The first o-vert initiative following the launch in early March 2008, was a green-themed scavenger hunt spanning one full week.  The purpose of the game was to raise awareness about o-vert, Omicron’s LEED Gold accredited head office space and the firm’s green projects.  It was also designed to encourage team building and communication across all sectors of the firm.

The entire firm (including principals, construction site staff and folks in our Calgary office) was randomly divided into teams of 12 - 14 people.  Each team was asked to establish its action plan and appoint a team captain to liaise with the hunt organizers.

Clues and tasks were distributed to team captains throughout the week via email.  All of the challenges set out for the teams revolved around the theme of sustainability, with varying degrees of difficulty.  Here is a sampling of what the teams were faced with:

• Come up with a team name and sustainable motto.
• Write and present a jingle about your team and its commitment to green.
• Build a team mascot using recycled materials gathered from around the office or construction site.
• Name the LEED credit categories and list the score that the Omicron office project received for each category.
• What is the story behind the boardroom table in the Pacific Room?
• Take a picture of your team in front of the LEED Gold plaque.

Points were allocated according to the level of difficulty of each task.  Points were also awarded for creativity, effort and demonstrated green thinking.  It became clear very quickly that the teams were enthusiastic and highly motivated to take home the bragging rights (and the top prize of a team lunch at Cactus Club Cafe - a Green Table chain of restaurants)!

On the final day of the hunt, each team was invited to present their team name, motto, jingle and mascot to the panel of judges.  Scores were tallied and the event concluded with a wrap up party where the winners were announced.  We were fortunate to have video footage on hand of each team’s performance earlier in the day, which was shared at the wrap event - and received with much good natured laughter and appreciation for each team’s effort. 

The end results were very close - with two teams tied for first place: “The Paperless Pirates” and “Eco-Locos”.  Congratulations to all teams for their excellent spirit and great contribution to o-vert’s first event!