Waste Reduction

We are focused on reducing the consumption of resources and finding ways to contribute to a circular economy so that the life of materials are extended for as long as possible, and waste is diverted from landfills.

Commitments and Oversight

Through the direction of our Corporate Sustainability Team, we are committed to implementing innovative waste reduction programs and initiatives. Waste reduction targets from 2013-2018 have been established as part of our Sustainability Benchmarking and Conservation Program, which is an important driver of the programs we have established to reduce the consumption of materials and the generation of waste.

Programs

We have established a number of waste reduction programs to increase our waste diversion rates. Key programs related to: sustainable procurement, waste audits, and waste reuse and recycling.

Sustainable Procurement

We work collaboratively with our contractors, suppliers and tenants to encourage the use of more environmentally and socially responsible products and services that facilitate our ability to reduce, reuse and recycle materials. This includes a broad range of more sustainable products, such as energy-efficiency lighting, sustainable paper, janitorial products and green cleaning services.

Waste Audits

Our property managers conduct regular waste audits, track the major waste streams at their properties, and identify waste management best practices. Waste profiles at the property level are used to educate staff, tenants and occupants on better waste management and recycling practices.

Recycling

Our property management teams ensure recycling is available for a broad range of waste streams, including traditional recyclables (paper, plastics, cans and bottles). They also work to enhance or introduce newer streams such as organics, electronic waste, batteries, toner cartridges and fluorescent lighting, where available.

Performance

The Corporate Sustainability Team reviews our waste performance and compares it against industry benchmarks and best practices, regional averages and internal performance measures. The information is used to help inform property and asset management teams to continuously improve our performance. 

We provide an annual report on the waste performance of our managed portfolio to the Sustainability Steering Committee and Executive Committee.

For more information on our waste management performance, please refer to our Sustainability Data Table.