Sustainability is inherent to our business. Our Vision as a renewable energy company is to provide an alternative to fossil fuels and nuclear production, to cultivate and promote sustainable energy with zero emissions now and for future generations.
As public awareness grows, people are discovering that geothermal energy is a viable, clean, reliable, and renewable energy source. The earth by volume is 99% super hot containing an overwhelming abundance of energy, and with current technology we can extract this heat from naturally occurring reservoirs below the earth’s surface and convert it to usable electricity. Geothermal energy is nearly inexhaustible producing electricity at a stable rate, 24 hours a day. Other renewable energy technologies such as wind and solar power compliment but do not surpass the stability and capacity of geothermal energy. We believe the consistent, clean, and long-term characteristics of this power generation technique can make geothermal energy a cornerstone of sustainable energy production.
In my role as President and CEO of SGP, and as the Vice Chair of CanGEA (the Canadian Geothermal Energy Association), I am actively involved in increasing awareness of geothermal energy through presentations and attendance at numerous industry conferences and tradeshows across North America. I am also a member of professional geosciences organizations in British Columbia and Alberta and am fully committed to the development of sustainable geothermal energy.
At SGP we not only develop sustainable energy projects, we aim to conduct our corporate and operational activities in a sustainable manner. We recognize that our economic, social, and environmental systems are interdependent and we operate our company to benefit these systems.
Empirical evidence suggests that balancing a company’s environmental and social values can be achieved while enhancing shareholder value. Economic success, as measured by increasing shareholder value, is no less a priority than respecting the environment and communities in the realization of our goals.
Our objective is to be a leader in corporate sustainability, and to set an example for other companies our size. At SGP we have made it our responsibility to be an exemplary corporate citizen and are dedicated to upholding the sustainability principles of our company. Our policy reflects our commitment to our corporate values and our Vision.“
Gary R. Thompson
President and Chief Executive Officer
“Humanity has the ability to make development sustainable - to ensure that it meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.“
Bruntland, G (ed) (1987). Our Common Future: The World Commission on Environment and Development, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Ensure that we comply with government laws and regulations applicable to the areas in which we operate.
- Implement, and where possible improve, industry best practices.
- Uphold our Code of Conduct that includes honesty, integrity, and accountability to our stakeholders.
- Ensure the health and safety of our employees and provide preventative measures to safeguard their well-being.
- Conduct a thorough environmental assessment prior to the implementation of new projects.
- Promote, facilitate, and sustain a company culture where employees are encouraged to perform their daily activities in an environmentally responsible manner.
- Make certain we are transparent in all our activities.
- Providing a very competitive benefits package that invests in our employees for the long term.
- Encouraging our staff to volunteer their time in our community with Paid Volunteer Days
- Supporting our employees in their professional development.
- Providing health benefits for our employees long term health and well-being.
- Purchasing FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified paper products, recycling and reusing paper waste, and purchasing products with minimal packaging.
- Sourcing goods and services locally whenever possible.
- Recycling our ink cartridges and out of use electronic equipment (Free Geek).
- Operating in an office building which has bicycle access and parking, and manages a recycling program.
- Commuting to work by using public transport, cycling, walking, or car pooling or working from home.
- Improvement of our standards and reporting by producing annual Sustainability Reports based on the Global Reporting Initiative guidelines.
- Certification as a carbon Positive (carbon credit) company.
- Providing fair paying jobs and investing in the local communities where we develop projects and build facilities.
- Development of a comprehensive Health & Safety policy for our operations.
- Continually striving to improve the economic, social, and environmental well-being of our employees, shareholders, and other stakeholders.