Sustainability
What is B Lab doing to mitigate the climate impact of Champions Retreat?
In the heart of one of the world’s most sustainability-minded cities, the Vancouver Convention Centre stands as a benchmark venue. Renowned for its green initiatives, including a green roof and LEED Platinum certification, the venue embodies the city’s commitment to environmental responsibility. Choosing Vancouver and the Convention Centre for the 2024 Champions Retreat was a natural decision, aligning with our sustainability goals and core values.
Grouse Mountain, nestled amid breathtaking natural surroundings, employs eco-friendly practices and a commitment to wildlife conservation. The resort’s dedication to renewable energy sources and responsible land use showcases its commitment to environmental stewardship.
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To further enhance the Retreat’s commitment to sustainability, we’ve joined forces with TripZero (a Certified B Corp) to purchase one Certified Carbon Offset for every tonne of CO2 produced by Champions Retreat attendees’ travel. These projects help fund renewable energy, methane reduction, and forestry projects that benefit local communities. As much as possible, we encourage our attendees to choose a less carbon-intensive way of arriving to and getting around the event, such as by train or public transportation, bicycle, or even on foot.
In collaboration with Greener by Default, Champions Retreat took sustainability a step further. By making plant-based food the default option, we’re not only aligning with carbon reduction goals but also promoting healthier choices. This strategy allowed us to reduce our carbon footprint and improve inclusivity, all while preserving freedom of choice by providing options for those who prefer meat and dairy.
Our dedication extends beyond cuisine to the very materials used at the event. Where possible, printing occurs on sustainable substrates, and we’ve diligently worked to eliminate or reduce single-use items.
Vancouver Guide
To help you explore the city, we pulled together a comprehensive Vancouver Guide full of the most innovative and inspiring examples of sustainability, innovation, and community engagement. The guide is divided into five sections, featuring both additional Champions Retreat activities, self-directed experiences, and local B Corps.
Indigenous Culture in BC and Vancouver
The City of Vancouver is situated on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. It is home to the third largest urban Indigenous population of any Canadian city.
We encourage you to learn more about Vancouver’s Indigenous population from Rise Consulting, a purpose-driven and Indigenous-owned national management consultancy supporting Truth and Reconciliation in Canada.
The truth of our history affects how we move forward; the ongoing impacts of colonialism and cultural genocide of Indigenous peoples and communities remain significant as Vancouver and Canada journey towards Reconciliation. We encourage you to gain a better understanding of Indigenous culture by exploring any of the public art displays, museums, galleries, and cultural centers that celebrate Indigenous art, history, and culture.
Thank you to Annie Korver and the rest of the Rise Consulting team for providing this throughout information.
Map of Indigenous Lands & Communities
First Peoples Guide for Newcomers
Resources for Non-Indigenous People