President & CEO Message
“We have expanded our reporting to encompass environmental, social and governance considerations. We are committed to making continual advances in these areas. ”
Welcome to OE’s 2023 Report
Last year was exciting for OE as we evolved our identity from Ontario Excavac to OE Utility Services, aligning our name with the diverse utility support services we provide.
Our commitment to safety, sustainability, and savings drove our growth, increasing our fleet, services, and locations. We proudly opened three new locations in Ontario - Ottawa, London, and Barrie - which enhanced our proximity to customer job sites and reduced transportation costs and carbon emissions.
Our central GTA soil processing facility, co-located where we park our large fleet of modern, next-generation hydrovacs, enables us to reduce carbon emissions by 30% through reduced travel time required to dump excavated materials. Our plan is to replicate this model in our new locations.
OE's dedication to sustainable practices broadened in 2023 to encompass environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations, recognizing their importance in mitigating risks to our business, industry, and communities.
We have embraced an internationally recognized digital platform, EcoVadis, as our sustainability management reporting system to document and track our ESG progress.
We invite you to explore our progress and we welcome any inquiries.
Thank you.
Barry Wood, President & Chief Executive Officer
Environmental practices
Caring For The Earth And Its Natural Resources
A Cleaner Environment Using Hydro Excavation
Hydro excavation is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional excavation methods and contributes to a cleaner environment. Non-mechanical and non-destructive, hydrovac technology is widely recognized for its safety and cost benefits as it does not damage buried utility infrastructure. Hydro excavation digs precise shapes and depths, using pressurized water and vacuum technology without chemicals, minimizing soil disturbance and reducing the impact on the surrounding environment. This precision is essential for projects involving delicate underground utilities and pipelines.
Our customers can rest assured that excavated soils are not only disposed of properly, but liquid waste is recycled and reused to benefit the environment.
By managing hydrovac waste differently, we contribute to a more sustainable future while protecting our environment. All the hydrovac waste generated in our daily work is recycled at our soil processing facility for reuse into water, silts, clays, and aggregates. Nothing we collect through our daily work goes to landfill. We have recently started to recycle additional excavated materials, such as concrete and asphalt, with over 85% of the original material going to land remediation.
Litres of Water Recycled and Reused (That’s more than 9 Olympic-sized swimming pools!)
92,655 Tonnes of Gravel, Silt and Clay Diverted as Clean Fill (That's equal to one fully loaded U.S. Navy aircraft carrier!)
5,100 Tonnes of Reclaimed Sand (That’s equivalent to 255 truck loads of recycled sand.)
Premium Performance Pipe Bedding
Soil STewardship
Soil stewardship is an essential concern for our industry. As we navigate the changing landscape of regulations, it's crucial to understand the impact of soil disposal regulations. These regulations ensure that contaminated soils do not get onto otherwise clean sites. Our industry plays a significant role in protecting our communities and the environment; compliance with regulations is critical. For many, the new regulation brings increased risk and liability. Whoever orders the work is now responsible for properly disposing of excavated soils. Soil stewardship is not just a legal obligation; it's also an ethical responsibility. By managing soil properly, we contribute to cleaner water, healthier soil, and better wildlife habitat.
Our goal is to recycle 100% of the excavated soils we collect.
Fortunately for OE, it is business as usual. We are Ontario's only hydrovac and utility support services company offering our customers complete and compliant, end-to-end service, including our on-premises soil disposal, processing, and recycling facility. Our customers can rest assured that excavated soils are disposed of properly and that liquid waste is recycled and reused to benefit the environment. Our 2.5-hectare hydrovac waste disposal and processing site is approved by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks and fully complies with Ontario environmental regulations. All waste is tested against industry best practices to ensure compliance with soil standards.
Recycled for Reuse: Premium Performance Pipe Bedding
Our recycled fine grain stand is expertly designed for use during the restoration process and formulated to protect and preserve underground utility piping longer. Engineered for high performance and containing a higher moisture content, our bedding material experiences less sinkage and fewer effects from thawing and freezing contraction.
Our premium sand is compliant with existing sand specifications. However, we introduced further refinements and controls within a tighter specification, resulting in a consistently higher-quality product with more reliable cushioning material to mitigate the risk of long-term abrasion of pipe exteriors.
Doing more to Address Climate Change
Our commitment to protecting the environment extends well beyond soil processing and recycling to everyday operational practices. We capture and divert rainwater from our roof for reuse within our plant. We use high efficiency LED lighting throughout our facility, cutting down on energy consumption. In the winter months, while ventilating our facility to meet code requirements, we repurpose the exhausted warm air to heat our outside operations.
Mapping A Better Future For Our Customers
OE is a leading utility support provider with a unique facility that combines our fleet and our innovative soil processing plant. By disposing of excavated soil on the same site where we park our fleet, we reduce both environmental and financial impact on customers.
