Veridian named one of Canada's Greenest Employers

AJAX, ON, April 22 /CNW/ - Veridian Corporation has been named one of Canada's Greenest Employers for 2010. The award is part of an annual competition, organized by the editors of Canada's Top 100 Employers project, recognizing employers that blend environmental values into their corporate culture and demonstrate initiative in this area.

"This award once again confirms Veridian's status as a leader in sustainable development and, more specifically, environmental friendliness," said Michael Angemeer, Veridian's President and CEO. "I am very proud that Veridian and its employees continue to be recognized for our commitment to reducing our environmental footprint and having environmentally responsible business practices."

Now in its fourth year, this special designation recognizes employers that lead the nation in making environmental values part of their organizational culture. Winners of this competition have developed earth-friendly initiatives and are attracting employees to their organization because of their environmental leadership.

The editors of the competition cited the following as some of the reasons why Veridian was selected as one of Canada's Greenest Employers for 2010:

    
    -   Provides interest-free loans for its employees towards the purchase
        of energy-efficient appliances for their homes.
    -   Offers a similar program for the purchase of hybrid vehicles -
        employees can apply for an interest free loan (up to $5,000) to be
        used towards the purchase of a new hybrid.
    -   Has made environmental stewardship a major part of its community
        involvement focus - providing volunteering employees with access to
        funds, company resources, facilities and equipment as well as time
        away during working hours, to an annual maximum of $5,000.
    -   Many employees take up the `Smart Commute' challenge and use
        alternative people-powered transit while the company further
        encourages employees to reduce their carbon footprints with transit
        subsidies, offering a 25 per cent reimbursement cheque every six
        months.
    -   Its strong support of educational initiatives, ranging from a unique
        energy conservation program designed for grade five students across
        the region (that is now being exported to other parts of the
        province) to research support for electric vehicle development at the
        University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT).
    

According to Fred Damiani, Veridian's Manager of Human Resources, education is key to the promotion of a `green' corporate culture. "We regularly conduct lunch and learn sessions where our employees can gain valuable information on ways they can reduce their energy consumption at work and at home," said Damiani. "Additionally, Veridian's Energy Efficiency and Environmental Committee plays a critical role in communicating to employees, as well as the public, ways in which they can practice wise energy use and show proper regard to the environment."

Veridian has introduced a number of internal and external programs to reduce its own energy consumption and environmental footprint. These programs range from extensive recycling programs to incentives for employees to use public transit. Veridian has also implemented fleet programs to reduce idling and purchased hybrid vehicles.

A further demonstration of Veridian's commitment to environmental stewardship is the addition of 26,000 square feet to its head office, located in Ajax. With construction set to commence in May 2010, the new building will be LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified - a pointsdriven evaluation system that gives credits based on environmentally friendly strategies used in building construction.

Winners of Canada's Greenest Employers include both public and private sector organizations from almost every industry and region of Canada. The common thread running through their selection is that each is a leader in its field in making environmental values central to their corporate cultures. Visit Canada's Greenest Employers online at http://www.canadastop100.com/environmental/.

Veridian Corporation, the seventh largest municipal electricity company in Ontario, owns and operates two subsidiary companies that distribute electricity and provide energy services to more than 111,000 customers located in nine municipalities in east central Ontario. Together, our employees focus on providing reliable, efficient, sustainable energy solutions and services, and equally share the job of making employee and public health and safety our number one priority. We are an important fixture in the communities we serve. In addition to providing reasonable electricity rates, we promote economic growth, community building and sustainable living. Veridian Corporation is committed to providing value and healthy financial returns to our shareholders - the City of Pickering, the Town of Ajax, the Municipality of Clarington and the City of Belleville. For more information, visit www.veridian.on.ca.

For further information: Chris Mace, Sales & PR Representative - Corporate Communications, Veridian Connections Inc., [phone], extension 2218