A key characteristic of Guardian companies is that we understand our responsibilities as ‘good corporate citizens’. Our belief is that we have the influence and ability to improve the communities in which we operate and bring about positive changes where they are needed.

Project Green is one such impetus. It was born out of our commitment to protect our region’s valuable natural resources and to safeguard the environment for future generations.

Since its inception in 2007, the Project has grown organically and continues to drive home the message of personal and corporate responsibility for using resources in a way which is sustainable and replenishable.

Here are some Project Green highlights:

Since 2006 Team Guardian has partnered with The Heroes Foundation for an annual Beach Clean Up. In 2008, the number of employee volunteers grew to 180. In 2009, Guardian also sponsored a site – Chagville Beach.

Life Pulse, a Wellness Committee run by employees with company support, also contributes to the Eco-thrust of employees and families. Every year Life Pulse arranges trips to see the leatherback turtles and the number of participating families grows.

GreeNews, an internal e-newsletter, is published to inform and engage employees. The e-format minimizes our carbon footprint.
Thanks to GreeNews:

• Reduce, re-use, recycle became Team Guardian’s mantra
• Employees freely offered suggestions and tips for an

environmentally-friendly workplace

Recycling is championed.
Shredders are made available on every floor and employees are continuously reminded to collect paper for shredding. In the first quarter of 2009 we provided Ace Recycling Company with 576 bags i.e. 5,760 kg of shredded paper, saving almost 98 trees!

Additionally, at Westmoorings:

• Every Friday, newspapers are taken to the Trinidad and Tobago Society for the Prevention for Cruelty to Animals. Employees are also encouraged to seek out farms, poultry shops and veterinarians in their areas and do the same
• Employees are charged a small fee for using styrofoam boxes as opposed to reusable containers and plates when collecting lunches in the cafeteria. Red glass-recycling bins are located on every floor. Monies collected from Carib Glass for employees’ recycled glass is donated to the Guardian Life Wildlife Fund
• As part of the Plastikeep plastic waste pilot project, plastic recycling bins have been placed at Westmoorings and GGIL’s head office in Newtown Centre
• Employees take part in a battery recycling initiative in collaboration with Servus and waste management company Piranha International. Since January 2010 we have recycled approximately 450 penlight (AA) batteries

Energy conservation is encouraged.
A Powering Down pilot project at Guardian HQ, between October 2008 and April 2009, used lowpower, 24-hour digital timers to turn off lights and a/c units at preset times. The building recorded 40% savings on electricity bills and the project was extended to Guardian Life offices in Trinidad & Tobago. (The initiative also improved the work/life balance for employees as they were forced to stop working at 10pm!)

Environmentally appropriate cleaning products were introduced in 2008.
Environmentally friendly alternatives are now being used for dish washing liquid and surface cleaning products in the kitchen as well as car wash, tar and bug remover, air freshener, fabric protector and tyre dressing.

Other initiatives include:

• The provision and collection of recycling bins at the annual GHL Independence Day Dragon Boat Charity Regatta
• Sponsorship of a recycling bin around the Queen’s Park Savannah
• A commemorative water conservation walk to kick off Guardian Life of the Caribbean’s Guardian Gone Green