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2010 corporate apparel goes for gold
About 5 years ago Mark Trotzuk, CEO and owner of Boardroom ECO Apparel had no idea if his product was damaging the planet or not. After a heads up from a competitor Mark learned that clothing production has a huge environmental impact attached to it, even if it was manufactured right here in Strathcona. He decided it was his responsibility to ask the right questions of his suppliers and follow the process from start to finish. Boardroom now uses independent, third-party auditing agencies to certify its supply-chain is accountable.
Today Mark is an industry leader in performance and private label apparel, recently signing on as a designer for 2010 corporate apparel through HBC. Boardroom has taken steps to produce a line of active wear with the highest environmental standards possible and the lowest environmental impact available in North America. Mark says he is inspired by his daughter, ”we have to tread lightly or we won’t have anything left for my daughter’s generation.” Mark is committed to the environment and wants others to understand as well - he recently completed The Climate Project training led by Nobel Laureate Al Gore. Boardroom sells it’s apparel primarily to the promotional products industry but the fashion forward Rio Rain line can be found in stores at locations in West Vancouver, Richmond, and Kelowna.
Check out Boardroom online: http://boardroomecoapparel.com/
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Au Petit Chavignol - 843 & 845 East Hastings
Wine, cheese and charcuterie bar Au Petit Chavignol, and cheese shop Les Amis du Fromage have opened on the 800 block of East Hastings.
Already a well known name in Kits and Park Royal, Les Amis has a dedicated following among foodies and cheese lovers alike. The owners saw the need for a larger space to host events such as the frequently sold out Les Amis wine and cheese tasting. Joe Chaput, operations manager, added that they were drawn to the low rents, historic buildings and sense of community that Strathcona has to offer.
After a full renovation of the 1920’s era heritage building, once used by the Royal Canadian Naval Reserves, the space brings new life to the block and already has established itself as a local crowd pleaser in a few short weeks.
Green elements such as a roof garden and heat recirculation from compressors are ideas in the mix for the future; right now both venues make great use of the natural light from floor to ceiling windows and skylights. The kitchen vents were locally sourced and installed by fellow SBIA member -Quest Metal Works.
Check it for yourself at 843 & 845 East Hastings www.aupetitchavignol.com & www.buycheese.com
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Out to Lunch Catering - 1175 Union Street
A Strathcona catering company serves up a green kitchen
Since 1985, Out to Lunch Cuisine has served up fresh gourmet food for Vancouver’s catering needs. OTL has been rapidly expanding over the past 24 years and now has a dedicated staff of over 80 and a green mandate. Three years ago the catering company moved from their Main Street location to a larger facility at 1175 Union Street. With a fresh start in Strathcona, General Manager Laurent Glasroth saw the opportunity to make some major changes in how OTL operated.
Changes to the building have included upgrades to the AC unit as well as the plumbing, electrical and lighting systems. BC Hydro was enlisted to retrofit faucets and spray jets with low-flow equipment. Locally sourced green cleaning products have replaced ones with harsh chemicals. Ongoing programs include sorting organic waste for composting offsite and facility wide recycling. Indoor bike parking helps encourage employees to cycle to work.
The company has received great feedback from clients on the green steps being taken, some even cite it as the reason for repeat business. “It not only makes us feel good but rewards the client as well” explains Glasroth. Since taking over as the GM and stepping away from the role of chef, he has found that taking on sustainability projects has been a rewarding experience as it is hands on, like cooking. “You can see the progress and feel you’ve made an impact. It’s quite rewarding.”
Book your next event at www.otlcatering.com.
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Bruce Carscadden Architect - 715 East Hastings St
Keeping green on a budget
What a difference a year can make. Once an abandoned karaoke bar in a state of major disrepair, 715 East Hastings has been home to Bruce Carscadden Architect for just over a year now, and renovations intended to bring this little building back to life continue.
A coat of paint and a clean window did wonders to improve the exterior image of the building, and people in the neighbourhood have noticed – walk-ins are not uncommon (but always friendly)! Renovations inside haven’t been much more complicated since Bruce stripped the interior to its bones last winter, but the entire building did require all new heating, lighting and water access before computers could be plugged in and work could begin.
BCA’s investment in 715 East Hastings continues, and will continue for many years, as Bruce and the team’s commitment to creating a healthy, sustainable work environment manifests. The process has so far consisted of little things, like using low-VOC paint and tearing up asphalt in the back to plant grass and trees, but visions of solar panels, sophisticated rainwater collection and a bright and open basement library will eventually become reality.
The firm’s focus is on finding practical sustainable solutions that fit their budget, so 715 East Hastings might not be the greenest building Vancouver – or even Strathcona – but BCA is hoping that it might be the greenest on the block.
Learn more at carscadden.ca
