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March 2009 – Volume 3, Issue 3
Dear Readers,

Welcome to the Green Business March e-newsletter. If there was any doubt that greening your business is still important, recent news out of the U.S. made it crystal clear. Insurance regulators south of the border have now initiated new climate change risk disclosure rules. The carbon-constrained economy is clearly a reality. At the same time, Standard & Poors launched its U.S. carbon efficient index. The importance of carbon management obviously wasn't a market fad. In one of our features this month, Valerie Chort and David Greenall discuss how important the issue is.

The format of this e-newsletter will see some changes over the next couple of months – for instance, the news section now leads directly to highlights currently on the website. Look for regular news updates at www.green-business.ca, and count on us to continue bringing you the sustainability news you are looking for.

Regards,
Robert Colman
Editor
Green Business

NEWS



FEATURES

Carbon Disclosure: Still relevant in a volatile economy?
By Valerie Chort and David Greenall
In turbulent economic times, the first things to go are those considered optional “niceties” — a list that varies enormously based on an organization’s value proposition. For many organizations, environmental and sustainability initiatives seem to fit this description. Can these activities be “back burnered” until prosperity returns?
Full story: Carbon

Federal government makes cuts to environmental review processes
Federal Environment Minister Jim Prentice confirmed last week that Ottawa has moved to make cuts to the federal environmental review process. The purpose of the cuts is to make environmental review processes less cumbersome, but the move raises concerns that the government may be abdicating its environmental responsibilities in the name of economic stimulus.
Full story: Prentice

Green taxes and fees on the rise – do you have a strategy?
By Eric Paton
“Green” taxes and fees have been levied in Canada for a number of years on items such as tires, used oil and bottles. However, in recent years the number of these that are levied in various provinces has increased and by will continue to do so in coming years. Companies should be thinking about how to reduce their impact.
Full story: Fees



WHITE PAPERS

Green IT: Why mid-size companies are investing now
A new global study of mid-size businesses shows that most have initiatives underway to reduce the environmental impact of their information technology.
Read more: Green IT

CALENDAR

March 31 - April 1, 2009
Alternative Energy Finance Forum
The Metropolitan Conference Centre
Calgary, Alberta
This forum will explore best practices in renewable energy funding and technology, and the key issues organizations face as they try to capitalize on immediate opportunities and develop long-term strategies.
www.conferenceboard.ca/conf

April 7-8, 2009
Carbon TradeEx America
Convention Center
Washington, D.C.
Koelnmesse hosts this keystone trade fair and conference for all current and future players in the Carbon Market. The Carbon Markets and Investors Association (CMIA) is partnering with Koelnmesse to make this the premiere Carbon Market conference and trade show in the U.S.
carbontradeexamerica.com

April 15-16, 2009
2nd Annual Implementation of the Smart Grid for Canadian Electric Utilities
Hyatt Regency
Vancouver, BC
The objective of this conference is to provide the Canadian power industry, regulators, policy makers, and stakeholders with a review of the current trend toward smart grid applications and how they are being enabled by new power system designs and advanced communications technologies platforms.
This conference will provide participants with up-to-date information from Canadian utilities that are planning to devote resources toward deploying advanced communications technologies with the goal of improving power system reliability, security and cost.
www.euci.com/conferences/0409-smart-grid-ca/

April 20-21, 2009
Energy Matters Summit
Delta Meadowvale Resort and Conference Centre
Mississauga, ON
Hosted by the Region of Peel, Energy Matters provides delegates the opportunity to deliberate drivers and barriers to long-term energy planning and learn about the newest opportunities in sustainable corporate strategies.
www.peelregion.ca

April 23, 2009
2009 Green Toronto Awards
Direct Energy Centre
Toronto, Ontario
The City of Toronto in partnership with Green Living will roll out the green carpet at the 5th annual Green Toronto Awards ceremony and reception in honour of organizations, companies and individuals who are helping to lead the way to a greener Toronto. The Green Toronto Awards ceremony will kick-off the Green Living Show which opens to the public on the following day.
www.toronto.ca/greentorontoawards

April 23-24, 2009
Third Annual Cap-and-Trade Forum: Carbon Constraints and the Economy
Toronto, Ontario
www.insightinfo.com

April 27-29, 2009
EEGlobal Forum and Exposition
Palais Des Congres
Paris, France
Investments in energy efficiency reap huge returns - for individuals, companies, governments, economies and our planet. The EEGlobal Forum is a ''one-stop conference'' for the information, tools and contacts you need to capitalize on this enormous opportunity.
www.eeglobalforum.org

Please visit our website for many more upcoming events.
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