The Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k is committed to producing a world-class event that showcases our city and is both socially and environmentally responsible. In 2013, the race became the first event in Canada to obtain a Silver Certification from the Council for Responsible Sport. This year, the event is aiming to better that mark and reach Gold Certification.
Certification from the Council for Responsible Sport formally recognizes significant achievements through the successful completion of socially and environmentally responsible milestones at sporting events. Standards can be achieved in areas ranging from waste management and climate impact to community involvement, health promotion and more.
Some examples of what the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k is doing to reduce the environmental footprint and increase the sustainability of the event:
- Diverting race-related waste from going to landfill — the event obtained a 98% Waste Diversion Rate
- Purchasing renewable energy credits to offset the impacts of the event expo lighting through Cow Power, which supports the development of anaerobic digestion as an alternative energy source for Canada
- Collecting and donating all discarded clothing from Start Area to shelter programs in the Downtown Eastside
- Donating surplus food remaining after the event to local food banks
- Offering post-event shuttles to reduce two-way trips and car drops
- Working with youth groups to reduce barriers to participation, including subsidized entry costs for youth and low-income populations
- Through Green Chair Recycling, offering a recycling service for participants to bring hard-to-recycle items from home, such as batteries and light-bulbs
- Paying for increased transit service on Race Morning, allowing participants to arrive at UBC by bus
- Adoption of a sustainable procurement policy, sourcing event supplies and post-race food locally whenever possible
- Printing marketing materials using biodegradable inks on FSC certified paper
- Providing Virtual Event Bags as opposed to traditional paper flyer handouts
The Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k is committed to giving back to our community. Working with 79 charities, nearly $1 million dollars was raised at the 2014 event. A recent study also reported that the event generated close to $2 million dollars in local economic activity.
The 2014 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon was also awarded a Silver Certification in sustainability from the Council for Responsible Sport, becoming the second event to achieve this title in Canada. Both races are part of the prestigious Canada Running Series.
We encourage all participants to help us “run green” by getting to and from the event in a sustainable way — by foot, by bike, by transit, or carpooling. Please only take what you need in terms of finish line food and cups at water stations. Make sure to use the provided recycling stations at the finish area and at water stations, leaving no garbage behind on course.
About the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k:
The Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k (SVHM) is part of the prestigious Canada Running Series. As one of Vancouver’s premier running events, the SVHM attracts more than 7,000 runners and walkers of all levels, including many elite athletes and spectators to the city. The Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k takes place on Sunday, June 28th starting at 7:30am for the Half-Marathon and 9:30am for the 5k. Register today at www.vancouverhalf.com.
Scotiabank is a leading financial services provider in over 55 countries and Canada’s most international bank. Through Bright Future, our global philanthropic program, Scotiabank and its employees support causes at a grassroots level across six pillars: health, education, social services, arts and culture, environment and sports. Recognized as a leader for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, Scotiabank has contributed on average some $50 million annually over the last five years to community causes around the world. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.
