Innovative supply mix key to energy future, say Globe panelists

Conservation, the improvement of current assets and further development of renewables are the three main issues we must tackle in Canada to ensure a secure electricity supply in coming years. This was the conclusion reached by the participants in “The Future of Energy Dialogue” at Globe 2008. The effective integration of renewables into that mix will be of the utmost importance — an opinion expressed in a number of sessions at the conference.

Full story: Energy

Carbon: tax or trade?

The creation of North America’s first carbon tax earlier this year in British Columbia has further engaged stakeholders in the debate over what works better in the fight to cut greenhouse gas emissions, consumption taxes or a cap-and-trade system for large final emitters. The issue was debated at the final plenary session at Globe 2008, and good arguments were posed for both options by the seven-speaker panel. Ultimately, the success of either will depend upon how it is managed.

Full story: Carbon

Promote green buildings for biggest, easiest emissions cuts, says new CEC report

Promoting the green design, construction, renovation and operation of buildings could cut North American greenhouse gas emissions that are fuelling climate change more deeply, quickly and cheaply than any other available measure, according to a new report issued by the trinational Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC).

North America’s buildings cause the annual release of more than 2,200 megatons of CO2 into the atmosphere, about 35 per cent of the continent’s total. The report says rapid market uptake of currently available and emerging advanced energy-saving technologies could result in over 1,700 fewer megatons of CO2 emissions in 2030, compared to projected emissions that year following a business-as-usual approach. A cut of that size would nearly equal the CO2 emitted by the entire U.S. transportation sector in 2000.

Full story: Green buildings

Nexterra, Encana big winners at Globe Awards

The GLOBE Foundation of Canada announced the winners of the 2008 GLOBE Awards for Environmental Excellence at Globe 2008, celebrating Canadian companies that take a proactive approach to sustainable business strategies and have made significant strides towards developing progressive technologies and services.

Awards were presented in six categories: Technology Innovation and Application, Industry Award for Export Performance, Urban Sustainability, Corporate Environmental Excellence, ecoFREIGHT Transportation Award, and Sustainable Investment & Banking.

Full story: Globe Awards

Iogen ethanol facility gets closer to reality

Iogen Corporation’s application for funding Canada’s first commercial scale cellulosic ethanol production facility progressed to the due diligence phase in March. Canada’s Environment Minister John Baird was on hand at Globe 2008 to make the announcement.

“Thanks to our government’s allocation of $500 million for next generation biofuels, Canada is well-positioned to be a world leader in the renewable fuels industry,” said Minister Baird.

Full story: Iogen

Field test of emissions reduction tech announced

Officials from the Government of Canada, EnCana Corporation an Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) were at Globe 2008 to announce they are committing $5.5 million in financing to a NxtGen Emission Controls project which will demonstrate an innovative diesel emission reduction system.

NxtGen’s syngas technology will assist diesel trucks in complying with stringent global emission reduction regulations and has the potential to enable manufacturers to increase fuel economy. When retrofitted onto existing trucks, NxtGen’s system is expected to reduce particulate emissions by 85 per cent and nitrogen oxide emissions by 65 per cent.

Full story: Field test

EVENTS

April 28-29
Carbon Trading — New Plays and Challenges
St. Andrew's Club and Conference Centre
Toronto, Ont.

Carbon Trading: New Plays and Challenges is the only event in Canada covering policy, regulatory issues, and practical emissions reduction solutions with international emissions markets and CO2 mitigation experts at the forefront of the efforts sharing their experiences and observations. The program is designed to help understand the mechanisms of the developing international and domestic carbon market. It examines carbon trading opportunities and risks for the power sector and explains the roles of each party in emissions trading contract negotiations.
www.insightinfo.com

April 30-May 1
Alternative Energy: Innovation, Integration and Commercialization
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
Toronto, Ont.

Rising fuel prices, supply concerns, and environmental issues have focused attention on alternative energy options to meet Canada's future energy needs. Established and new technologies have the potential to reduce Canada's dependence on fossil fuels with cleaner and renewable energy sources. What are the true costs and how do alternative energy sources integrate into the current energy infrastructure? Can alternative energy options compete with fossil fuels on an equal footing, or do they require government subsidies and incentives to be viable? Are consumers willing to accept the higher costs of going green?

Gain a clearer understanding of Canada's top alternative energy market challenges and opportunities at this Conference Board event.
www.conferenceboard.ca

June 11-12
Shifting into the Mainstream Goes ZERO-WASTE!
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
Toronto, Ont.

The Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) is committed to sustainable initiatives and has partnered with the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) and other green suppliers to make Shifting Into the Mainstream a zero-waste event.

Some initiatives include a complete and comprehensive recycling program through the MTCC and Turtle Island Recycling, including a 100% diversion of all recyclables from area landfill including glass, plastic, paper, and other recyclables. All electrical power used by the summit will be offset with an equivalent purchase of 100% green, emission free, and renewable electricity from local supplier Bullfrog Power. ''Rapid Reg'', a registration process that, instead of pre-printing, facilitates badges to be printed on-site to minimize waste. Additionally, paper consumption will be greatly reduced through the use of electronic communications with delegates, exhibitors and sponsors and online registration, sponsorship prospectus, exhibitor packages and supplier forms have all been conveniently posted for download on the Shifting Into the Mainstream website.

The CaGBC and the MTCC will work directly with suppliers such as audio-visual providers, decorators, and designers to minimize waste and ensure sustainable materials are being used to the best of their abilities.

Registrations are continuing to fill up and the summit is now 40% full! To register, and to find out more about the summit's zero-waste initiatives visit: www.shiftingintothemainstream.ca

We hope you enjoy our zero waste summit!