Our Work
LoCo works as a community connector and implementation agency.
We work to research, develop tools, and implement sustainability in small business. Our unique business focus and member base ensures that we begin every project from a deep understanding of the real barriers and possibilities of the business community.
Our goal is to work to overcome the obstacles in business for implementing sustainability by providing information, support and attracting capital and incentives.
As a group of local entrepreneurs with a passion for sustainability local business, we are deeply connected and in a position to take projects from ideas to action. Being results-oriented, we have a preference for projects that can show measurable results.
Sustainable Business
LOCO provides research and implementation on greening small and mid-sized business. Our particular areas of expertise are:
- Waste Management: Opportunities to reduce material use and increase donations, recycling & composting
- Purchasing: Sustainable strategies to buy products & services from sustainable suppliers (local, green, non-toxic, recycled content, socially focused, etc.)
- Greenhouse Gas Management: Understanding how to create a GHG inventory, look for quick wins to reduce costs and GHGs, as well as create long-term strategies to invest in a lower carbon future
Projects:
Greening Kitchens in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES). LOCO has partnered with the Green Table Network on this City of Vancouver-funded project. We are identifying the opportunity for waste reduction (eliminating disposables, composting organic waste) and energy savings (lighting, refrigeration) in charity kitchens in the DTES.
Expansion of Recycling Alternative compost service to small businesses in Vancouver. This project provided Recycling Alternative with a business plan, market research and strategy for expanding their organics waste collection service.
Local Economic Development
LOCO provides research and writing on local economic development.
Projects: We are currently undertaking a legal review of local procurement in Canada & collecting case studies of the methods used municipalities and institutions who are purchasing local products and services.
Our Team
Amy Robinson, LOCO Executive Director, manages service requests. As project manager, she puts together the best teams from her extensive network of local experts. Amy closely manages and provides strategic on all contracts, ensuring that our clients and members get the best service possible. She often completes part of a contract herself, but often brings together a team to work on contracts and consults with LOCO’s Board and Sustainability Committee on strategy and approach. See Amy’s linked in profile for more information on her experience.
