Victoria Launches Food Eco District (FED) with help from Synergy Enterprises and Offsetters

Sept. 15, 2014, Victoria, BC – There is something new floating in the air in Victoria, and thanks to Synergy Enterprises and Offsetters it is not carbon emissions, but an idea that creating a neighbourhood of sustainable and carbon neutral food experiences could help increase business and tourism.

Highlighting local hospitality companies committed to being more sustainable is part of a larger movement to create a downtown food community branded “FED” for Food Eco District. In August, Synergy Enterprises announced that two of Victoria’s best known restaurants, Zambri’s and The Guild made a commitment to being carbon neutral. They join Big Wheel Burger (carbon neutral since 2012) Habit Coffee, Inn at Laurel Point and Aura Restaurant as well as food experiences like Victoria Gin, and Oughtred Coffee and Tea.

These companies calculated their CO2 emissions based on the amount of waste being produced, amount of water and natural gas used and greenhouse gas emissions produced by delivery trucks and staff commuting. The biggest impact typically is waste, which can be reduced by composting. Starting at the source by ordering in bulk, reducing packaging, fewer deliveries and incentivizing staff to walk and bike to work will also make a huge difference.  

What could not be reduced was then offset with Vancouver-based Offsetters, North America’s leading carbon management solutions provider. Offsetters invests in offsetting projects that include capturing methane from local landfills and converting it to usable heating gas, renewable heating projects in developing countries like India and even conserving tropical rainforest in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 

All this work led to a larger vision. Calen McNeil, the owner of Zambri's, Big Wheel Burger, and The Guild, was inspired by the impact of making his businesses carbon neutral and came up with a unique idea to connect restaurants around the notion of sustainability and create a new District in downtown Victoria. The concept of Victoria and Canada’s first Food Eco District was born. The Food Eco District will see a 4 block by 5 block section of downtown become a hub for diners looking for sustainable options. With a high concentration of carbon neutral and green certified restaurants, the FED team is building garden boxes downtown for use by these green restaurants. Synergy Enterprises President and Food Eco District Society director, Jill Doucette said the five-year vision is to create a distinct District that celebrates sustainability and culinary tourism. Currently gardening boxes are being used to connect restaurants, where herbs and vegetables may be grown and shared. People can see the beginning of FED on Blanshard Street and Fort. It the first area to launch the program, supported by neighbouring Oughtred Coffee and Fort Realty. Future plans for FED also include tourism maps, increased bicycle parking, rooftop gardens and street planters with edible herbs and vegetables.

 

About Synergy Enterprises

Synergy is a Sustainability firm that helps companies measure and reduce their carbon footprint. Founded in 2008, Synergy also helps businesses engage their staff and market green initiatives. With award winning clients and projects, Synergy has become a leader in small business sustainability on the West Coast. For more information see www.synergyenterprises.ca.

 

About Offsetters Climate Solutions

Offsetters is North America’s leading carbon management solutions provider. Founded in 2005, the company helps organizations and individuals understand, reduce, and offset their climate impact. Offsetters was the first official supplier of carbon offsets in the history of the Olympic movement (Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games). Its team of industry leaders specializes in the origination; development and commercialization of high-quality carbon offset projects and is proud to also provide clients with a comprehensive offering of sustainability consultancy services. Based in Vancouver, Canada, Offsetters has worked with over 150 of the world’s most prestigious organizations including Aimia and lululemon athletica. 

 

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Media contacts:

Deirdre Campbell, Tartan Group: 250-592-3838, 250-882-9199 (cell) or deir...@tartangroup.ca

Jill Doucette, Synergy Enterprises: 250-589-2599 or j...@synergyenterprises.ca