The Culture of Being Green

Vancouver, BC - February 23, 2012

Wearing bright green T-shirts that read "I'm greener than this shirt," the aptly named Green Team at Norco cheers on three staff members pedaling furiously on bicycles. With big smiles and onlookers lobing shouts of encouragement, the three riders help introduce Norco's newest green initiative by seeing who can pedal the furthest in one minute.

This is all a part of a staff meeting, and the crowd loves it. The fun and games set the stage for the launch of the new "Green Fleet," a collection of bicycles for staff to use when running errands, going to lunch or just exercising. This is just one of the many initiatives that the Team has headed over the past couple of years, but as Kermit once said, "It ain't easy being green."

 

When you think of a bicycle company you would naturally expect them to be green, since the two tend to go hand in hand. But just being seen as green isn't good enough for the Vancouver-based cycling distributor and manufacturer; their culture wouldn't let them rest on their laurels. A group of committed advocates decided to make being green part of their raison d'être. They have made big strides over the past three years to achieve their goals, but being green is a constant effort.

 

One place many companies struggle with is encouraging a green culture. It certainly helps when staff members take on the cause for themselves. Games, like the race at the staff meeting, have helped build a very positive frame around green efforts, growing a culture of green around the Norco office. The infectiously enthusiastic Green Team has made green advocates out of all of the staff.

 

In a few months these same three riders will be participating in the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer, another company-supported initiative. This year the company has fielded a team of 14 riders, including the president of the company, with the goal of collectively raising $50,000. Norco will also provide tech support at all four rides across Canada, in BC, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec. It is all a part of giving back to the community; it is a part of their culture.

 

After the one-minute race, the three riders climb off the bicycles, laughing and doling out high fives. Then it's just another day at the office.