City of Surrey Named One of Canada’s Greenest Employers for Second Year in a Row

Surrey, BC – The City of Surrey has been recognized as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for a second year in a row. Award recipients are evaluated and selected based on their unique environmental initiatives and programs; success in reducing their environmental footprint; the degree to which employees are involved in their programs; and the extent to which these initiatives have become linked to the organization’s identity.

“As the stewards of Surrey, council is continually expanding and enhancing our efforts to keep our city green and thriving,” said Mayor Doug McCallum. “This award is proof of our commitment to making the protection and betterment of the environment a top priority. I encourage everyone who lives, works and visits Surrey to do their part. Whether it’s participating in our annual Love Where You Live Campaign, ensuring our waste is diverted to the correct place, or buying a tree for your garden at the City’s next tree sale, every action we take will make a difference.”

The City’s recognition is supported by its many green efforts, and guided by its Sustainability Charter 2.0, an ambition 40-year vision for sustainability in Surrey. In 2020, despite the challenges the City is facing during the pandemic, it was able to: 

• organize 75 neighbourhood clean-up events as part of their Love Where You Live Campaign,
• collect more than 75,000 metric tonnes of organic waste through its waste collection programs and services,
• take significant steps to pass a proposed Plastic Bags and Single-Use Items Bylaw to reduce and eliminate the negative impacts of single use items in Surrey. Final adoption of this Bylaw is expected to be brought forward in 2021.

Now in its 14th year, Canada’s Greenest Employers is an editorial competition that recognizes employers that lead the nation in creating a culture of environmental awareness in their organizations.  

For more information on the City of Surrey’s sustainability efforts, visit surrey.ca/sustainability.