A circular economy is also good for the bottom line

“In our current economy, we often take materials from the Earth, make products from them, and eventually throw them away as waste – the process is linear. In a circular economy, by contrast, we stop waste being produced in the first place,” according to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, an international organization whose mission is to accelerate the transition to a circular economy.

Haven’t heard of a circular economy? This video by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation provides a quick introduction.

The World Economic Forum refers to the circular economy as the "business opportunity of our time. It strengthens local economies in a socially-inclusive way, creating far more jobs than taking the traditional linear approach to waste." A circular economy is good for business, people and the environment.

East Port Properties is the developer and operator behind 351 Water Street in St. John's, the first LEED® Gold certified building in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Using seawater from St. John’s Harbour as an energy source for both heating and cooling, together with the use of automated technologies and good management practices, has resulted in a 35% reduction in energy use, as evidenced by the actual operating costs of the building.

The building’s HVAC systems recover energy from waste heat sources whenever possible, including from the building’s general exhaust and tenant server rooms.

During construction, a waste reduction program was implemented to reduce waste and increase diversion of materials. Post construction, the facility features a meaningful and measurable workplace waste diversion program including a building composting program.

351 Water Street is located next to public transit lines, includes bike racks and storage, shower facilities and reserved parking for carpooling. The parking garage also has two Electric Vehicle charging stations on each level.

According to Kim Saunders, property manager at East Port, "high-performance sustainable buildings help reduce operating cost, while providing healthy workspaces. They also increase the ability to attract and retain high-quality tenants which is good for the bottom line."

Here are some additional examples of local companies that are helping to contribute to the circular economy:

• In 2020, Crombie REIT completed an $111 million redevelopment of the Avalon Mall that included the introduction of a number of energy efficiency measures to reduce overall consumption, such as lighting and mechanical upgrades, and the implementation of a composting and recycling program. The completed project received BOMA BEST Gold certification.

• Furniture ReUse at Robin Hood Bay - The City of St. John’s, in partnership with Home Again Furniture Bank and Habitat for Humanity ReStore, divert gently-used furniture and household items to individuals and families in need.

• Stores like Model Citizens and Found Consignment and fashion designers like Ragmag and Charlottestreet operate under a motto of “Reuse, Refashion, Rethink,” offering vintage and designer resale apparel.

• The Battery Café engaged an outside expert to conduct a trash audit, which led to the implementation of several sustainable practices improvements.

Learn more about the circular economy here and let us know if you’re aware of any other circular economy businesses in St. John’s. Reach us at advantage@stjohns.ca

Memorial University, ICC Canada to benefit from $91.6 million investment

A landmark research investment by the federal government will position Canada and Inuit as world leaders in sustainable Arctic shipping and support the creation of the Qanittaq Clean Arctic Shipping Initiative.

Memorial University and the Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC) Canada are co-leading a global partnership to address and respond to the increase in Arctic shipping, the related environmental impacts affecting Arctic communities and to support Inuit communities’ needs for safe and cost-efficient resupply. Read the full story.

Hollyland and Labrador: Documentary on The Newfoundland and Labrador Film and Television Industry by Tristram Clark, written and hosted by Tara Bradbury, tells the story of the particularly exciting times the Newfoundland and Labrador film industry is experiencing, bringing in about $100 million annually and providing close to 1,000 jobs. Watch the video.

During 9 days of shooting, the production of Disney’s Peter Pan & Wendy spent over $9.7 million locally while filming at stunning locations from Signal Hill to Tickle Cove. Audiences around the world are being introduced to the sweeping landscapes of Newfoundland and Labrador showcased in this new epic story. See the full article.

We love home. The sense of belonging within our communities is highest in Newfoundland and Labrador and well above the national average – 58% versus a 47% average – according to Statistics Canada.

Spectacular, breathtaking, jaw-dropping – we’re all those things, but we’re also something else altogether. Watch the latest video from Destination St. John's that showcases our beautifully unique destination, backed by the incomparable Kellie Loder's lyrics, music and voice.

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