The environment really is at the heart of everything Oland Brewery does. Last year, more than 2,600 tonnes of glass were diverted from landfill and recycled as new bottles. All returned cans were crushed and resold for recycling. The brewery cut its fuel and electricity use, and dropped its water use by 14 percent. Oland Brewery is reusing, or recycling, 97 percent of all materials used in its brewery, has invested millions to build refillable and recyclable infrastructure in the province and under a new partnership with Clean Nova Scotia, is contributing $100,000 to that organization’s efforts and giving away 400 home energy evaluations.

The Honourable Bill Dooks, Minister of Tourism, and Rick Ramsay, Chair of RRFB Nova Scotia, presented the Mobius Environmental Award for Large Business of the Year to Bob Bowman, Plant Manager at Oland Brewery.

The great works of this award winner started - as most great things do - with one small step. Corporation Service Company (CSC) has offices around the world and in 2007 this company’s Yarmouth office made a simple decision to try and create the most environmentally friendly business in Southwest Nova Scotia. They succeeded: 80 percent of its waste is recycled and the office diverts 50 pounds of compost weekly, using it in an onsite, organic garden. Now the Yarmouth company is helping CSC’s head office in Wilmington, Delaware to implement their own recycling program.

The Honourable Bill Dooks, Minster of Tourism, and Rick Ramsay (not pictured) presented the Mobius Environmental Award for Small Business of the Year to Erin MacAlpine, Professional Services Consultant and Coordinator, Eva Stara Krebser, Client Service Partner, and Andrew Racine, Client Service Partner, of Corporation Service Corporation (Yarmouth).

Not so long ago, all waste at Composites Atlantic Limited - except for hazardous materials and some cardboard - was going to the local landfill. Today, over 78 percent is diverted thanks to staff training, detailed audits of waste materials, and the construction of a dedicated waste management area. Staff involvement and support has been a critical factor in this significant, company-wide shift. Each and every one of Composites Atlantic's 14 plant sections now has a dedicated "waste champion" and the company – already a leader in the aerospace and defense industries – is now building another great reputation...as a waste diversion leader.

The Honourable Bill Dooks, Minster of Tourism, and Rick Ramsay, Chair of RRFB Nova Scotia presented Honourable Mention for Large Business of the Year to Derek W. Kinsman, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, of Composites Atlantic Limited.

In this past year the Board of Bergengren Credit Union hired a consultant to develop a sustainability plan for its 64 staff members and three branches in Antigonish and New Glasgow. That "Follow Our Footsteps" plan spawned a Green Committee and a whole range of programs from recycling and composting, to education and procurement practices to reduce waste, to energy and water consumption, and even to Eco Loans for items such as energy-friendly vehicles, windmills and solar panels. In one year, this credit union proved you can not only envision great waste management goals, you can achieve them.

The Honourable Bill Dooks, Minster of Tourism, and Rick Ramsay, Chair of RRFB Nova Scotia, presented Honourable Mention for Small Business of the Year to Dan Hodgins, CEO of Bergengren Credit Union.