Great Northern Insulation

Great Northern Insulation had always been a company with strong values with respect to sustainability. But sometimes the organization found itself spinning its wheels without going anywhere.  The organization was in need of a plan, so that’s where The Natural Step and I came in.

As part of my co-op placement I was tasked with going into the organization and developing a strategic sustainability plan for the company based on The Natural Step principles and with the help of Anouk Bertner and Karen Miller of the Natural Step. This saw me forming a sustainability committee with members from different departments and with their help, going through all the steps of the process including building awareness, conducting a baseline analysis, forming a vision and getting down to action.

One of the key challenges that Great Northern Insulation faces with respect to sustainability is the amount of plastic film that goes to the landfill as a result of their operations. A key outcome from my time at the company has been the installation of a baler and the development of a plastic film recycling program.

This was a tremendous experience for both me and Great Northern Insulation. I have been able to grow tremendously over the past four months, and the organization now has the tools and the plan to move them towards sustainability.

Thank you Anouk Bertner, Karen Miller, the Natural Step, and everybody at Great Northern Insulation!