Ebbwater Consulting’s collaborative, inclusive, community-based approach to flood management is mirrored in the company's business practices. Ebbwater strives to be a good corporate citizen and community member, and has made specific and measurable commitments to the global, local and professional communities.
We have a mea culpa - we continue to be good citizens...but are more than a little behind on our accountability reporting! We'll get on it as soon as we can.
Global Community
Ebbwater is deeply invested in climate change – especially in climate adaptation, which is the basis of much of our project work. We are also keenly aware of mitigation, and the need to limit our corporate impact on the climate and the natural environment in general. Ebbwater recognises that travel is usually the biggest source of greenhouse gases . In answer to this, we have made a specific and measurable commitment to minimise GHG contributions from work travel.
We also recognise the positive impact an aware corporate citizen can have on the global community by promoting engineering design and planning practices that are environmentally, socially and economically responsible. This type of practice is reflected in Ebbwater’s integrated flood management approach.
Commitment to Global Community
- Ebbwater will complete 75% of local business trips (<15km one way) by foot, bike or transit and report on this commitment at www.ebbwater.ca
Trips by Mode
Last updated May 23rd, 2016
Local Community
Ebbwater Consulting is a small, environmentally and socially-aware business rooted in the diverse and connected neighbourhood of Crosstown, Vancouver. Ebbwater is committed to its immediate local community and the broader community of the City of Vancouver and other lower mainland municipalities. This commitment involves sourcing products (office supplies, printed materials) and services (banking, graphic design) from the immediate community wherever possible, thereby supporting the vibrant professionals that live in the neighbourhood.
Commitment to Local Community
- Ebbwater will strive to source products and services as close to home as possible and report on this commitment at www.ebbwater.ca
Source of Goods and Services by Cost
Last Updated May 23rd, 2016
Professional Community
Flood management is more than engineering and design – it is about learning and and creating networks that will foster good policy and planning decisions in future. This does not happen on its own. Ebbwater is a firm believer in investing in the professional community in order to form and strengthen these knowledge centres and professional networks. The company does this by investing time and resources in non-profit and academic communities. For example, staff members have recently committed company time to the Canadian Water Resources Association (as BC Branch president, as Student and Young Professionals chair and as co-chair of the bi-annual conference and, to the Northwest Floodplain Management Association (as BC representative). Other volunteer commitments include the BC Real Estate Association’s Flood Mapping Technical Working Group, Simon Fraser University’s Adaptation to Climate Change Team Professional Advisory Committee and the National Flood Mapping Technical Working Group. Furthermore, Ebbwater has provided and continues to provide in-kind support to students from Universities and Colleges from across the country.
Commitment to Professional Community
- Ebbwater will continue to be actively involved in professional organisations and support student research. Ebbwater commits to spend 5% of company time on these endeavours. In 2015, the first year that this information was recorded accurately – 13% of company time was spent on pro bono projects, research, volunteer work and as student advisors.