Leader of the pack

British Columbia’s new Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction Targets Act sets a bold GHG reduction target for the province of at least 33 per cent below 2007 levels by 2020. It also makes the province the first government in North America to require all public sector organizations to publicly report on their emissions levels and actions taken to reduce those levels.

The targets set leave some wondering how they can be met, and at what cost to business. Others believe it’s the very boost that the clean tech and energy management sectors need to thrive.

Full story: Leader of the pack

ISO tackles social responsibility

The regulation and codification of corporate social responsibility has taken many forms across many different industries over the past 10 or more years. Codes, standards and frameworks like the AA1000 Series, the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the Forest Stewardship Council and the OECD Guidelines (among others) have created a standards environment that is spoiled for choice, but at the same time lacking a vision of social responsibility that is universally recognized.

The creation of ISO 26 000, a guidance on social responsibility, should change this. The target of the new standard is that it be applicable to all types of organizations — private, public and non-profit.

Full story: ISO tackles social responsibility

European Commission pushes climate commitments further

In late January, the European Commission released its integrated proposal for climate action, which sets a goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the European Union by at least 20 per cent by 2020, and increase to 20 per cent the share of renewable energies used by the same year. The emissions reduction goal will be increased to 30 per cent by 2020 when a new global climate change agreement is reached.

Full story: European Commission

Canada-Alberta task force recommends carbon capture investment

The Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources, and the Honourable Mel Knight, Alberta Minister of Energy, released the final report of the Canada-Alberta ecoEnergy Carbon Capture and Storage Task Force in late January, signaling an interest by both parties to see more investment in carbon capture technology.

The report, entitled Canada's Fossil Energy Future: The Way Forward on Carbon Capture and Storage, provides advice on how governments and industry can work together to facilitate and support the development of carbon capture and storage opportunities in Canada.

Full story: Canada-Alberta

Eco-Patent Commons launched to spur innovation

Leading members of the corporate community have released dozens of patents to the public domain in the interests of encouraging innovation in environmental research.

Full story: Eco-Patent Commons