Environmental & Sustainability Policy

Here is a comprehensive Environmental and Sustainability Policy for OHS professionals in Canada, compliant with the highest regulatory standards. It includes an appendix outlining jurisdictional differences across all Canadian provinces and territories.

[Company Name]

Effective Date: [Insert Date]
Reviewed & Approved By: [Insert Name/Position]
Next Review Date: [Insert Date]

  1. PURPOSE

At [Company Name], we recognize that environmental protection and sustainable business practices are integral to our operations. We are committed to ensuring compliance with Canadian environmental and sustainability laws while promoting best practices that protect the environment, conserve resources, and minimize waste.

This policy applies to all employees, contractors, and stakeholders engaged in our operations.

  1. POLICY STATEMENT

We are committed to:

  • Regulatory Compliance: Meeting and exceeding environmental regulations at federal, provincial, and municipal levels.
  • Sustainable Operations: Reducing our carbon footprint and enhancing energy efficiency.
  • Pollution Prevention: Implementing proactive measures to minimize emissions, waste, and hazardous materials.
  • Resource Conservation: Using materials responsibly, promoting recycling, and reducing waste generation.
  • Continuous Improvement: Regularly assessing and enhancing our environmental practices.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Educating employees, contractors, and business partners on sustainability initiatives.

  1. SCOPE & APPLICATION

This policy applies to all aspects of [Company Name]’s operations, including:

  • Workplace health and safety programs.
  • Waste management and disposal.
  • Procurement and supply chain sustainability.
  • Transportation and logistics.
  • Facility management and energy use.

  1. COMPLIANCE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION

We will comply with all relevant federal, provincial, and municipal environmental laws in Canada, including but not limited to:

  • Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA).
  • Impact Assessment Act (IAA).
  • Fisheries Act (for water protection).
  • Species at Risk Act (SARA).
  • Provincial Environmental Protection Acts (varies by jurisdiction – see Appendix A).

  1. KEY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENTS

5.1 Energy Efficiency & Carbon Reduction

    • Reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through energy-efficient operations.
    • Transition to low-carbon technologies and renewable energy sources where feasible.
    • Encourage sustainable transportation options (e.g., electric vehicles, carpooling, remote work).

5.2 Waste Reduction & Circular Economy

    • Reduce, reuse, and recycle materials across all business activities.
    • Implement a waste management hierarchy prioritizing reduction over disposal.
    • Properly manage and dispose of hazardous waste per Canadian regulations.

5.3 Water Conservation & Protection

    • Prevent pollution and contamination of water bodies.
    • Monitor and reduce water consumption across operations.
    • Implement spill prevention and response plans for hazardous substances.

5.4 Sustainable Procurement

    • Purchase materials and equipment from environmentally responsible suppliers.
    • Prioritize eco-certified and recyclable
    • Reduce packaging waste by working with vendors on sustainable solutions.

5.5 Biodiversity & Land Protection

    • Ensure that business activities do not harm protected ecosystems.
    • Conduct environmental impact assessments (EIA) for major projects.
    • Restore and rehabilitate natural areas affected by operations.

  1. IMPLEMENTATION & ACCOUNTABILITY

6.1 Management Responsibilities

    • Ensure this policy is integrated into all business activities.
    • Monitor compliance with environmental regulations.
    • Allocate resources for sustainability initiatives.

6.2 Employee Responsibilities

    • Follow environmental best practices in daily work.
    • Report environmental concerns or non-compliance issues.
    • Participate in sustainability training and initiatives.

6.3 Contractor & Supplier Responsibilities

    • Contractors must comply with [Company Name]’s environmental policies.
    • Suppliers must provide environmentally responsible materials when possible.

  1. MONITORING & REPORTING

We commit to regularly reviewing our environmental performance, including:

  • Conducting annual sustainability audits.
  • Tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) related to energy, waste, and emissions.
  • Reporting environmental progress to stakeholders.
  • Adjusting strategies to align with new regulations and industry best practices.

  1. NON-COMPLIANCE & ENFORCEMENT

Failure to comply with this policy may result in:

  • Corrective action plans.
  • Disciplinary measures for employees.
  • Contract termination for suppliers/contractors who violate environmental standards.
  • Reporting violations to regulatory authorities if required by law.

  1. CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

We will:

  • Stay updated on evolving environmental laws and best practices.
  • Invest in new technologies that support sustainability.
  • Engage with industry and government stakeholders to drive environmental progress.