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November 2008 – Volume 2, Issue 11

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Dear Readers,

Welcome to the November edition of the Green Business e-newsletter.

The last two months have seen turbulence on world markets that hasn’t been witnessed in many years. With the auto industry looking for a bailout, manufacturers across Canada and the U.S. are facing challenging times. Clean tech companies — wind, solar and biomass companies among them — are probably going to feel the pinch as well, with oil prices plummeting.

Does this mean that there will be less investment in “green” energy technologies for the foreseeable future? I think it’s too soon to tell for sure, but I doubt it. With the election of Barack Obama in the U.S., substantial incentive packages focused on infrastructure build-out will come soon. The winners might not be the wind or solar companies — though the best of these will likely be around long enough to benefit from Obama’s first 100 days — but those companies that improve electricity transmission grids or generally create efficiencies in the way in which energy is transported or generated are likely to thrive.

Our energy and carbon challenges are not going to go away any time soon. Many Canadian innovators are breaking new ground, finding solutions to the world’s critical challenges — water management in the oil sands, smart grid development, as well as solar and wind technologies. As governments across North America begin building out their spending on infrastructure projects to jump start our economies, this up and coming industry is likely to thrive in Canada. Watch for more coverage of this in the December print and digital edition of Green Business.

As always, I welcome any comments you have on what you read here. I encourage you to e-mail me a rcolman@clbmedia.ca.

Warmest regards,
Robert Colman
Editor / Associate Publisher
Green Business

INDUSTRY NEWS Ontario’s Conservation Officer calls for “distributed leadership” in meeting targets Ontario’s Chief Energy Conservation Officer (CECO) Peter Love released his fourth annual report on November 5th, formally recommending the appointment of energy conservation officers for all health care and academic institutions, as well as leading businesses, across the province. Full story: CECO IBM and University of Saskatchewan accelerate research to reduce greenhouse gases The University of Saskatchewan (U of S) and IBM recently announced they will collaborate to apply new high-performance computer chips to achieve a greater understanding of how to build coal-fired electricity plants that emit less carbon dioxide. Full story: IBM Wal-Mart Canada launches innovative polystyrene recycling program Wal-Mart Canada recently announced the launch of an innovative polystyrene recycling program and a significant step towards meeting its sustainability goal of producing zero waste. Grace Canada, a producer of specialty construction materials, will collect used expandable polystyrene packaging from eight Wal-Mart Canada locations and reuse it in the production of its fire-resistant commercial insulation product. Full story: Wal-Mart Carlson Hotels Worldwide launches “Green Guide” foundational tool Carlson Hotels Worldwide recently introduced a comprehensive new “green guide” outlining sustainability strategies and practical steps for environmental responsibility, that can be applied across all of Carlson’s five hotel brands. Entitled “Practical Guide to Greening Your Hotel,” the green guide is part of Carlson Hotels’ global initiative to develop programs, policies and partnerships based on responsible business practices. Full story: Carlson Leading Utilities Join Forces for Plug-In Vehicle Trial Advanced Energy, in partnership with Duke Energy and Progress Energy, will initiate a smart charging trial of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Twelve converted Toyota Priuses will be equipped with charging management technology from Seattle-based V2Green and deployed in North Carolina and Florida. The trial will assess the potential of plug-in vehicles to positively impact electric grid operations, maximize use of clean energy and prove PHEVs are a viable alternative to today's carbon-emitting cars. Full story: PHEVs

FEATURE STORIES More Canadian companies disclose more complete information on carbon emissions to investors Canada’s largest companies are providing more and better information about their greenhouse gas emissions and their management strategies to deal with them according to the results of this year’s Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) report, released last week in Toronto. Full story: CDP The 5 basics to green networking best practice success By Corey Copping It seems “green IT” is on everyone’s minds — and in their advertising — these days. Although there’s considerable confusion about what that term means exactly, there’s also widespread agreement that environmental responsibility should be part of every IT teams’ goals. But is your company doing all it can? Full story: Networking CALENDAR November 18-19 APPrO 2008: 20/20 Vision — Building tomorrow's power system today Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building Toronto, Ontario Ten years after Bill 35, which introduced fundamental change in the electricity sector to Ontario, and 20 years after the first APPrO power conference, this event will be an opportunity to learn what will make the next several decades different from the last — and to find solutions that will make sure development continues to move forward in an efficient and effective direction. conference.appro.org November 24-25 2008 Carbon Emissions Business Forum Metro Toronto Convention Centre Toronto, Ontario Understand the regulatory challenges, compliance options, and business opportunities in carbon emissions management. www.conferenceboard.ca November 25-26 9th Annual Alberta Power Summit Telus Convention Centre Calgary, Alberta As the electricity market in Alberta continues on its restructuring path, there is a need for industry players to reflect, take stock and openly debate the issues of this important market. Insight presents its 9th Annual Alberta Power Summit on November 25th and 26th. The Summit brings together industry operators and players to encourage open and frank debate on developments in this evolving market. www.insightinfo.com December 1-3 Canadian Renewable Fuels Summit The Hilton Lac Leamy Ottawa The most significant opportunity confronting the world is the chance to grow beyond oil - to relieve the dependency we have developed on fossil fuels and replace a substantial part of our energy mix with renewable biofuels such as biodiesel and ethanol. This year, the Canadian Renewable Fuels Summit will focus on how we move forward to achieve this goal. www.canadianrenewablefuelssummit.com December 3-4 Waste-Based Energy Opportunities in Energy Recovery and Gas Capture Marriott Bloor, Yorkville Toronto, Ontario Recovering energy, whether through thermal treatment plants or landfill gas capture, is an opportunity to deal with multiple resource management issues at once. But as with many waste issues there are challenges, and whether you are trying to develop an integrated waste management strategy, sorting through your best options for energy recovery, or going through the regulatory approval process for a new facility. The Canadian Institute's ''Waste-Based Energy'' conference will be your chance to learn critical information on the state of waste management strategies, technologies, and policies affecting the development of waste-based energy projects. www.canadianinstitute.com/environment/WBE.htm December 8-9 DR-Expo Sheraton Centre Hotel Toronto, ON DR-Expo is a conference and exposition focused on delivering tangible information on the implementation of Demand Response in North America. www.dr-expo.com Please visit our website for many more upcoming events.

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