Retailers are embedding sustainability best practices throughout their operations. Tackling everything from responsible global supply chain sourcing, efficient recycling, elimination of problematic plastics and significant energy consumption reduction, retailers are committed to acting proactively and collaboratively.
Retail Council of Canada works with retailers and sustainability experts to provide information concerning emerging issues and opportunities. Ready to get more involved? Learn how you can actively participate in one of RCC’s advisory committees to shape a more sustainable future for retail.
Key Issues
Sustainability News
Updated Sustainability Standards for Global Reporting Initiative →
The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) has released updated standards for climate change…
Join RCC/Second Harvest Working Group to Explore Voluntary Removal of Best Before Dates from Select Items →
Second Harvest and RCC will be hosting an initial working group meeting this Thursday, July…
Ontario Recycling Reforms: RCC Highlights Path to Stable, Effective Program →
RCC’s VP Sustainability, Michael Zabaneh, spoke with CityNews about Ontario’s proposal to…
Federal Plastic Registry Phase 2 Update →
On Thursday, June 19, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) released a summary of the…
Cool Climate Club (CCC) is a nature based solution that helps retailers take measurable climate action. They provide customizable, turnkey solutions for businesses to build and amplify their sustainability strategy, while engaging younger audiences through bold marketing opportunities.
Our partner in the modernization of the curbside recycling system,
in packaging ecodesign and in optimization initiatives.
Sustainability Resources
Commercial Source Separation and Recycling of Waste →
Stewardship Programs of Canada Database →
Shopping Bag and Single-use Plastic Regulations across Canada →
Grants & Incentives: Energy & Transportation →
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) and Energy Reporting →
Refrigerant Record Keeping and Reporting Requirements →
Committees
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) / Stewardship Committee (Meets every 3 weeks)
The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Stewardship Committee is actively engaged in advocacy efforts surrounding the continually evolving Canadian EPR regulatory environment. The committee helps members navigate program compliance for the various provincial programs, which obligate many products like Packaging and Paper Products (PPP), Household Hazardous Waste (HHW), batteries, electronics, and more. The committee serves as a forum for members to receive updates from the Provincial GR Directors and engage with various stakeholders, including all levels of government, regulators, Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs), and solution providers. This committee meets every 3 weeks. Join this committee
Plastics Committee (Meets every 6 weeks)
The Plastics Committee supports member compliance and advocacy position development for regulatory initiatives like the Federal Plastics Registry (FPR), single-use plastics bans, and the roadmaps to end plastics waste in textiles and electronics. The committee also monitors developments on per – and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Through the Plastic Committee, members have the opportunity to engage directly with government, key stakeholders, and peers, driving sustainable solutions to reduce plastic waste. This committee meets every 6 weeks. Join this committee
ESG & Climate Action Committee (Meets bi-monthly)
The Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) and Climate Action Committee monitors sustainability developments and decarbonization initiatives in Canada as well as globally. This includes ESG reporting frameworks, the transition to electrification, and food waste reduction efforts, The committee supports members by facilitating pre-competitive best practice sharing, monitoring policies and trends, exploring collaborative opportunities, and developing related resources. This committee meets bi-monthly. Join this committee
Facilities Management Community (Meets semi-annually)
The Facilities Management Community is a member-led group to monitor and share regulatory developments, evolving industry challenges and opportunities, and grants/incentives while facilitating pre-competitive best practice sharing and collaboration. This group aims to elevate the profile of facilities management in C-suite and emphasize how facility managers/professionals can support the brand and overarching corporate strategy (e.g., net zero emissions/waste) while being a valuable thought partner. The community will meet semi-annually. Join this committee
Fashion and Furniture Working Group (Meets quarterly)
The fashion and furniture working group is a collaborative forum for fashion and furniture retailers to monitor regulatory developments (particularly in sustainability and responsible sourcing), develop policy, share best practices, streamline data, and direct action in the fashion/textile space. This working group will meet quarterly. Join this committee
For questions or more information contact:
Michael Zabaneh
Vice President, Sustainability
mzabaneh@retailcouncil.org