To celebrate both Earth Day and International Book Day, and In partnership with The Book Purge, our team had the opportunity to browse through hundreds of gently pre-loved books—offered on a pay-what-you-can basis, with all proceeds benefiting Ottawa Stray Cat Rescue. We’re excited to share that together, we raised $1,858! A huge thank you to everyone who donated, browsed and supported this cause.

Staff brough any new or gently used item to the cafe that we felt would make a great gift for someone else. Upgifting/Regifting, like any item swap party, isn’t about discarding, it’s about finding a better home. That item might be underappreciated in your space, but in someone else’s hands, it could become a favourite, getting the love and use it deserves. Thoughtfulness & Care: The key to successful upgifting is thoughtfulness. Choose items that you believe can genuinely bring happiness to another. Eco-Friendly Choice: Upgifting supports sustainability by reducing waste and supporting the circular economy. Instead of letting a perfectly good item gather dust, pass it on to someone who will appreciate it! Pay it Forward: If an item doesn't find it's new home at the swap, it was taken back by the gifter or it was donated to Highjinx Ottawa.

Reporting on our sustainability performance progress is a core tenet of CIRA’s environmental sustainability strategy. In collaboration with Ostrom Climate Solutions, we’re proud to share the release of our Fiscal year 24 GHG Inventory Report. And even better? With the purchase of carbon credits from Quinte Conservation, we’re doing it as a fully carbon neutral organization. Other highlights from this year’s report include: Reduced CIRA’s scope one and two emissions by 46.89% in comparison to our baseline Carbon emission intensities (the emissions attributed to different facets of our business) 7.7 tCO 2e / employees 294.8g CO 2e / registry domains under management (DUMs) 43.8 tCO 2e / data centres (DC)

As part of Forêt Capitale Forests efforts to plant 1,400 trees in the Mer Bleue sector, CIRA staff participated in volunteer planting.

Anew Carbon Development, LLC retired 1,007 Credits on behalf of CIRA. 1,007 tC02e was CIRA's FY24 footprint, rounded to the next whole number. The Credits were issued by the ACR following a rigorous project registration process used to ensure the originating offset project contributes to real and additional emission reductions.

During FY24, Over 20% of CIRA staff used active transit to commute (biking, walking, etc.) and our Let's Bike Month team logged over 1,200 KMs! The CIRA Green Team wants to make active commuting an easy option. In addition to secure underground bike parking, we now have an air pump and repair kit available in the office year-round.

CIRA participated in Lets Bike Month (Letsbike.ca) logging 1,206.8 KM and averting 154 KG GHG

CIRA launched a Sustainable Procurement Guide for all staff. It\\\'s a trusted resource for making environmentally-conscious choices that make a positive impact. We also created a quick guide to get started making a difference with every purchase.

CIRA begins work with Canada-based carbon solutions management provider, Ostrom Climate, to bring our Environmental Sustainability Strategy to the next level

The CIRA Green Team collected employee personal electronic waste for safe recycling through recyclemyelectronics.ca

CIRA begins workshops, project selection support, and purchase cycle consulting​ with Canada-based Kaskada Carbon. This collaboration developed an Offset Strategy including requirements and due diligence consistent with verified standards.​

CIRA offers staff a Volunteer Day each fiscal. This year, the Green Team collaborated with foretcapitaleforest.ca and volunteered at their National Tree Day community planting event.

CIRA participated in Lets Bike Month (Letsbike.ca) logging 1,918 KM and averting 489 KG GHG

The CIRA Green Team donated $200 and 3 large boxes of clothing to Dress For Success Ottawa National Capital Region. We also donate clothing to the University of Ottawa Free Store. It\\\'s a great way help out community members while diverting from landfills.

CIRA created a chat space for employees to arrange carpooling for office commuting, business travel, and more.

CIRA hosted a lunch & learn workshop from https://evexperience.ca/ . An education program to answer questions about electric cars, rebates, charging, winter driving, and anything else our participants want to know about driving an electric vehicle, including test drives.

CIRA participated in Lets Bike Month (Letsbike.ca) logging 1,228 KM and averting 313.32 KG GHG

The pandemic has taught everyone the importance of connection and flexibility and CIRA wants to empower employees to incorporate these tenets into their daily work lives. Employees work from the CIRA office for a minimum of seven “IRL days” per month to enable collaboration, creativity and CIRA-wide team building.

Became a member of Ottawa Green Business Online https://www.envirocentre.ca/green-your-business/your-green-business-program/ for 1 year

CIRA hosted a Hybrid Workshop delivered by an experienced commuter cyclist providing staff with tips and advice on general bike operation and common traffic scenarios. Provided by www.envirocentre.ca/.

Our Green Team organized a sale to re-use outdated branded swag with $1230 CAD in proceeds donated Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS).

The CIRA head office offers an underground electric vehicle charging station.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design or LEED® is an international symbol of sustainability excellence and green building leadership. LEED’s proven and holistic approach helps virtually all building types lower carbon emissions, conserve resources, and reduce operating costs by prioritizing sustainable practices.