BGIS has announced that its Global CEO Gord Hicks was appointed to the Order of Canada on November 27, 2020, for environmental leadership in the real estate industry, mental health advocacy, and community engagement.
A BGIS release notes that the Order of Canada is one of the country’s highest civilian honours. Its Companions, Officers, and Members take to heart the motto of the Order: DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM (“They desire a better country”).
Created in 1967, the Order of Canada recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. More than 7,000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order. Those who bear the Order’s iconic snowflake insignia have changed our nation’s measure of success and, through the sum of their accomplishments, have helped to build a better Canada.
BGIS says Gord Hicks has been a lifelong steward of the environment, both at work and in his personal life. “His commitment and passion for living sustainably has been the single driving force for our industry and serves as a constant reminder for all of us to aim for the highest environmental standards in everything we do so that our actions can ultimately lead to preserving our planet for future generations.”
In the last decade under Hicks’ leadership, BGIS has continually strived to live sustainably. Supported by its clients, it has prevented millions of tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions from spewing into the atmosphere, conserved millions of litres of water, and kept thousands of tonnes of waste from ending up in landfills.
Hicks continues to provide thought leadership and advocacy for the environment through his involvement as a board member in a number of climate-focused organizations such as the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC), and Corporate Knights Executive Council for Clean Capitalism. He also recently founded and is the first Chair of the Board for the Building Energy Innovators Council (BEIC) to help accelerate the adoption of clean building technologies and support the shift in North America to a prosperous low-carbon economy. Hicks also served on the Board of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation Leaders for the Cure for five years, the last three which he co-chaired.
BGIS says this very well-deserved award will take its place as the crown jewel amongst the many other industry awards he has received over the years for his environmental stewardship.
- In 2012, Gord Hicks was recognized by the CaGBC with the prestigious Industry Leadership Award for his commitment to the green building movement.
- In 2014, he was named one of Canada’s Clean 16, and named Canada’s Clean50 for 2019.
- In 2015, he was named Canada’s Greenest CEO by Corporate Knights, in recognition of his leadership role in creating awareness around the impact of buildings on the environment.
BGIS adds that Hicks’ and his family’s commitment to the mental health of young people and, specifically, anxiety is “near and dear” to the company’s heart. Through the Hicks family’s Cam’s Kids Foundation, founded in memory of his late son Cameron, the Hicks family constantly strives to help young people overcome obstacles as his son did in becoming the confident, bright and dynamic young man that many of us personally knew and loved.
The release concluded: “You fill us with pride in being a part of this important journey towards true sustainability and we are so proud of the recognition that you are so personally deserving of. ‘Living Sustainably’ continues to be a source of inspiration for all of us. You have proven through your deep sense of care, your passion for innovation, and unwavering integrity that one person’s actions can make a huge difference in the industry, in our communities and globally.
“On behalf of the entire organization, we wish to congratulate you on your accomplishment and wish you continued success as we continue our journey together. A big and heartfelt thank you for your leadership and friendship in heading the BGIS family.”
SOURCE: BGIS
