The International Centre - Corporate Social Responsibility

Corporate Social Responsibility

 

Corporate Social Responsibility

Welcome to The International Centre, where we are committed to being a sustainable environment, providing a quality service in a manner which minimizes our impact on the environment. The International Centre recognizes that our business may have social and environmental effects and we are committed to mitigating these implications by adopting best practices through continuous improvement.

  

Supporting the Community

The International Centre actively supports its local community groups and charitable organizations. Each year our staff participates in fundraising endeavors to assist in meeting the needs of these groups.

Some of the organizations we are currently supporting include: New Haven Learning Centre, SickKids Foundation and YMCA's Student Nutrition Program.

Who says giving back can’t be fun? The International Centre participates in Set Sail for Hope, an event raising money for Camp Trillium, which supports children with cancer and their families. Plus, each year, our team provides balanced breakfasts to local students through the YMCA's Student Nutrition Program — because learning can only happen on a full stomach.

We cultivate talent from the ground up with our commitment to industry-academia; investing through scholarships, internships, co-ops, curriculum development and monetary donations. Our partnerships with academic institutions include Humber College, Seneca College, George Brown College and McMaster University. We believe that through educating young professionals at the beginning of their career we can influence the industry by making sustainable business practices the new standard.

The International Centre believes that giving back leads to growing stronger.

Engaging Employees

The International Centre’s STAR (Special ​Thanks And Recognition)  Program rewards outstanding performance to employees, ensuring our employees who “do whatever it takes” to make your events truly exceptional are celebrated for their extra efforts.

We have a CSR Taskforce of over 15 staff volunteers who meet monthly to design and implement the important initiatives mentioned here, our community outreach, employee engagement and environmental stewardship.


Greening Our Environment

The International Centre team continuously seeks to reduce and save energy. From lighting retrofits to equipment upgrades, we’re always looking for better, innovative solutions.

Waste diversion is an important aspect of this. We use china to reduce waste at our Craft Eatery — which also elevates the dining experience. We procure supplies that are 100% compostable and our cooking oil is recycled into fuel to heat barns.

The International Centre has a rooftop herb garden where we grow fresh herbs and a selection of vegetables. Our kitchen aims at sourcing as many local in-season ingredients as possible. Whether it’s a menu for 10 guests, or upwards of 2000, local always tastes better. These many small improvements add up to a big difference.
 

Promoting Responsible Events

The International Centre is proud to host many sustainable and socially conscious events:  Event Builders, High-Performance Solutions, Innovolve Group, Region of Peel, Smart Commute Mississauga, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, Climate Reality Leadership Corps Canada and the Canadian Water Summit.

Anything from award galas and corporate meetings to trade and consumer shows, we’re happy to have you here celebrating sustainability with us.

Planning your own environmentally sustainable event?
We have a lot of ideas to share in our Sustainable Event Guide.


Corporate Social Responsibility & Sustainability Year in Review 2016

The International Centre is proud to share the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability Year in Review for 2016. The infographic shares some of the major milestones and key initiatives that were accomplished from July 2015 to June 2016 by The International Centre.
 


Green Venue Report

The Green Venue Survey and Report showcases how venues around the globe, including The International Centre are embracing sustainability. The adoption of sustainable business practices can lead to increased efficiencies, more engaged staff, more satisfied customers and competitive distinction. This report helps venues, planners and other tourism stakeholders better understand levels of performance, strengths and weaknesses with sustainable development in the meetings, incentives, convention and exhibition industry.
 


Awards and Certifications for Social Consciousness

  • 2018 –  'Legacy Leader Award' from Partners in Project Green for our environmental impact and outstanding leadership over the last decade
  • Level One ASTM Standard pertaining to the Evaluation and Selection of Venues for Environmentally Sustainable Meetings, Events, Trade Shows and Conferences
  • Achievement of 4 Green Keys for accomplishments in environmental management and Corporate Social Responsibility from Green Key Meetings
  • 2014 – ‘Give Back Award’ from CAEM (Canadian Association of Exposition Management) for ongoing commitment and enhancement of the surrounding community
  • 2011 – ‘Leadership in Sustainability for the Hospitality Sector’ from Partners in Project Green. This recognition from our partners celebrates The International Centre’s commitment to the following: cutting edge environmental technologies; integrating sustainability into operational practices; influencing employees and peers to act on behalf of the environment
  • 2011 – ‘Award of Excellence’ from VQA Ontario, the province’s wine authority, for a wine list that’s comprised exclusively of Ontario brands.
  • 2011 – ‘Champion of Education and Training Award’ from the Canadian Association of Foodservice Professionals, for the continuous support of employee education.
     


 

Our Partners in Sustainability

Partners in Project Green - Logo

MPI - Logo

GMIC - Logo

Mill St - Logo

Greening Greater Toronto - Logo

Eco Media - Logo

Recycling Council of Ontario - Logo

ASTM - Logo

Green Key - Logo

Humber College - Logo

Showtech - Logo

Caldas Building Services - Logo

Eco Products - Logo

Constellation Brand - Logo

Sysco - Logo

Pepsico - Logo

Pizza Pizza - Logo

Lavazza - Logo