Making the world a better place begins with the steps we take in our own community. By supporting initiatives that create opportunity, strengthen resilience, and improve quality of life, we can contribute to meaningful change far beyond our local borders. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) give us a clear path forward, inspiring action that connects local impact to global progress.
In this first of a three-part series, we explore how Epscan’s efforts align with the first five SDGs, showing that when we do our part here at home, we help build a sustainable future everywhere.
Goal 1 – No Poverty: Sharing Skilled-Trades Expertise Worldwide
The UN’s first goal is to eradicate extreme poverty worldwide. According to the Overseas Development Institute, responsible and innovative use of natural resources is crucial to achieving this goal. For example, expanding access to cleaner, more efficient energy sources, such as natural gas for heating and cooking, can significantly improve the quality of life in underserved regions.
Our highly skilled Red Seal Tradespeople are industry leaders recognized for their international expertise. Epscan journeypersons extend their impact globally by participating in boards, committees, and educational initiatives, empowering future generations and supporting the reduction of
Goal 2 – Zero Hunger: Community Partnerships and Career Pathways
Ending hunger involves community engagement and sustainable employment opportunities. At Epscan, we actively address both areas. Locally, we work closely with organizations like the Women’s Resource Centre, Salvation Army, Rotary Club, and youth-focused groups, directly assisting hunger alleviation efforts.
Additionally, we invest in long-term solutions by providing employment and career-building opportunities to graduates from local high schools and trade schools. Through collaboration with WorkBC, we support individuals re-entering the workforce, providing them with valuable skills for economic stability and self-sufficiency. Our dedicated efforts help build a sustainable community where individuals can thrive and hunger is eliminated through meaningful employment.
Goal 3 – Good Health and Well-Being: Safety, Benefits and Balanced Lives
Thriving communities depend significantly on good health and well-being. At Epscan, we prioritize the health and wellness of our team by promoting a strong work-life balance. We offer generous parental leave, comprehensive employee and family assistance programs, and a dynamic social calendar, creating a supportive, positive workplace environment.
This commitment is reflected in our impeccable safety record, including a Total Recordable Incident Frequency (TRIF) of 0.0 as of 2025. Through our partnership with the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA), we provide a comprehensive, custom benefits plan that ensures effortless access to essential health services, prescriptions, and vaccines for our team members and their families.
Our commitment extends globally through charitable support of organizations like Shriners Children’s Hospitals, The Salvation Army, Red Cross, Rotary International, Save the Children, and Light & Salt Ministries. At Epscan, fostering good health and well-being is more than a corporate goal; it is a core commitment.
Goal 4 – Quality Education: Apprenticeships and Lifelong Learning
Education unlocks potential, transforming lives and communities. At Epscan, our dedication to SDG 4 is evident through significant local investments such as our apprenticeship program at North Peace Secondary School and collaboration with Northern Lights College. We also play an active role in shaping the British Columbia Institute of Technology’s (BCIT) Instrumentation and Control Technician Apprenticeship program, helping to ensure it meets the evolving needs of the industry and sets future tradespeople up for success. We encourage lifelong learning by continually enrolling apprentices and promoting ongoing professional development among our team members.
On an international scale, our leadership participates in cross-cultural knowledge sharing through organizations like Strategic Coach. Our partnership with Light & Salt Ministries has facilitated educational access for diverse age groups globally, establishing computer labs and supporting educators. Locally, our sponsorship of youth sports provides essential life skills and reinforces education’s foundational role in community leadership development.
Goal 5 – Gender Equality: Empowering Women in Electrical and Instrumentation Trades
Gender equality is integral to Epscan’s core identity, especially within the Electrical and Instrumentation trades, traditionally male-dominated fields. We actively support the growing presence of women pursuing successful careers in trades. As of 2025, women represent 20% of our leadership team, reflecting our commitment to empowering women professionally and personally.
At Epscan, we understand achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals requires ongoing collaboration and effort. We take pride in our contributions toward Goals 1–5 and remain committed to pursuing a sustainable future.
Stay tuned as we continue our journey through all 17 SDGs in our upcoming blogs!