File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Katlyn Eriksen

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Kamloops businesses go green to create a sustainable future

Jun 1, 2025 | 3:00 PM

EARLIER THIS YEAR, Kamloops Airport joined the Biosphere Commitment Program, which helps tourism businesses in the Thompson-Okanagan area adopt a more sustainable approach. Launched by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, the program gives businesses the tools and support they need to track and improve their sustainability efforts, so they stay in line with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. To get started, the airport has so far introduced electric charging stations, recycling programs and even measures to offset its carbon footprint. This is a significant step forward for Kamloops’ corporate sustainability, but it’s also just the beginning. Other local businesses have adopted sustainable procurement and zero-waste practices, which shows a positive growing commitment to environmental responsibility and the creation of a more sustainable future for the city.

The Biosphere Commitment Program greens Kamloops’ tourism industry

Around 80 businesses in the Thompson Okanagan region belong to the Biosphere Commitment Program, including big names like Kamloops Airport, Tourism Kamloops and B.C. Wildlife Park. The program essentially helps local tourism businesses create their own sustainability action plans, which can involve steps like switching to renewable energy, reducing single-use plastics and providing bike parking. Members make these changes at their own pace and improvements can be made gradually over time. Once they officially receive Biosphere Committed Status, members can also take advantage of useful benefits. For example, local businesses can get free energy assessments from FortisBC and discounted sustainability services, so they can reach their corporate sustainability goals without breaking the bank.

Sustainable procurement to slash supply chain emissions

Kamloops businesses now also place more importance on sustainable procurement. This means they often now look beyond price and quality to additionally consider the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions. A key factor behind this shift is that a business’ supply chain is responsible for a whopping 80 per cent of its total greenhouse gas emissions. Kamloops companies that purchase from local suppliers can successfully reduce emissions simply as this reduces the need for long-haul, carbon-intensive transport. The U.S. has actually already recognized the importance of environmentally responsible supply chains. In fact, federal agencies are now required by law to prioritize American-made sustainable products in procurement in order to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

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The City of Kamloops has taken a similar approach. In their Environmental Statement, the city says it will prioritize offers on products, projects and services that are kinder to the environment. The aim is to make sustainable purchases whenever it’s cost-effective and feasible. This helps city employees make environmentally-friendly procurement choices that will lower their emissions and strengthen their environmental track record. Ideally, the city hopes to reduce corporate greenhouse gas emissions by 40 per cent by 2030 and by 100 per cent by 2050.

Leading the way to zero-waste

Aberdeen Mall is a local Kamloops business that’s leading the way in zero-waste efforts, which focus on reducing, reusing and recycling in order to keep waste out of landfills. In fact, in 2024, the mall successfully prevented 50,000 lbs of food waste from going to the landfill. Right now, landfills account for roughly 23 per cent of Canada’s methane emissions. To chip in and help reduce these emissions, the City of Kamloops specifically aims to cut its landfill waste in half by 2028 and nearly eliminate it by 2050. And as part of these efforts, Aberdeen Mall has also implemented a clever system — a tray station that sorts waste for shoppers, which makes the recycling process far simpler and reduces overall waste.

On top of that, Aberdeen Mall also offers gift card recycling. This is a much-needed green practice as annually, around 75 million pounds of non-biodegradable PVC material from plastic gift cards end up in the trash. In order to pull this initiative off, Aberdeen Mall has partnered with recycling business TerraCycle, so shoppers can easily drop off their old cards at the mall and TerraCycle will collect them and turn them into new, useable products.

Businesses across Kamloops are making a stronger commitment to sustainability through a variety of eco-friendly practices like sustainable procurement and zero-waste initiatives. Although change won’t happen overnight, this ongoing, proactive approach is certainly set to create a greener future for the city.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.