Stratford manufacturers applauded for green initiatives

The City of Stratford is making it a little easier “being green.”

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As part of its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the city recently gave kudos to a group of Stratford manufacturers and small businesses through its Green Recognition program. Launched as a way to support the ongoing efforts of local businesses to reduce their carbon footprints, the Green Recognition program is characterized as a “community call for action” that supports the city’s own reduction target of 30 per cent by 2030 and net-zero by 2050.

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“The Green Recognition Awards are a vital platform for fostering a culture of sustainability and innovation within our city. Recognizing diverse green initiatives not only showcases our commitment to environmental responsibility but also empowers our community to collectively strive towards our ambitious emission reduction targets, ensuring a greener, healthier future for generations to come,” Stratford Mayor Martin Ritsma said in a release.

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Four larger local companies — DYNA-MIG, MTE Consultants, Schaeffler Canada Inc. and Vicwest Building Products — were recognized for their environmental efforts through certificates of appreciation.

DYNA-MIG was acknowledged through the program’s Green Building Award. Through a variety of ongoing decarbonization and carbon reduction efforts in recent years, the Stratford plant has slashed its carbon emissions by 14 per cent, improved its water efficiency by 11 per cent and reduced waste by 33 per cent between 2022 and 2023. The company has also introduced other energy-efficiency measures while reducing its natural gas consumption and reusing plant heat during the winter months. DYNA-MIG also has a few water conservation and waste reductions projects on the go.

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Another Green Building Award recipient that was also lauded for waste reduction and diversion, as well as energy management, MTE Consultants has made significant strides in its organic waste management and its recycling of office supplies. The company also hosts an annual e-waste collection drive, organizes Earth Day cleanup activities and recycles single-use personal protection equipment.

The city also highlighted two other MTE projects — two pollinator gardens that beautify the firm’s Stratford office and an active transportation campaign that encourages cycling through the installation of bike racks.

Schaeffler Canada was recognized with another Green Building Award while being praised for its waste reduction and diversion, and energy management. Through a company-wide focus on sustainability, which includes energy consumption management and carbon reduction, Schaeffler has introduced several effective programs in recent years. A recycling program helped the company achieve an annual waste diversion rate of 85 per cent, preventing about 720 tons of trash from ending up in landfill. The company also minimized its energy usage during peak consumption periods by installing a four-megawatt battery storage system at its Ontario Street plant. Another highlighted project helped reduce water usage by two per cent, representing an annual savings of 300,000 litres.

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Vicwest Building Products was honored for its work in the Electrification and Energy Management category through its solar photovoltaic project. This array of 1,206 solar panels at its Stratford facility is able to provide 86 per cent of its energy needs. With the panels generating as much as 700 megawatt hours of electricity, the project can actually power 60 to 70 Ontario homes for a year. This system is also expected to reduce the facility’s annual greenhouse gas emissions by 40 tonnes. Through a partnership with Festival Hydro, the city-owned utility, Vicwest is directing any excess renewable energy to Stratford’s electricity grid to support the community’s energy needs.

“Economic development mixed with green practices is the cornerstone of sustainable progress and I’m very proud of these manufacturers. They are helping the city meet its ambitious emission-reduction targets while cultivating a thriving economy that prioritizes long-term prosperity and well-being for both current and future generations,” Joani Gerber, investStratford’s CEO, said in the release.

In addition to the four larger companies, several small businesses, including Shop Lot8, Claire Upcycles and the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, were recognized for their waste reduction and diversion efforts.

More information about the city’s Green Recognition program is available online at www.stratford.ca/en/live-here/green-recognition-program.aspx.

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