Our commitment to Our Environment is evidenced by the responsible actions we take to positively impact the sustainability of our communities and the environment. This commitment is expressed through the products and services we deliver to our customers, through the education we provide to our stakeholders and through the effort we impart to run sustainable operations.
Collectively, our companies can make a significant impact. Within our FirstService Residential business, we manage 9,000 communities through 100 offices in 24 U.S. states and three Canadian provinces. This represents approximately four million residents residing in 1.8 million residences under management. We have a presence in major markets that constitute 70% of the North American population. And within our FirstService Brands business, we have over 1,900 franchises that serve more than 500,000 customers each year.
We express our commitment to Our Environment in a variety of hands-on ways. Our teams have lead, organized or participated in clean up activities to maintain roadsides, beautify parks, maintain healthy ecosystems and even protect our underwater environment — helping to set a new Guinness World Record for their efforts. Throughout the year, we have a range of activities that support Our Environment posted to our Event calendar. A quick search of the tag Our Environment will help you locate an event in your area.
FirstService arms our teams with step by step information and tool kits to help them plan and coordinate their own clean up activities. Regardless of whether they choose a park, a waterway or even an urban locale, they are encouraged and empowered to make a difference however and wherever they wish.