Shaping a Sustainable Future, Today
Sustainability practices at Microserve encompass a series of strategic and operational initiatives designed to promote environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and effective governance. These practices are integrated into the company’s day-to-day operations, guiding decision-making and fostering a culture of sustainability. Below is a definition of sustainability practices at Microserve.
Microserve is committed to reducing its environmental footprint and promoting eco-friendly practices. This includes implementing energy-efficient measures in office spaces and data centres, adopting renewable energy sources wherever feasible, and optimizing waste management to minimize landfill waste. The company also invests in technology and solutions that help clients achieve their environmental goals and support transitioning to more sustainable practices.
By embracing sustainability practices, Microserve demonstrates its dedication to creating a positive and lasting impact on the environment, society, and governance. Microserve contributes to a more sustainable future through responsible and innovative approaches while providing value to its clients and stakeholders.
Environmental Sustainability
We’re not just advocates for a greener planet; we’re architects of it. By slashing carbon emissions, curbing energy use, and championing renewable energy, we’re not just reducing our footprint; we’re creating a legacy. Sustainable practices aren’t just our ambition; they’re our obligation. We exemplify our commitment to Environmental Sustainability through three main initiatives:
Waste Diversion
Microserve is dedicated to waste diversion and responsible solid waste management to minimize its environmental impact. The company prioritizes reducing waste and reusing materials through eco-friendly packaging, extensive use of recycled-content paper, and environmentally conscious purchasing decisions. Packaging and shipping materials are reused until recycling is necessary, and efforts are made to preserve and reuse packing materials. The company promotes efficient logistics by repackaging hardware into densified skids and minimizes paper usage through electronic communications and double-sided printing.
Microserve repairs electronics internally and replaces them only at the end of their life cycle. Initiatives include reducing disposable coffee cups, implementing water-conserving systems, and creating communal areas for employees to share unwanted items or books. Furthermore, Microserve is committed to recycling a wide range of materials, including cardboard, paper, plastics, glass, metal, wood pallets, electronics, and Styrofoam. The recycling program also includes composting organic waste wherever possible, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible workplace.
Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Microserve is actively engaged in reducing its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through a multifaceted approach across its operations. The company focuses on minimizing energy consumption by employing low-power equipment, implementing virtualization and cloud technologies, and optimizing power settings for idle PCs. Building-related emissions are addressed through eco-friendly upgrades, waste disposal programs exceeding government mandates, and avoidance of non-sustainable office supplies. Microserve promotes flexible work arrangements to minimize its real estate footprint, encourages tele- and videoconferencing to reduce travel emissions, and supports public transit, carpooling, and cycling.
Additionally, the company is mindful of its supply chain, preferring environmentally conscious courier services. Efforts extend to logistics and onsite projects, where travel is minimized by strategically using third-party resources in remote locations, technician carpooling, and efficient packaging. The company employs energy-efficient practices in warehousing, optimizing space and reducing environmental impacts. Microserve is committed to reducing vehicular GHG emissions by collaborating with fuel-efficient couriers and truck rental companies, promoting transit and carpooling among employees, consolidating shipments, and leveraging collaboration technology to minimize unnecessary travel. These initiatives align with Microserve’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and its dedication to operating in an environmentally responsible manner.
Social Sustainability
At Microserve, diversity, equity, inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) are core to our values and success. We are passionate about fostering a culture of respect, belonging, and empowerment for all our employees, customers, and partners. We recognize that DEIB is not a one-time initiative but an ongoing journey that requires continuous learning, action, and accountability.
Some of the ways we promote DEIB at Microserve include:
- Offering flexible work arrangements that support our employees in balancing their careers, families, health and personal lives
- Providing regular training and education on DEIB topics for our staff and leaders
- Ensuring fair and equitable hiring, promotion, and compensation practices
- Partnering with diverse suppliers and vendors that share our values
- Engaging with local organizations and causes that advance DEIB in our communities, including group volunteering activities
- Frequent check-ins and transparent communication between leaders and team members
- Regular employee engagement opportunities to build connections between co-workers
- Regular, public peer-to-peer recognition
At Microserve, our commitment to DEIB focuses on effectively recruiting, retaining, and supporting employees who identify as Indigenous Peoples.
Steps Taken:
- Providing educational opportunities on Canada’s Indigenous history, identity, and reconciliation.
- Fostering an inclusive work culture free of harassment and discrimination.
- Actively recruiting through partnerships with Indigenous organizations and job boards.
