For the past four years, Canon Canada has been named one of Canada’s Greenest Employers, an award that recognizes its efforts to create a culture of environmental awareness. The company’s focus on sustainability is a reflection of Canon’s global Kyosei philosophy: all people – regardless of race, religion or culture – harmoniously living and working together into the future.
The environmental initiatives the company implements speak to the Canon Americas Environmental Charter. The charter outlines eight guiding principles, including encouraging the collection and recycling of Canon products at the end of their lifetime; maintaining close relationships with communities and participating in environmental programs; and increasing the environmental awareness of employees.
Recycling initiatives
Canon Canada has been a part of Canon Americas’ Clean Earth Campaign since 1990. Through this campaign, Canon launched the Toner Cartridge Return Program, becoming the first digital imaging company to collect and recycle used toner ink cartridges. Canon has since collected more than 435,000 tons around the world. Closer to home, Canon Canada also hosts drive-thru curbside events for employees to responsibly recycle no-longer-needed electronics.
Community ties
Canon Canada hosted its first Environmental Education Day in 2017, welcoming students from local elementary schools to its Brampton headquarters. The company worked with Earth Rangers, a kids’ conservation organization, to teach students about biodiversity and animal habitats, and it continues to provide support to the group’s curriculum and school assemblies. The company started the Canon Canada Environmental Studies Scholarship in 2020 to help financially support students at York University and the University of British Columbia pursuing careers committed to sustainability and protecting the environment. Recently the company joined forces with the National Wildlife Centre to support Canadian wildlife conservation initiatives.
Employee engagement
In 2014, Canon Canada launched Branch Out, a volunteer environmental initiative that provides employees at all 12 offices the opportunity to give back to the community they work in. Since the program’s inception, employees have planted trees, built turtle structures and removed invasive plant species, among other activities, in communities across the country. Employees can also join the Canon Green Team, a company-wide, cross-departmental committee dedicated to enhancing Canon Canada’s environmental initiatives and impact.
Sustainable design
Canon offers nearly 200 ENERGY STAR® qualified products that incorporate advanced energy-efficient, environmentally conscious designs. Canon Canada has been recognized as the Most Environmentally Progressive Technology Company twice in recent years at the PrintAction Canadian Printing Awards.
