Why Paying a Living Wage Matters at SES Consulting

In this short blog, Nicole Cook, Director of Operations for SES Consulting explains why they became a Living Wage Employer, and the benefits they’ve found from being part of the program.

SES is on a mission to design solutions for the low carbon transformation of existing buildings. We have created a business that inspires while making a difference, creates green jobs, and promotes a healthy economy – all while accelerating GHG emission reductions through energy conservation and retrofits.

We provide a comprehensive range of services to cover the entire project lifecycle—from the initial study through design, project management, commissioning, and measurement & verification. Beyond engineering, we also provide expert advice to decision makers to inform policy development, as well as develop resources - including guides, case studies, and educational courses, to accelerate the transition to low carbon buildings.

We have been a Living Wage Employer since 2022. We’ve taken on the challenge of doing business better; because business as usual isn’t enough. We are also a certified B-Corporation, and we measure our success each year with more than just profit. Staff life balance, GHG emission reductions, and promoting innovation are part of our bottom line.

As a Living Wage Employer, we have been better able to attract top talent, boost employee morale and loyalty, and provide an example to our industry of how to do things differently. Paying a Living Wage doesn’t just benefit our team, it strengthens the local economy and helps families thrive. We’re proud to be part of a movement that’s making a difference throughout B.C.

Our community contributions are evident in other ways as well - SES co-founded EarthWork Day with Recollective Consulting in 2012. Each year on Earth Day, our team ventures into the community to participate in socially responsible projects. Past projects have included building and planting vegetable gardens in social housing complexes; street bicycle tune-ups for cyclists; shoreline clean-ups, bringing awareness to disposable coffee cup waste through games and prizes; beautifying neighborhood bikeways, streets, gardens, and parks; engaging school children through lessons and games on earth issues; restoration of local bogs and riparian areas.

SES Consulting has also been Bullfrog-powered since 2011, offsetting 220% of our electricity consumption in sustainable energy. Bullfrog Power helps to transition our energy system to renewable sources, and support community-based green energy projects - including solar panels for nonprofits, schools, and Indigenous communities.

We encourage others to join us in becoming Living Wage Employers. Together, we can create a fairer, more sustainable future for everyone.  Certifying as a Living Wage Employer is a voluntary commitment employers make to invest in their communities and local economies. There are now over 450 Living Wage Employers across BC.

The living wage is the hourly amount someone needs to earn to pay for basic essentials like food and rent, it doesn’t include paying off debt or saving for retirement. The Living Wage for Metro Vancouver is now $27.85 an hour.

Find out more about SES Consulting on our website: www.sesconsulting.com or follow us on Linked In: www.linkedin.com/company/ses-consulting-inc.