NEWS: Study shows Canada can meet global-warming reduction targets while growing jobs and economy Cloud computing adoption rising worldwide, while Canada lags behind Toronto Hydro-Electric System makes its data centre more energy efficient, offers customers incentive to do the same Air traffic authority claims cuts to GHGs Partners in Project Green launches Clinton Climate Initiative Purchasing Alliance for the Pearson Eco Business Zone

VIDEO: Cleantech in Canada- what is holding us back Cleantech in Canada - addressing the hurdles

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COLUMNS:

BC renewable energy regains momentum
By Cheryl Slusarchuk
The British Columbian renewable energy sector is back on the straight-away after a few tight corners over the past few months. First, there was the economic downturn. Then, the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) decided that it wouldn't endorse BC Hydro's 2008 Clean Power Call. Despite these setbacks, the provincial government has reiterated that BC's renewable energy sector will forge ahead as planned. more...

The Road to Copenhagen: What does the Canadian public expect?
By Keith Neuman, Ph.D.
The COP 15 international summit on climate change will be convening in Copenhagen in less than two months. While few would confidently predict the outcome, almost everyone agrees this will be a critical event in determining whether or not it is possible to reach a multi-lateral agreement on a problem that undeniably demands international action. The global commons of CO2, the fact that every country contributes to the problem, and in some way will experience its consequences, makes climate change the first major societal challenge that truly is global in scope. more...

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FEATURES:

Cleantech in Canada: Green Business / PwC Executive Roundtable highlights
The following four articles tackle different aspects of this recent executive roundtable event, focused on cleantech in Canada. Topics covered included Ontario's Green Energy Act; selling clean technology products to a client base that is still working to understand it; and selling products, in general, into the U.S. A stimulating and challenging conversation with some of Canada's industry leaders.
Cleantech in Canada: What is holding us back?

Addressing the hurdles in adopting green technologies

Selling cleantech products - a changing conversation

The Buy American Act - how to manage it

MicroFIT: An introduction
By Thomas Brett
On September 24th, in conjunction with the Feed-In Tariff (FIT) Program, the Ontario Government announced the MicroFIT Program (MicroFIT). MicroFIT is for small renewable generation, up to 10 kw in size. To be eligible for a MicroFIT Contract, the generator must be renewable, have its own meter, be capable of being connected to a local distribution grid (in other words, not "off-grid"), and have a "nameplate" (manufacturer's total installed rated capacity) capacity of 10 kw or less. MicroFIT is a streamlined, user-friendly version of the FIT Program for individuals, small businesses, and communities. more...

Eight key components of CSR Reports: A general framework
By Mel Wilson
In October, Craib Design & Communications with their partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers, released CSR Trends 3, a comprehensive survey of corporate social responsibility (CSR) report trends, benchmarks and best practices. As part of the report, PwC's Mel Wilson offered a list of eight key components that should be part of the preparation of any CSR report. more...

Land management – young company aims to capitalize on growing sustainability needs
By Lenny Talarico
More and more people are recognizing the imperative of transitioning to sustainable environmental practices. But when it comes to altering property, landowners often lack both the expertise to make informed decisions and the willpower to wade through the dizzying array of funding applications and governmental permits that are necessary to get the job done. Consequently, the prospect of naturalizing property can easily dishearten even the most determined green-minded landowners. Amidst these challenges, however, new business opportunities for concerned environmentalists have emerged. more...

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REVIEW:

CSR Trends 3
There are a plethora of books that explain how to introduce sustainability in your business, and reports that rank companies on their sustainability performance. However there are few that explain, succinctly, how to go about reporting your sustainability to the public. CSR Trends 3 fills that gap. more...

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

CBSR Summit: Transformational CSR, November 5, Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Toronto, Ontario

Ontario Sustainable Energy Association's (OSEA) first annual Community Power Conference, November 15-16, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building, Toronto, Ontario

APPrO 2009: The 21st Annual Canadian Power Conference and Networking Centre, November 17-18, Toronto, Ontario

Carbon Finance Workshop, November 23-25, The Westin Grand, Vancouver

Alberta Power Summit, November 24-25, The Metropolitan Centre, Calgary, Alberta

GLOBE 2010, March 24-26, Vancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver, BC

Check out the Calendar of Events on the Green Business website for more upcoming industry seminars, conferences, shows and training sessions.

Got an event you want us to include on the website? Please send an e-mail to editor Rob Colman: rcolman@clbmedia.ca.