LDB recognized as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers

BURNABY — The B.C. Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) has been named one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for 2021.

“I am pleased to celebrate this distinction, which recognizes our efforts to be a leader in sustainable retailing, from waste management, energy and fuel efficiency, to container recycling and plastic bag reduction,” said Blain Lawson, General Manager and CEO. “We are working hard to develop exceptional sustainability initiatives, not just because it’s the right thing to do but also because we want to attract and retain people who share our values.”

The LDB has been a leader in sustainable retailing in B.C. for more than four decades, implementing a number of initiatives to align to the Provincial government’s CleanBC strategy, including:

• Phasing out plastic bags at BC Liquor Stores and replacing them with locally-sourced paper bags that are recyclable and compostable. This change is estimated to have prevented the creation and use of 22 million plastic bags annually.
   
• Using high efficiency lighting and low emission paints and finishes in construction and renovations of BC Liquor Stores and BC Cannabis Stores.
   
• Wherever feasible and cost effective, purchasing products that embody environmental responsibility in their design, manufacture, distribution, use, and disposal - with an aim to reduce waste, improve energy efficiency, and limit environmentally harmful by-products.

Canada's Greenest Employers is an editorial competition organized by the Canada's Top 100 Employers project. Each employer is evaluated in terms of the unique environmental initiatives and programs they have developed; their success in reducing the organization's own environmental footprint; the level of employee engagement in these programs; and the impact of these factors on the organization’s brand and reputation with regards to attracting potential employees and customers.

This is the first time LDB has been recognized by Mediacorp Canada Inc. in this regard; the organization has been included on the list of B.C.’s 100 Top Employers for the past 13 years. Increasingly, organizations that create a culture of environmental awareness are shown to be more desirable to job seekers.

The LDB employs people in communities across B.C. at 198 BC Liquor Stores, 26 BC Cannabis Stores, three distribution centres of beverage alcohol and non-medical cannabis, and a corporate head office. It is proud to contribute more than $1 billion annually to the Province of B.C., helping to provide financial support for vital public services such as health care and education.

Media contact:
Corporate Communications
BC Liquor Distribution Branch
604 252-7481
[email protected]