My Planet Loyalty Program and Largest Solar Panel Array in Canada Garner National Attention
TORONTO (April 21, 2010) – LoyaltyOne, creator of the My Planet premier green loyalty program and owner of the largest rooftop solar panel installation in Canada, has been sought to share its firsthand expertise on corporate sustainability at five national green events.
Operator of AIR MILES Reward Program, Canada’s leading coalition loyalty program, LoyaltyOne will share its insight on a range of sustainability efforts, from positively influencing consumer behavior to tips on cost containment. The My Planet initiative, launched in April 2009, helps AIR MILES Collectors make more environmentally sustainable choices in their everyday lives, and rewards them for doing so. In December 2009, LoyaltyOne unveiled a state-of-the-art call centre in Ontario with an extensive solar array of 800 photovoltaic solar panels that generate 165 kilowatts of power – the largest solar array in Canada. In addition, LoyaltyOne has implemented a robust internal sustainability program with a variety of initiatives aimed at reducing the company’s carbon footprint.
Through these efforts, LoyaltyOne in the past year created two office spaces built toward Silver and Gold LEED certification – more than 40 per cent of its associates are now working in these facilities. Other examples of its sustainability efforts include the use of glassware, which saved 300,000 disposable cups, and a 50 per cent reduction of CO2 as associates purchased 3,450 subsidized transit passes.
“At LoyaltyOne, environmental responsibility is part of how we do business that is driven by our entire organization at every level,” said Bryan Pearson, President of LoyaltyOne. “Sustainability is engrained in our culture and we are leading by example by measuring, evaluating and reducing the environmental impact of all facets of our business. LoyaltyOne embraces sustainability as our corporate responsibility.”
The events, all of which are open to the public, are scheduled from April to June 2010:
• The Green Living Show: “Swiping for Sustainability – Inspiring Social Change for a Better Brand and Planet,” with Bryan Pearson, President LoyaltyOne realizes that inspiring consumer behavior socially, rather than simply influencing purchases, encourages systemic changes that help the earth. Here, at Toronto’s largest green consumer show, Bryan will detail the eco-friendly mechanics of the My Planet program and its opportunities to energize change.
April 23-25 at the Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place, Toronto
http://www.greenlivingonline.com/torontoshow/index.html
• CSR and Social Media 2010: “Case Study: Using Social Media to Foster a Culture of Conservation,” with Debbie Baxter, Chief Sustainability Officer This show focuses on how to best use social media to enhance the value of socially responsible initiatives. Debbie will describe how LoyaltyOne is partnering with the World Wildlife Fund-Canada Living Planet@Work program and using social media to enhance its sustainability and implement greater conservation practices companywide. May 13 at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, Toronto http://www.conferenceboard.ca/conf/10-0114/default.aspx
• CUTA Annual Conference, 2010: “Revolutionizing Service,” with Andrew Souvaliotis, Chief Impact Officer The theme for the Canadian Urban Transit Association’s Annual Conference is “Vision 2040.” Andrew will share a discussion on how non-cash incentives improve the effectiveness of programs designed to increase transit use, and how LoyaltyOne is partnering with government agencies, power utilities and transit authorities to leverage the reach of AIR MILES.
May 15-19, at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier Hotel, Ottawa
http://www.cutaactu.ca/en/cuta_conferences_trans_expo
• CMA 2010 National Convention and Trade Show: “Marketing Smart is Energy Smart – The Impact of Environmental Actions on Corporate Social Responsibility Programs,” with Andrew Souvaliotis This year at the Canadian Marketing Association’s show, Andrew will co-present using case studies to explain how LoyaltyOne aligns its brand with the fight against climate change in a very cost-effective and pragmatic way. LoyaltyOne’s efforts, in fact, have delivered substantial environmental improvements while improving profits.
May 26-27, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto
http://www.the-cma.org/convention/
• CaGBC National Conference 2010: “When Green Means Business: How Striving For Sustainable Facilities For Your Company Can Pay Off,” with Debbie Baxter At this event, hosted by the Canada Green Building Council, Debbie will detail the challenges of situating 40 per cent of LoyaltyOne’s large workforce in LEED-certified buildings by the end of 2009, and 85 per cent by the close of 2010. This will include the challenges that went into planning its Mississauga call centre, which features the largest rooftop solar array in Canada.
June 8-10, at the Vancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver
http://www.shiftingintothemainstream.ca
About LoyaltyOne
LoyaltyOne is a global provider of loyalty strategy and programs, customer analytics and relationship marketing services. Its roster of clients includes leading businesses and brands in multiple sectors such as retail, banking, manufacturing, government, natural resources and utilities. LoyaltyOne businesses include Canada’s AIR MILES Reward Program – North America’s premiere coalition loyalty program, COLLOQUY, Precima, LoyaltyOne Consulting and Direct Antidote. LoyaltyOne’s industry-leading associates, practical experience and proven capabilities set the benchmark of thought leadership in the loyalty marketplace. Toronto-based LoyaltyOne is an Alliance Data company. For more than 30 years, Alliance Data has helped its clients build more profitable, more loyal relationships with their customers. For more information, visit www.loyalty.com.
Contact: Lisa Biank Fasig lisa@jzmcbride.com or Sara Miller sara@jzmcbride.com 513-231-5115