ethiquette Inc. Company Policies
and Codes of Conduct 
Preface
All policies outlined in this booklet apply to ethiquette Inc, and include all activities of ethipedia Inc. aswell.
Ecoresponsible Sourcing
Mission and Vision:
ethiquette Inc. is a social purpose enterprise whose mission is to create social value for consumers and marketing value for eligible businesses. We seek to serve the needs of the conscientious consumer looking for options that reduce harm to the environment and help improve social conditions. By the same token, we work to support the innovative businesses that have decided to take the high (and difficult) road towards incorporating a culture of sustainability/responsibility in the marketplace.
Ecoresponsible Purchasing: Guiding Principles
ethiquette Inc. seeks to reinforce its mission by managing its purchases and its consumption in a manner that is consistent with its mission.
ethiquette Inc. believes that:
- Responsible purchasing involves taking into consideration both the environmental and social qualities of the product or service itself, AS WELL AS taking into account the social and environmental contributions of the company that produces the product, or delivers the service.
- Socially and environmentally responsible purchasing does not mean compromising on utility quality
- Criteria, labels and benchmarks with respect to social and environmental responsibility are in constant evolution as are social and technological innovations.
Selection Criteria
ethiquette acknowledges environmental and social distinction according to 4 criteria groups defined on our Criteria page.
In summary, they are:
- Environmentally-Friendly
- Social Economy
- Social Enterprise
- Worker-Friendly
All of the above are considered to have added value if the product or service is locally sourced or produced.
>>Link to our Criteria section.
ethiquette Clients
ethiquette Inc. will favour its clients, who necessarily qualify under the selection criteria above, over other suppliers.
Review of the Policy
This policy will be reviewed annually by the Board of Directors and bi-annually by the Advisory Committee.
Waste Reduction
ethiquette Inc. aims to minimize all waste through minimal consumption (source reduction), reuse and recycling.
To meet this waste reduction standard, ethiquette Inc. insists on the following:
- Office furnishings (desks, chairs, filing cabinets, shelves, meeting table) are revitalized.
- ethiquette sources only 100% post-consumer recycled paper, and uses both sides of the paper. All employees are educated as to dual-sided printing.
- Conversion of paper scraps into note pads
- Use of electronic invoices
- Recycling of papers, plastics and metals
- Use of biodegradable and phosphate-free cleaning detergents
Energy Conservation
In order to ensure significant energy efficiencies, ethiquette inc. takes the following measures in the most significant areas of energy use:
Computers and other Electronic Equipment
- Purchase of energy efficient equipment
- Employees are encouraged to turn computers on sleep if they are away from the computer for 5 minutes to a half-hour, and are encouraged to turn computers off if they are away from the computer for longer periods of time.
Lighting
- Interior lighting is energy-efficient compact fluorescent.
- Desk lamps are LED
- Employees are encouraged to make sure lights are turned off whenever a room is not in use.
Heating and Cooling
- Winter - windows are double insulated to reduce energy needs, less used rooms, like the kitchen, are only heated more during peak use times.
- Summer -Use of ceiling fans and well-positioned trees giving shade on the office windows. No air conditioners.
Alternative Transport
The purpose of this policy is to encourage ecological employee travel to and from work and all work-related transportation.
Bicycle
Travel by Bicycle is encouraged. Employees are offered CAN$65 per year towards bicycle maintenance.
- Bicycle racks have been set up outside the office.
- Multiple Bixi (the public bicycle system in Montreal) stands are very near to the office.
Public Transit
- Employees are offered a free bus pass for the winter months (January, February and March).
- The offices are conveniently located near public transit stations.
Car Sharing
Communauto (car sharing program) cars are used for work-related short haul transportation that requires an alternative to a bicycle, public transit or a taxi
For inter-city travel, the bus or train are favoured.
Taxis
When taxi's are called, employees are encouraged to use Coop Taxis, the cooperative taxi company in Montreal.
Air Travel
If air travel is unavoidable, the company ensures that carbon offsets are purchased to compensate for the carbon emissions related to that form of travel.
Giving Back
The company believes in encouraging a culture of giving back.
Volunteer Work
Volunteer work by employees is encouraged. Up to ?? hours of volunteer work (prior approval is necessary) is allowed on work hours.
Service Providers that Give Back
ethiquette Inc.'s telecommunication service provider, Charitel, gives up to 5 % of all pre-tax revenues to the charitable organization of the user's choice.
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