Our co-location model lowers costs to customers by saving travel time and cuts carbon emissions by 30% - a win-win situation for our customers and the environment. We aim to expand our business and co-location model across Ontario with more locations near our customer’s projects. We currently serve the GTA, Hamilton, Kitchener, Golden Horseshoe, London, East GTA, Barrie and Ottawa areas.
Reduced travel time cuts carbon emissions by 30%
Customized Equipment with Environmentally Friendly Technologies
One way to mitigate the impact of climate change is to use custom, purpose-built equipment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These technology improvements reduce the amount of greenhouse gases that are released into the atmosphere and help slow global warming.
OE's next generation hydrovac fleet features trucks with the most advanced technology, improved fuel efficiency and reduced noise pollution. Our hydrovacs produce 10 decibels less noise than other older hydrovacs, meaning they sound 100% quieter. Quieter hydrovacs are a significant benefit in densely populated urban areas. OE has also sponsored a university school project with engineering students to explore a further reduction in hydrovac noise pollution.
We are committed to converting our fleet's hydraulic systems to operate with vegetable oil to further reduce environmental risk and impact. OE is currently investing in new innovations to further significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
In addition to hydrovacs, we offer a range of ancillary support equipment and vehicles to support a seamless workflow so that our work is completed quickly, safely and with less impact on the environment. Our fleet now consists of over 150 vehicles.
Our hydrovacs produce 10 decibels less noise than other older hydrovacs, meaning they sound 100% quieter.
“Our company is always looking for new ways to exceed our Customer’s expectations. For us, innovation isn't just a buzzword. The OE culture strives to continually improve its operations to be more productive, cost-efficient, and eco-friendly."
Tony Kerwin,
Chief Operating Officer
People and culture
People Are The Heart Of Our Business
Embracing inclusion, diversity, and equity is a powerful strategy for any organization. It unites a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and skills, which can lead to innovation and a competitive advantage in the industry. At OE, we strive to foster a culture of respect and are committed to making our workforce and workplace safe, diverse, equitable, and inclusive for all our employees.
Our people are the key to our lasting success, and we embrace our employee's perspectives and experiences to meet the evolving needs and expectations of our employees and customers. We promote a culture of collaboration that encourages us to constantly improve ourselves, our work processes, and our performance outcomes.
We are proud of our progress so far, but we also acknowledge that there are still challenges ahead and more work to do. We are confident that we can create a more sustainable future for our company, our people, and the communities we serve.
“OE’s environment is welcoming and professional. You feel like part of the team the moment you walk in the door. Everyone is supportive, encouraging and there is clear vision of what is expected to succeed as a team.”
Jason W. Senior Manager,
Operations, Barrie.
Hiring Practices
OE's commitment to skill-based hiring and gender balance is a progressive approach in an industry traditionally dominated by men. By focusing on the qualifications and abilities of individuals, regardless of gender, OE is fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. This not only enhances the company culture but also brings a variety of perspectives and ideas to the table, which can drive innovation and improve decision-making processes. OE strives for gender parity within its field, office, and management team which is crucial for breaking down barriers and creating equal opportunities for all talented professionals.
“I started at OE 7.5 years ago. As a female in the industry, it’s nice to work at a company that values the individual. I’m forever grateful that OE takes care of their employees, trains them, supplies winter jackets, and all the PPE needed for the job.”
Tara R. Hydro Excavation Tradesperson/Helper
EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE
At OE, we believe in fostering a supportive and engaging work environment. Our commitment to employee development through comprehensive training ensures that each team member is well-prepared and confident in their role. We pride ourselves on creating a sense of community where our employees are not just a workforce but a family that grows together. Through regular interactions and celebrations, we maintain a vibrant company culture that resonates with our core values and vision for the future.
As leaders, we strive to set the standard for the industry. We want our employees to feel that they have made the right decision to join OE.
SAFETY AND TRAINING PROGRAMS
Occupational health and safety are paramount to OE. Our commitment to exceeding industry standards demonstrates our proactive approach to employee well-being.
We provide a comprehensive uniform program includes seasonal adaptations and essential safety gear including personal protection equipment (PPE). Achieving COR and ISO 45001 certification reflects a systematic and quantifiable method for ensuring workplace safety, and our goal of zero lost time due to injury is both ambitious and indicative of a culture that prioritizes prevention and preparedness.
Continuous training and education for our employees ensure that they are equipped with the tools and knowledge to maintain top safety standards.
“I joined OE as a Lube Tech six years ago. Since then, I've been fortunate to upgrade my education and obtain my 310T certification, thanks to OE’s support. The company's culture fosters open and positive relationships among coworkers and management, and the holiday celebrations are fantastic!”
