PRESS RELEASE

Okanagan’s Green Wise Academy™ Announces First Businesses to Receive Green Wise Certification Standard™

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Chaibaba Tea, Mamas for Mamas, and Vendure Retirement Community Earn New Prestigious Sustainability Certification

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Kelowna, British Columbia – Green Wise Academy™ (GWA), a leading sustainability training and consulting firm based in Kelowna, is proud to announce the first recipients of its Green Wise Certification Standard™ (GWCS) seal. An all-encompassing sustainability accomplishment for building, business, or organization. Created from the building blocks of the most sought-after sustainability practices in today’s market, achieving the GWCS™ seal for a building and/ or business has never been easier, thanks to Green Wise Academy's team of experts. This distinction is grounded in a body of evidence-based research that links the connection of occupied space with the overall wellness of a healthy environment that leads to enhanced employee/ occupant retention, satisfaction, and well-being. The distinguished businesses earning this new sustainability recognition include Chaibaba Tea (Kelowna), Mamas for Mamas (Kelowna), and Vendure Waterview Retirement Resort (Nelson). These organizations have set the standard for environmental and wellness initiatives, achieving exceptional sustainability outcomes.

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Many Canadian companies are increasingly integrating sustainability into their core business strategies and policies due to the United Nation’s sustainable development goals. This includes reducing environmental impact by adopting energy-efficient practices, minimizing waste, and investing in renewable energy. Additionally, businesses are aligning their sustainability efforts with social issues, such as diversity and inclusion, mental health support, workplace satisfaction and wellness, and including other community organizations in the work that they are doing, reflecting a broader, more holistic approach to sustainability. Under the training, consultation, and guidance of GWA, Chaibaba, Mamas for Mamas, and Vendure have all exceeded efforts within different areas of sustainability. 

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Trish Matthews, Principal and CEO of Green Wise Academy™, expressed her enthusiasm for the milestone: "We are incredibly proud to have partnered with Chaibaba Tea, Mamas for Mamas, and Vendure Retirement Resort to help them achieve our new sustainability certification. The beauty of our new certification is that it doesn’t use the cookie-cutter approach that other sustainability designations do. We’ve taken the best practices and procedures from all green/ sustainability categories and have designed a more realistic, creative, and accessible way for buildings and businesses to proudly showcase the hard work that they have accomplished - demonstrating their green efforts in a meaningful and achievable way. These three organizations have shown tremendous dedication to creating healthier, more sustainable environments—both for their employees and their communities. Congratulations to all of them for this well-deserved recognition."

 

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Spotlight on the First GWCS Recipients:

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Chaibaba Tea (Kelowna)

Chaibaba Tea is a standout example of a local business committed to global sustainability. Global mindfulness is carefully shown in all of Chaibaba’s efforts, not only with carbon footprint and waste reduction but also with giving back to their own community and utilizing organic tea farmers and products. “This business is one like no other. Crystal and her team are highly motivated to create a healthier, cleaner world with every cup of tea they serve. We were extremely impressed,” said Trish Matthews. Crystal Russell, owner of Chaibaba Tea, expressed her pride in achieving the Green Wise Certification: "Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for us; it’s a way of life. Every decision we make impacts the world around us. I am incredibly proud of our team and grateful for the recognition of our ongoing commitment to sustainability and community well-being. I can’t imagine being or thinking another way." 

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Mamas for Mamas (Kelowna Location)

Mamas for Mamas is a national charitable organization dedicated to supporting mothers and caregivers in crisis. Their focus on mental health, female empowerment, and sustainable practices sets them apart as leaders in social sustainability. Through initiatives like career training, leadership education, and textile recycling programs, they have significantly reduced their environmental impact while improving the lives of vulnerable populations. This organization also achieved recognition for their overall reduction of environmental waste and carbon footprint through accepting donations from major retail outlets and textile recycling programs; this helped earn them the Green Wise Certification Standard™. "This certification highlights the hard work of our team and the countless volunteers who help us make a lasting impact on the lives of mothers and families in need. We are thrilled to be recognized for our efforts in both sustainability and social responsibility," said Lindsay Hammond, Director of Programs and Services, Mamas for Mamas (Kelowna Location).

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Vendure Waterview Retirement Resort (Nelson)

Since its design phase, Vendure Waterview Retirement Resort has prioritized sustainability in creating a healthy, accessible living space for seniors. With a focus on occupant wellness, the development includes sustainable building practices and energy-efficient systems that promote both environmental sustainability and the well-being of its residents. Cindy Shaw, Marketing Director of Vendure, commented: "At Vendure, our commitment to sustainability is woven into the very fabric of our development. The Green Wise Certification reflects our dedication to fostering healthy spaces for our residents, staff, and the larger community. We are proud to be a leader in the senior care sector in terms of sustainability and wellness." The Green Wise Certification Standard™ was proudly awarded to the Vendure Waterview Retirement Resort, which consists of five commercial, residential-style development care facilities, offering 125 spacious, well-appointed suites (in one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and studio layouts) consciously designed to provide maximum health and satisfaction to its occupants. 

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The Future of Sustainability in Canada:

As sustainability becomes an increasingly integral part of business operations across Canada, more organizations are aligning their strategies with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This includes reducing environmental impact, adopting energy-efficient practices, and integrating social responsibility into their corporate missions. Under the guidance of Green Wise Academy™, businesses like Chaibaba Tea, Mamas for Mamas, and Vendure are leading the charge in implementing sustainable practices that enhance both environmental and social impact, as well as community happiness and well-being.

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About Green Wise Academy™:

Green Wise Academy™ is a premier sustainability training and mentorship firm dedicated to helping businesses and organizations achieve sustainability excellence. Through education, training, consulting, and practical guidance, GWA empowers organizations to integrate sustainable practices into their core operations. The Green Wise Certification Standard™ provides businesses with the tools and recognition they need to improve their environmental performance and create healthier, more sustainable workspaces for their employees and customers.

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For more information on the Green Wise Certification Standard™ or to learn how your business can achieve this prestigious designation, visit www.greenwiseacademy.com

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​Release Summary:​

Green Wise Academy™ announces the first recipients of its Green Wise Certification Standard™ in the Okanagan, including Chaibaba Tea, Mamas for Mamas, and Vendure Waterview Retirement Resort (Nelson), all recognized for their outstanding sustainability practices.

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Press Contact:​

Sarah Thompson

Operations Manager

Green Wise Academy™

Email: contact@greenwiseacademy.com

Phone: 250 718 3900