Service Provider Directory

Get the help that you need!

Time. It's a scarce resource for small businesses, and we're here to save you as much of it as we can. We've put together a list of local service providers who can help you make your business more sustainable without consuming too much of your own time. We want this process to be as effortless for you as possible, and with the help of these experts, it will be!

Sustainability Consultants/Advisors

Most small businesses don't know where to start with sustainability. Lighting retrofits? Waste audits? Energy assessments? Who knows? If you're just starting out, it may be worthwhile to get the help of a sustainability consultant or advisor to help guide you on your journey. The following people are good places to start:

• Strathcona Green Zone: If you're a Strathcona BIA member, your BIA is here to help you get started on this journey. We have some resources available to assess where you are at and which alternatives would be good starting points for your business. One benefit of contacting us is that our services are already paid for through your BIA levy. If you require help beyond what our office can offer, we may point you to certain programs or advisors who can help you implement your sustainability programs.
• Climate Smart: Interested in measuring your carbon footprint, or perhaps in finding out what a "carbon footprint" is? Climate Smart is a great resource for you. This program works with small and medium sized businesses to measure their carbon footprints and implement reduction strategies. The SBIA participated in this program in 2010; we found the training informative, the assessment straightforward, and the networking invaluable. Also, the City of Vancouver and Metro Vancouver provide subsidies that make  Climate Smart's rates compeltely affordable to small businesses. 
• Lighthouse Building Centre: If you're interested in sustainable buildings, Lighthouse is the place to go. The services here include information and education on green building practices, policies, projects, and access to green building professionals. If you have any questions on how to improve the eco efficiencies of your propery, Lighthouse can help, or at least point you in the right direction. 
• Sustainable Community Enterprises: This organization provides Green Workplace audits that measure paper use, waste levels, lighting efficiency, chemical use, and business travel. Clients who receive Green Workplace audits and commit to certain standards can receive the Green Office Champions Seal of Good Practice certification.
• Green Fleets BC: If it's transportation you're worried about, contact Green Fleets BC. This is an independent, non-profit program that provides information on fuel efficient technologies, provides tools to evaluate fuel efficient alternatives and connects fleets together via information sharing networks.
• The Natural Step: Through a combination of advisory, coaching, and process facilitation services, The Natural Step's sustainability advisors translate the fundamentals of sustainability into innovation and value creation, inspiring lasting change in businesses of all sizes.