- Monitoring diversity metrics, including specific metrics for Indigenous employees.
- Continuous learning and improvement on our reconciliation journey.
Indigenous Job Boards & Hiring Partners
We actively collaborate with organizations supporting marginalized groups, including Indigenous Peoples, to provide employment opportunities. Some of our key partners in Alberta include:
- Aboriginal Futures
- OOTEENOW Employment & Training Society
- Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women in Edmonton
- Rupertsland Institute
- Riel Institute
- Community Futures Treaty Seven
- Saamis Employment & Training Association
We engage with each partner to encourage program participants to apply for available positions and actively post relevant jobs on online job boards dedicated to Indigenous talent.
Work Opportunities for Indigenous Students
Microserve provides summer employment opportunities for post-secondary students through partnerships with organizations such as Aboriginal Futures and Rupertsland Institute. We attend career fairs and information sessions to educate students on IT industry opportunities.
Remote Work Opportunities
Microserve follows a remote-first hiring policy, enabling us to hire individuals from indigenous communities outside of main urban centers.
Retention & Support of Indigenous Peoples
To retain Indigenous employees, we focus on providing an inclusive work environment and culture:
- Equitable hiring and promotion practices.
- A work environment free of harassment, discrimination, or racism.
- Support for remote work, allowing employment from remote communities.
- Continuous education initiatives, including speakers, book clubs, and volunteer opportunities
Monitoring & Measurement
We track key metrics specific to under-represented groups, including Indigenous Peoples:
Recruitment Rates
Attract Top Talent
Align Recruitment and Strategy
These metrics, contingent on voluntary self-identification, are reported monthly to our Director of People and Culture and quarterly to the Executive Leadership team.
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
Recognizing that DEIB is an ongoing journey, we are open to ideas and continually exploring ways to improve. Some initiatives under consideration include mandatory on-demand training for all employees in diversity, equity, inclusion, unconscious bias, anti-racism, and Indigenous history, identity, and reconciliation in Canada. We are also exploring direct recruitment and hiring relationships with individual Indigenous communities.
Recognition
Microserve has received notable recognition for its achievements in social sustainability:
- Women in Tech, Employer of the Year: Awarded by Ingram Micro in 2023, recognizing our outstanding efforts to support women in the community.
- YWCA Women of Distinction Awards Nominee: Recognized in the Outstanding Workplace category for our unique workplace culture that supports the diverse needs of employees.
- Recruitment of Indigenous Peoples
Microserve actively contributes to its communities through employee volunteerism and participation in various events. Employees have volunteered with organizations such as the Edmonton Food Bank, Calgary Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Dress for Success, Victoria Native Friendship Centre, and Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society.
The company supports community events such as food drives, blood donations, Tour de Cure for cancer research, CIBC Run for the Cure for breast cancer research, and the Terry Fox Run. In addition to volunteer efforts, Microserve is dedicated to philanthropy, contributing corporate funds to initiatives like Pride fundraisers, anti-bullying efforts on Pink Shirt Day, and World Diabetes Day.
The company also actively engages in charity auctions and raffles, supporting local organizations such as the Edmonton Humane Society and the Edmonton Food Bank. Microserve’s primary philanthropic focus emphasizes education, with scholarship funds established at institutions like Douglas College, BCIT, UVic, University of Alberta, and SAIT, with a special emphasis on underrepresented or disadvantaged groups.
Ethical Governance
At Microserve, ethical governance is a fundamental principle guiding our interactions with clients and within our team. We believe in fostering knowledge sharing and best practices through clear communication, openness to feedback, and a willingness to embrace new ideas.
Our governance policies and achievements underscore our commitment to ethical business practices, ensuring that all Microserve representatives are held accountable for transparent communication with stakeholders. We prioritize the protection of employee and client information through robust data and cybersecurity policies. Additionally, our commitment extends to adhering to relevant legal and accounting standards, reflecting our dedication to strong corporate governance. This overarching commitment to transparency encompasses various facets, including ethical communication, data protection, and adherence to legal and accounting standards, contributing to a culture of openness and accountability at Microserve.
With a steadfast commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, Microserve is actively architecting a greener planet through its sustainability initiatives. From reducing greenhouse gas emissions to championing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), and upholding transparency, Microserve integrates these practices into its daily operations, creating a lasting legacy. Whether through waste diversion, philanthropy, or fostering a culture of respect, the company exemplifies its dedication to ESG principles, contributing to a more sustainable future while delivering value to its clients and stakeholders.