by Wanda Spooner

Traditionally labeled a role for large oil and gas operators, support for environmental initiatives is moving albeit slowly onto the agendas of individual and small business philanthropists.  As global citizens we are increasingly aware that the health of our environment affects us all and environmental stewardship is everyone’s responsibility. We’re proud to recognize a few leaders from a lesser-known sector who, early on, recognized that they are important players in the overall effort to create positive environmental change and safeguard healthy communities for the future.

They may be a small operator in the slashing industry but Active Environmental Services Ltd. has big, progressive ideas about lowering environmental impacts within the seismic industry. Peter and Beth Adams, owners of Active Environmental Services Ltd., have built their business on conservation-minded principles that they actively encourage their industry peers to follow. Active Environmental took home the Emerald Award for the Small Business category at the June 9th event. Well deserving of this award, the Adams’ consistent financial support of Alberta Ecotrust and progressive yet sustainable business practices have benefited the Alberta community. Since 1983 Active Environmental Services has practiced low-impact seismic line construction. Working primarily with oil and gas clients willing to utilize low-impact methods, Active reduces damage to the environment by decreasing standard 8 meter bulldozed linear lines to 2.5 meter non-linear lines and whenever possible undistinguishable lines by using chain saws to clear accessible paths. Their efforts extend further to the use of vegetable oils for the saws, and drip pads and special siphons to avoid gasoline entering the environment. The Adams also include education of crews as part of their business practices and actively share their knowledge and promote sustainable practices to various environmental groups and members of a number of industry associations.

Newalta Corporation came on board as a Sustaining Partner of Alberta Ecotrust in 1998 and has been actively involved in the funding decisions and strategic directions of our organization. In 2004, Newalta increased their support for Alberta Ecotrust to the Visionary Level.  Gary Webster, director of Environment and Technology, also joined the Ecotrust board as chair of the partner development committee to play his part in broadening our base of support, and increasing our effectiveness to support environmental initiatives in the community. Newalta’s new service platform “Better Ways To Manage Waste” is key to their success. Newalta provides innovative solutions to recover and recycle valuable products from a broad range of industrial wastes. 

Our newest friend from the environmental services sector is Komex International Ltd. who began investing in Ecotrust’s work back in 1999.  A full-service environmental consulting and engineering company headquartered in Calgary since 1977, Komex prides itself on its depth of professional expertise heightened by its well-educated employees who are committed to providing leading-edge technology and innovative solutions to their client’s environmental challenges.

We thank all of our small business leaders for the work they do in our community through the provision of environmental services in their day-to-day operations and for their forward-thinking approach to advancing environmental stewardship in Alberta.