Cadillac Fairview launches Ontario’s first Low-Waste Sorting Station. (Courtesy Cadillac Fairview, Cision)

Cadillac Fairview (CF) has launched a waste recycling station at its CF Lime Ridge shopping centre in Hamilton. The station is the first of its kind to be offered at a CF shopping centre in Ontario.

CF developed the receptacle — designed to reduce food waste — in collaboration with Gorrie Marketing and Unwasted.

Gorrie Marketing has been creating displays, stores, events and experiences for more than 135 years. The company has worked with numerous brands including LG and Microsoft.

Unwasted is contributing to the New Plastic Economy — the circular economy solution to plastic pollution — by incorporating the material into its sustainability products to prevent plastics from ending up in landfills and oceans.

CF’s sorting station reduces food waste

Both companies helped develop and design materials for the station, which is located on the lower level of the Dining Hall at CF Lime Ridge.

“As an established community hub, we’re thrilled CF Lime Ridge is engaging in a forward-thinking recycling initiative that actively educates patrons and inspires action that supports the New Plastics Economy,” said Ashley Gorrie, the CEO of Gorrie.

“The new CF Lime Ridge sorting station is a great example of how we can creatively draw single-use plastic away from landfills and oceans and bring them into the manufacturing space to create bold, functionally designed products.”

The recycling station consists of 50 per cent recycled materials — including recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastics. It will require trained staff to operate, separating materials as consumers return their trays.

CF’s diversion and recovery program received the 2021 RCBC Environmental Award for Innovation, which was presented by the Recycling Council of British Columbia. The system is in use at six CF retail and office properties in Western Canada.

CF Lime Ridge is the first Ontario property to implement this type of technology, with eight more Ontario properties soon to join the program.

CF has been developing ways to manage food waste in its shopping centres and food courts since 2012. The company has committed to developing one of the most comprehensive sustainability programs in the industry.

Food sorting since 2014

Its first food waste sorting station and food digester was installed in 2014 at CF Richmond Centre in British Columbia. The company went on to pilot a food waste management system in 2015 —  powered by on-site food waste composting technology — at its Pacific Centre in Vancouver.

Since then, CF says it has diverted 45,000 tonnes — 80 per cent — of its waste materials from landfills.

“At CF Lime Ridge, we are committed to responsibility, and are passionate about reducing our environmental footprint,” said Andy Traynor, general manager, CF Lime Ridge. “We all have a collective responsibility to hold ourselves accountable for our decisions.

“By investing in this type of technology, we are empowering guests to help reduce one of the most challenging waste streams — food waste — and make a positive impact for future generations. ”

The sorting stations are part of CF’s efforts to encourage responsible operations and reduce its environmental impact. The waste-reducing receptacles were put in place ahead of Ontario’s ban on all organic waste from landfills by 2022 and Canada’s Zero Plastic Waste ban.

CF’s Green at Work sustainability program

CF releases an annual responsibility report highlighting activities at its managed Canadian properties as part of Green at Work, the company’s national sustainability program for building operations.

Launched in 2008, the Green at Work focuses on five pillars to reduce the company’s environmental impact and enhance asset values; energy, waste management, environmental protection (land, air and water), sustainable procurement, and stakeholder collaboration.

Under the program, CF has:

– reduced energy use by an average of 5.5 per cent per year — and its emissions by 42 per cent over the past 13 years.

– deployed 343 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations;

– reduced water usage by 54 per cent;

– organized and hosted fundraisers, including clothing and electronic waste drives; and

– developed pollinator gardens to support local wildlife.

In 2021, CF Lime Ridge received the 2021 BOMA Earth Award for Retail. It was also recognized with the 2021 race2reduce CREST Innovative Excellence Award and BOMA BEST Platinum certification – the highest level achievable.

CF’s Toronto Dominion Centre recently received the WELL Health-Safety Rating for all six of its towers.

CF was one of 10 Canadian companies recognized as a Sector Leader in the Diversified – Office/Retail category by the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB). The GRESBs recognize real estate portfolios and funds exemplifying environmental, social and governance.

CF is a global owner, operator, investor and developer of real estate across retail, office, residential, industrial and mixed-use asset classes.