January 30, 2019

OLG cares about sustainability. Since 2010, the organization has reduced its CO2 emissions by more than 20,000 tonnes and saved 57,000 trees though paper reduction efforts. But smart leaders recognized that to create a true culture of conservation, they needed to engage employees at every level.

In 2016, OLG launched a Green Leadership Certificate — developed in partnership with WWF-Canada — to empower its staff to get involved in workplace sustainability initiatives and lead positive change.

To earn a certificate, employees complete five educational modules covering topics such as waste, water and energy, with a short quiz after each one, and then apply what they’ve learned by participating in two environmental events.

Today, it’s the most popular voluntary training program across OLG. And with each new participant who signs on, OLG is building a critical mass of employees with the knowledge, skills and motivation to drive eco-initiatives and enhance the organization’s reputation as an environmental leader.

So what makes the Green Leadership Certificate so effective?

1. Relevance. More and more people today, especially millennials, want a job that aligns with their values.
2. Accessibility. The program is divided into bite-sized chunks — five modules, two events — and employees can do it at their own pace.
3. Tangible rewards. Employees who complete the program come away with a framed certificate, recognition from senior leaders at an award ceremony and an accomplishment they can add to their resumé.
4. Clear metrics. It’s easy to track and report participation — great for CSR reporting!
5. Senior leadership buy-in. Executive-level support sends the message that OLG is committed to sustainability and values staff involvement in green initiatives.
6. Dedicated resources. OLG assigned an employee to coordinate the entire certificate program, from developing the modules to planning the semi-annual award ceremony.
7. A credible partner. The connection to WWF helps participants feel that they are making a real difference for species and wildlife.
8. Low costs. Instead of creating the program from scratch, OLG adapted resources from WWF’s Living Planet @ Work program and piggybacked on 
9. WWF events. Meanwhile, the online format kept down delivery costs.
10. Customized design. The program was tailored to fit OLG’s corporate culture.
11. Scalability. Online delivery made it possible to reach hundreds of employees at dozens of different sites.

Get the case study here.

To learn more about partnering with WWF-Canada to engage employees with an effective workplace sustainability program, contact[email protected].