  and provide landscaped environments that minimize the use of herbicides and other chemicals. Additionally, janitorial vacuum cleaners are equipped with hepa filters to help eliminate airborne contaminants.

Powerful Thinking Has Meaningful Benefits... We measure and benchmark our energy, water, and gas consumption regularly, enabling us to make operations improvements to deliver better utility efficiency. To minimize energy usage, low wattage lighting is used throughout the centre and LED technology is utilized where possible. Lighting controls also allow selective lighting of the centre. Our HVAC systems are automatically controlled and energy efficient.

When A Product Reaches the End of Its Life Cycle... The centre has a material/waste recycling/recovery program that includes paper, cardboard, cans, plastics, glass bottles, wood pallets, cooking oil, and landscape trimmings.

Helping You Get Here Green... We offer green transportation options including bike racks and on-site public transit stops. Hybrid vehicle parking stalls are available in the centre's parking lot to travel smart.

Working Together Makes A Difference... We encourage our shoppers to do your part for the environment and join us for eco-friendly activities such as Earth Day and Earth Hour.

Reducing Our Carbon Footprint... The greening of the centre is an on-going initiative which includes the development of programs to address sustainability and GHG emissions. The GHG emissions for the centre are tracked through utility consumption records, enabling us to benchmark the centre on year-to-year improvements.

HOW CAN YOU SHOP GREEN?

One of the easiest ways to be green is to shop with the environment in mind and buy earth-friendly products. Below are a few simple tips:

Buy Smart: Learn how products can effect the environment - from what materials are used in their creation, to how they are used, to how they are disposed. Some product choices are better than others, so think, then buy!

Shop Local: When possible, buy goods produced locally and/or are available for purchase close to home. This helps save fuel, which lessens climate change. In addition, buying local means contributing to our local economy.

By Durable: Whenever possible, try to buy long-lasting products over disposable products.

Buy Recycled: Buy products with recycled content when possible. This means that that fewer resources (such as trees) are used in production. 

Buy Energy Efficient: Seek out electronic items that have energy saving features to conserve energy use.

Buy Natural: When possible, purchase items made of organic/natural ingredients. There are many food, health, beauty, etc. products on the market  with earth-based ingredients.

Avoid Excess Packaging: Buy in bulk and/or, buy items with less packaging or packaging that can be recycled. And don't forget to bring a reusable tote when shopping!