To promote corporate sustainability strategies in the construction sector, Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VCRA) has launched the Excellence in Sustainable Construction (ESC) Certification Program.
The initiative, announced Thursday, is one of the first of its kind in North America to certify a construction company, rather than a construction project.
The aim of the association-developed program is to encourage the three pillars of sustainability within construction companies: finding synergies between profits, protecting the environment and supporting communities.
Keith Sashaw, VCRA president, said, “With a focus on certifying the actual construction company, rather than a specific building or project…we feel certification will provide a tremendous competitive advantage to members who wish to pursue it, while fostering all three areas of sustainability among the industry. This is an approach we hope will grow beyond Vancouver and B.C.”
Through the ESC program, VRCA is aiming to encourage its members and the construction industry to integrate sustainability into products and processes.
The certification program addresses the corporation’s obligations, not only to the shareholders, but also to the social and environmental initiatives of the businesses.
“As our industry faces new challenges related to climate change, natural resource depletion, reducing our carbon footprint and energy independence, we must move quickly to learn, understand and thrive in a new set of environmental, social and economic requirements,” said Sashaw.
Construction companies that participate in the ESC program will have access to tools that will help benchmark accomplishments and chart a course to improve performance.
A third-party auditor will review policies and practices to determine a company’s sustainability score. Those who qualify will achieve an “ESC-certified” designation.
Fifteen construction companies are registered in the program so far.