Luis V. 310T Mechanic
INDIGENOUS RELATIONS
OE is committed to fostering a stronger understanding and engagement with Indigenous Peoples. We are at the start of our reconciliation journey and continue discussing purposeful and proper steps. We aim to make progress and will do so ethically and transparently.
We are discovering the truth told by Indigenous People, and we will recognize our own biases in taking ownership of our responsibilities. We look to shape the future as a good neighbour and to make progressive steps towards reconciliation while deepening our understanding to support a sustainable future with Indigenous inclusion.
Vision and Values
Vision
Unified in driving customer growth and success, through safe and sustainable solutions.
VALUES
Mutual Respect: We approach each other with honesty, trust, care, and mutual respect. Together, we are committed to a safe and healthy work environment.
Clarity Of Purpose: We strive to be engaged and to be responsive to the evolving needs of our customers, our people, our industry, and our communities.
Industry Champions: We aspire to be forward-thinking, continually improving, executing with focus and agility.
Responsible: We always act ethically. We take concrete actions to attain sustainable environmental objectives.
Contributing to the Well-being of Our Communities
OE Utility Services, recognized for its social responsibility, is headquartered in Vaughan and is actively engaged in community activities. We aim to make a positive difference in people's daily lives and generously support various health and social causes.
OE has donated to organizations such as Mackenzie Health Foundation, SickKids Foundation, St. Joseph's Health Centre Foundation, and Canada's Great Kitchen Party. OE's employees have also contributed to the Daily Bread Food Bank, Movember, the United Way, Kim's Swim and local triathlete Miranda Tomenson.
OE is a VIP sponsor of the Enbridge United Way Golf Tournament and a loyal sponsor and supporter of the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer.
Governance
Measuring Our Impact
OE is dedicated to enhancing its sustainability performance on an ongoing basis. We understand that sustainability goes beyond environmental issues and demands a more comprehensive approach emphasizing the importance of managing risks and opportunities related to environmental, social and governance criteria (ESG). We have joined a reputable international reporting framework, EcoVadis, that evaluates the quality of a company’s corporate sustainability reporting system based on its policies, actions, and results.
In recognition of our 2023 sustainability achievements, we are proud to have achieved a bronze medal. We strive to continually improve our status in future years.
Reducing Greenhouse Gases Using LEAN Thinking Principles
We recognize that every business has a responsibility in environmental stewardship to contribute to the global objective of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, in accordance with the 2015 Paris Agreement. OE seeks to collaborate with progressive customers who are committed to putting environmental responsibility at the heart of their operations.
Working together, we aim to preserve the environment for future generations. Along with how we execute our work through the dedicated application of LEAN principles to streamline processes and eliminate wasteful activities, OE moves closer to achieving a 50% reduction in greenhouse gases by 2030. We measure our progress against our 2005 business generation levels on a hydrovac unit basis. We use 2005 greenhouse gas emission levels as a baseline because this was the peak year for greenhouse gas emissions in the USA.
Working toward a 50% reduction in greenhouse gases by 2030
Our ESG Commitments:
Our current soil disposal and recycling processes enables 100% of the hydrovac waste to be repurposed and reused. We will continue to increase the added value in re-use of these materials.
Starting in 2017, OE verifiably reduced carbon emissions by 30% from less vehicular travel because of our then new centrally GTA located shop and our on-premises soil disposal and recycling facility.
Use biobased products in our new purchased vehicles and changeover from petroleum-based products whenever possible.
Our new hydrovacs are purchased with the latest technology to reduce noise pollution, fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
Meet or surpass all legislative requirements for the safe testing, handling, and disposal of hydrovac waste, such as, Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA) and the City of Vaughan sanitary discharge requirements.
Ensure that hydrovac waste materials are handled safely and securely in a highly controlled environment. All materials undergo a rigorous tracking, tracing, and testing system to identify any risk of contamination.
Our ESG Commitments:
100% of field employees are trained in the safe stewardship of our hydrovac waste under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act and the Environmental Protection Act, Regulation 347 General Waste Management.
100% of field employees are trained in spill response and containment.
Capture and divert rainwater from our roof for reuse within our soil recycling facility.
Redirect facility warm air on discharge to heat our outside freezing-sensitive operations.
OE’s office operations are striving to significantly reduce paper consumed and recycle all that we do use.
Reduce office-generated waste and recycle other office-generated waste, e.g., eliminate single-serving plastic water bottles.
Regularly assess and measure the environmental impact of our operations for continual improvement.
Use high efficiency, motion-sensing LED lighting throughout our facility cutting down on energy consumption.
Regularly assess and measure the environmental impact of our operations for continual improvement.
Ensure a minimum of 1.5% of goods and services are purchased from diverse suppliers in 2024.
Retain an Indigenous Relations Advisor
Publish and distribute an annual ESG Report.
