Sustainability in Action

In 2005, Mills Basics Office Supplies and Printing, a family-owned business operating in Vancouver’s inner city for more than 50 years, won an open competition to provide VANOC with office supplies. Although it met typical price, service and quality criteria, Mills’ competitive advantage was its leadership in social and environmental performance.

“We were impressed that a small, family-owned business set the bar high with strong sustainability attributes,” said Jim Bornholdt, then VANOC's procurement director. “For example, Mills Basics actively supports inner-city residents by hiring through Vancouver’s Social Purchasing Portal. In the past two years, Mills hired 14 full-time employees in this manner — accounting for nearly 20 per cent of its workforce.”

The company has two full-time employees who dedicate one-half of their work time to corporate social responsibility initiatives. In addition to implementing the company’s sustainable packaging program, these employees coordinate their use of recycled products in business operations and energy-savings initiatives. They also manage Mills' environmental certifications and community involvement.