Surrey, BC – On Friday, September 19th, the Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade presented three winners with Surrey & White Rock Environment and Business Awards at the 19th annual event.
In addition to recognizing the award recipients, the event featured an engaging discussion on environmental innovation. Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke and industry experts explored environmental initiatives, offering insights into how businesses can incorporate them into their own practices.
The awards were presented to organizations that are either located in Surrey or White Rock, or who are SWRBOT members, and have demonstrated exceptional dedication to environmental leadership and/or issues. The award recipients are guided by a sense of respect for the environment and demonstrate this initiative consistently.
“The Environment and Business Awards celebrate the innovators and leaders who are proving that growth and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. Surrey and White Rock organizations are showing that sustainability is not just the right thing to do, it drives competitiveness and resilience for the future,” said Joslyn Young, CEO of the Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade.
This year’s winners are:
Small Business Award – Superfluity Thrift Store
Superfluity is a thrift store and social enterprise that is a leading example of the circular economy. It operates as a fundraising initiative for the Peace Arch Hospital, while also promoting sustainability. The store’s core mission is to divert thousands of pounds of donated goods from landfills annually, from clothing to housewares. This is achieved through a robust system of sorting, upcycling, and partnering with local recyclers. Superfluity’s business model showcases how reuse and community engagement can significantly reduce waste and minimize the demand for new goods, all while supporting a vital community service.
Medium Business Award – Storehouse Community Hub Society
Storehouse operates a food rescue and redistribution program that diverts approximately 1.2 million pounds of food from landfills annually. They partner with local grocery stores and suppliers to collect surplus and short-dated items. This food is then meticulously sorted and repurposed: edible food is provided to those in need through their food bank and meal programs, while remaining waste is either used as animal feed or composted. This circular model not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions and extends landfill life but also tackles food insecurity. The program demonstrates that environmental care and community service are intertwined.
Large Business Award – Surrey Libraries
Surrey Libraries has made a significant commitment to environmental stewardship by becoming the first library in Canada to pursue the Sustainable Libraries Certification Program. This initiative integrates sustainability into all operations, including a new Sustainability Policy and Road Map, and prioritizing LEED and Passive House standards for new branches. The libraries also actively engage the community with sustainability-themed programs, such as bike repair stations and pollinator gardens. These efforts aim to reduce the organization’s carbon footprint and inspire environmental leadership throughout the community.
Presenting Sponsor: FortisBC
Award Sponsor: Exp Services Inc.
Community Sponsors: SFU and Civic Hotel
Media Sponsor: Surrey NOW-Leader
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Aman Parmar
604.634.0345 | aman@businessinsurrey.com
