Innovating to Sustain
Because we only have one planet
Salt Spring Coffee was an early adopter when it comes to measuring and managing our carbon footprint and impact. Tracking energy use and waste is key: the vast majority of our emissions come from burning natural gas to roast our green beans—more than 80 percent of emissions for each of the past three years. After moving our roasting facility to Richmond in December 2010, we realized our gas usage had increased. We investigated, made operational changes and were able to reduce the amount of gas we use by 20 percent. Externally, we have moved away from third-party carbon offsets and begun investing directly in projects that reduce GHG emissions in our source communities.
| Metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total gross emissions | 468.32 | 468.32 | 449.49 |
| Heat | 380.42 | 315.82 | 322.54 |
| Electricity | 4.40 | 3.86 | 2.50 |
| Transportation (people and goods) | 84.35 | 145.74 | 120.92 |
| Garbage | 1.50 | 2.24 | 2.66 |
| Other (refrigeration and paper consumption) | 0.66 | 0.66 | 0.89 |
Being Zero Heroes
The amount of waste diverted from landfills through our Zero Hero program:
%
2012
%
2015
%
2013
%
2014
Salt Spring Coffee has worked with LOCO BC to create an innovative new program called Zero Hero that provides businesses with tools to reduce their waste and associated GHG emissions. We have managed to divert well over 90 percent of our waste through increased recycling, composting and donations. Based on our experience and a pilot program with some of our wholesale customers—including Edible Canada, Thirst First Office Coffee & Vending, Uprising Breads Bakery and University Golf Course—we have created a Zero Hero system that works for businesses in a wide range of industries.
The planet profits
Salt Spring Coffee is proud to be part of the 1% for the Planet network. Founded in 2002, 1% for the Planet has grown into a global movement of more than 1,200 member companies in 48 countries, all donating at least 1 percent of annual revenues to sustainability initiatives. In just over 10 years, 1% for the Planet member companies have given more than $100 million to over 3,300 nonprofit organizations working toward true sustainability.
1% for the Planet Giving in Fiscal Year 2015
- In-Kind Giving 25%
- LOCO BC 22%
- Twin Trading (Uganda) 12%
- Vancouver Farmers Market 7%
- Vancouver Aquarium 6%
- Young Agrarians 6%
- Richmond Sharing Farm 4%
- Farm Folk City Folk 4%
- B Corp Dues 3%
- Sole Foods 3%
- 1% for the Planet Dues 3%
- Fair Trade Canada Dues 2%
- Bike HUB 1%
