BC Assessment's Climate Action

BC Assessment is part of the Provincial Government’s team taking action on climate change

We believe that it is our responsibility as a business leader and as a large employer to be a role model by setting realistic, achievable environmental standards for best practices.

We plan to lead the way for staff, customers and similar agencies, to come to a new understanding of how to conduct business while meeting our environmental targets.

Here are some specific steps we are taking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions:

Infrastructure

We consider many factors that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions in our infrastructure.
When acquiring new office space, we have identified new standards for greenhouse emissions and we have identified areas where our current properties can be improved. This includes improved standards for windows, heating systems, insulation and landscaping, to name a few.

Automating certain functions, such as temperature setbacks at night, motion-activated light sensors and taps, will reduce our carbon footprint.

Hybrid vehicles will replace our fleet of conventionally-powered vehicles.

Technology

Where is the paperless office that technology promised? At BC Assessment, we encourage our staff and customers to think twice before printing documents.

We produce fewer copies of printed material, and in many cases, we print only sufficient copies to meet any regulatory requirements. Otherwise, we direct customers and staff to electronic copies on the Internet.

Our experts are examining methods of capturing relevant data, other than from onsite field inspections, to reduce vehicle emissions. Alternatives include self-reporting, pictometry and satellite imagery.

We understand the tremendous opportunities for greenhouse gas reduction that exist in technologies such as conference calls, net meetings and webinars (web-based seminars for training and informing staff) to reduce travel.

People

The responsibility for reducing greenhouse gas emissions lies with each and every one of us.

However, as a responsible employer, BC Assessment supports staff in meeting their personal environmental goals by promoting alternate forms of transportation.

• We provide bicycle parking and showers for staff.
• We encourage carpooling and mass transit, both for commuting and for meetings.

Let’s work together to protect our environment.

Updated 04/2009

Disclaimer: Where information presented is different from legislation, legislation shall prevail.