In this exclusive CanadianSME Small Business Magazine interview, Daniel Marquiss, Vice President of Service at Vivreau North America, discusses how innovation and sustainability are reshaping modern hydration. With over two decades of experience in the water filtration industry, Daniel has been at the forefront of advancing eco‑friendly water systems that eliminate single‑use plastics and promote responsible consumption across organizations. His leadership reflects Vivreau’s mission to deliver premium water solutions that drive measurable environmental impact, empower businesses to meet ESG goals, and inspire a culture of conservation through everyday action.
Daniel Marquiss currently serves as the Vice President for Service at Vivreau North America. With over two decades of experience in the water dispenser & filtration industry, Daniel is passionate about sustainability and innovative solutions that reduce the impact on our environment.
How has Vivreau’s sustainability ethos shaped both your products and your clients’ outlook on responsible water consumption in North America?
Our sustainability ethos is at the core of everything we do. It drives us to create a complete ecosystem, not just sell equipment. We deliver premium water dispensers, refillable glass bottles, and advanced filtration technology that connects directly to a building’s existing water source. This integrated approach not only replaces single-use plastic bottles but also uses water from local sources. This saves significant CO2 that is otherwise spent trucking water around.
This has a profound effect on our clients. They see our solutions as more than just a new amenity; it’s a powerful tool for achieving their own ESG goals. By providing high-quality, on-demand still and sparkling water, we make sustainability an easy and desirable choice for our clients’ employees and guests. We’re not just changing how people drink water; we’re helping organizations across North America build a culture of environmental responsibility from the inside out. Our systems empower businesses to eliminate waste, reduce their carbon footprint, and demonstrate a tangible commitment to the planet.
Can you share specific ways Vivreau’s solutions have enabled organizations to cut plastic waste and positively impact their sustainability performance?
The results speak for themselves. Our solutions provide a direct and measurable way for organizations to slash their plastic waste and reduce their carbon footprint. For example, by switching to Vivreau systems, the Vancouver Whitecaps eliminated over 10,000 plastic bottles annually. The Auberge Saint-Antoine hotel in Quebec cut 60,000 single-use bottles and avoided over 60 truck deliveries per year, and Terminal City Club in Vancouver estimates that they’ve saved nearly 500,000 bottles from the landfill, a remarkable impact.
On a broader scale, just one of our dispensers can prevent approximately 1,115 pounds of waste annually. For a single client, our systems can eliminate over 200,000 plastic bottles and reduce carbon emissions by more than 50,000 pounds each year. This isn’t just about reducing waste; it’s about fundamentally transforming a company’s environmental footprint and providing a clear, impactful sustainability story they can share with their stakeholders, employees, and customers.
What are the most cost-effective first steps small and medium-sized businesses can take to embrace sustainability, particularly regarding hydration solutions?
For small and medium-sized businesses, the journey toward sustainability doesn’t have to be complex. The most cost-effective first step is a grassroots solution.
Businesses can drive broader change and awareness through initiatives like beach cleanups, promoting public transportation, and implementing educational programs or committees. What’s important to keep in mind is that building a sustainable future is a collective endeavour. Each of us contributes through small, impactful changes that, when combined, create a significant and lasting difference.
Another step is to tackle a recurring operational cost: pre-packaged bottled water.
Instead of thinking about a massive overhaul, start by replacing the endless cycle of purchasing, storing, and disposing of single-use plastic bottles. A point-of-use water dispenser that connects to your existing water line is a fantastic starting point. It immediately eliminates the expense and waste associated with bottled water.
Our systems, for example, are designed to be energy-efficient with features like standby and night modes to help manage utility costs. By providing high-quality filtered water on-site, you not only cut operational expenses and reduce your carbon footprint but also offer a premium amenity that employees and clients will appreciate. It’s a simple switch that delivers both immediate financial and environmental returns.
Could you discuss a recent initiative or award that stands out for you, and what impact it has had on your team, your clients, and the environment?
An initiative I’m very excited about is our new eBike pilot program for service technicians in New York City. We are always looking for ways to reduce our operational footprint, and this program directly addresses the emissions from our service vehicles.
As part of the pilot, our technicians will use the eBikes to perform routine system installations. By equipping our technicians with e-bikes, we can navigate dense urban areas more efficiently, reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, and cut down on our carbon emissions. EBikes emit just one to two grams of CO2 per kilometre, so this initiative offers a sustainable alternative to traditional service vehicles. It’s a practical step that makes our service operations cleaner and more sustainable.
This initiative has been a great source of pride for our team, as it shows our commitment to sustainability in every part of the business. For our clients, it reinforces that they are partnering with a company that actively practices what it preaches. It’s a small change that contributes to a larger positive impact on the environment, helping create cleaner air in the communities we serve.
Finally, what message or advice would you like to share with other small and medium-sized business leaders aiming to integrate sustainability and innovation into their core practices?
My advice is to embed sustainability into every aspect of your business: your products, your processes, and your partnerships. Don’t view it as a separate initiative or a cost centre. Instead, see it as a driver of innovation and a source of competitive advantage. The market is increasingly rewarding businesses that can prove their environmental and social impact.
Start by looking for opportunities where sustainability aligns with operational efficiency, like reducing waste or cutting energy consumption. These are often the easiest wins and can fund further investment.
Most importantly, make your mission authentic. Your team, your clients, and your partners will rally behind a genuine commitment to making a positive impact. When your purpose is clear, it guides every decision and inspires a culture of continuous improvement. Sustainability isn’t just about doing less harm—it’s about finding innovative ways to do more good for both your business and the planet.
