YMCA of Greater Toronto releases first Sustainability Report
YMCA of Greater Toronto releases first Sustainability Report
The YMCA of Greater Toronto released its first Sustainability Report informed by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Sustainability Reporting Standards during Waste Reduction Week. The Standards help organizations understand and communicate their impact on critical sustainability measures and compare their efforts against other GRI-reporting entities.
“Our charity is focused on improving the health and well-being of individuals in our communities,” says Medhat Mahdy, President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater Toronto. “As part of that we strive towards leadership in environmental sustainability and community resilience to support community members in times of need.”
The Sustainability Report outlines the environmental progress the YMCA has made in areas ranging from reducing greenhouse gas emissions to improved waste management. Highlighted efforts include energy efficiency projects to reduce the Y’s carbon footprint, increasing the resilience of YMCA centres against extreme weather events, designing new buildings to LEED environmental standards, operating a used battery drop off and recycling program at locations across the Greater Toronto Area and running an organic farm where children learn about sustainable agriculture.
“This Sustainability Report is the first of many and an important part of our efforts to reduce our environmental impact,” added Alex Versluis, Senior Vice President, Property Management and Development, YMCA of Greater Toronto.
“Tracking our progress will help us improve over time and hopefully inspire other organizations to reduce their reliance on energy and resources while creating healthy spaces to enhance community resilience.”
The YMCA of Greater Toronto is committed to environmental leadership at all of its owned properties and has been recognized for its efforts as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for nine consecutive years. This is the YMCA of Greater Toronto’s first standalone public report about the charity’s various sustainability initiatives.
To read the report, visit ymcagta.org/green.