Firm Practice Enhancement Program (Sustainability) FAQs
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What does the program cost?
This program is free of charge.
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If my firm participates, how long is the commitment?
This program is administered in a cohort format and will run for 12 months – January to December 2027.
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My firm is interested in advancing sustainability in professional practice but hasn’t really started its sustainability journey. Can my firm apply to participate in the program?
Yes, the program is open to all registrant firms. It was designed to be flexible and scalable to different stages of a sustainability journey. Even firms that are well advanced in their sustainability journey can benefit from the program.
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Can a firm drop out of a program due to extenuating circumstances?
Yes, in the face of extenuating circumstances a firm may remove themselves from the program. Engineers and Geoscientists BC also reserves the right to remove any firm from the program if they fail to follow the expectations and principles of the program.
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Will there be multiple cohorts of the program?
We will consider up to two cohorts of the program if there is enough interest.
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How can individual registrants employed by participating firms be involved in the program?
Individual registrants will benefit from the resources shared through the program. It is the Program Representative’s responsibility to share and communicate the resources provided internally within the firm. Individual registrants may also be able to attend CE sessions offered through the program, which are eligible for CE Hours.
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What is the time commitment if my firm decides to participate in the program?
The time requirement for the Program Representative varies month to month, with a minimum of two hours each month. The expectation is that firms will go through each step of the program (orientation, guided self-assessment, coaching check-in, action planning/implementation, and peer workshop) but program support activities are optional.
Firms are expected to make reasonable efforts to progress through identified actions, as appropriate to their firm’s size, resources, and context. Firms will not be evaluated as part of the program or expected to complete any reporting.
Continuing education credits will be available for the time the Program Representative spends participating in the optional and mandatory workshops and coaching sessions.
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What are some concrete outcomes my firm can expect if it participates in the program?
Potential outcomes for firms will vary based on the needs and priorities of firms, the stage they are at in their sustainability journey, and the efforts the firms put into the program. See examples of potential outcomes.
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Will a certificate be granted?
This is not a certification program so a certificate will not be granted. However, firms participating in the program will be recognized on the program webpage of the Engineers and Geoscientists BC website.
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Will firms be evaluated?
No, the program’s objective is to build a firm’s capacity for sustainable practice, not to evaluate the firm’s sustainability performance.
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Can a firm operating outside of BC apply to the program?
As long as the firm is registered with Engineers and Geoscientists BC and has a Permit to Practice, they are eligible to apply for the program.
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Where do the sessions take place? Can I participate remotely?
Sessions such as the program orientation, coaching check-in, peer workshop, and other training will take place remotely via Microsoft Teams; firms are able to participate remotely. The mandatory peer workshop towards the end of the year may be hybrid to provide opportunities for in-person networking.
