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February 2009 – Volume 3, Issue 2
Dear Readers,

Welcome to the February issue of the Green Business e-newsletter.

This is an interesting time for everything “green.” With the economy the way it is today, I’ve been asked on numerous occasions if sustainability is off the table as an issue. To the contrary, I believe that it’s going to be an even more critical consideration for companies that wish to distinguish themselves in a market that demands creativity and belt-tightening. The question every business has to ask itself is, “How can we gain market share today that will sustain us in the future?” Smart energy use and the innovative implementation of processes will be key.

For perspectives on how the government hopes to help businesses along, read more below. And for PwC’s perspective on how the forestry industry on the east coast can up its game through innovation, read Bruce McIntyre’s feature in this issue.

As always I welcome your comments and questions. Please don’t hesitate to email me at rcolman@clbmedia.ca.

Regards,
Robert Colman
Editor
Green Business




NEWS

Microsoft launches new environmental sustainability dashboard
On February 9, Microsoft Corp. announced the general availability of the Environmental Sustainability Dashboard for Microsoft Dynamics AX. The new toolset will enable mid-size businesses to capture data needed to measure key indicators related to energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Full story: Microsoft

Best Employers in Canada Study 2010: CBSR partners with Hewitt to develop new research criteria
Hewitt Associates has formed a strategic partnership with Canadian Business for Social Responsibility (CBSR) to develop a special research focus on employee engagement and corporate social responsibility. Experience has found that strong CSR practice correlates substantially with high levels of employee engagement.
Full story: CBSR

Dow Corning announces large private purchase of renewable energy in Michigan
Dow Corning Corporation announced February 10th an agreement to purchase more than 14,000 megawatt hours of wind generated renewable energy through Consumers Energy's Green Generation program, making Dow Corning one of the largest private purchasers of renewable energy in the State of Michigan.
Full story: Dow

More news:
ACCA endorses LEAD Canada's GRI-Certified Sustainability Reporting courses

McKinsey study considers emissions cuts manageable

COLUMNS

Building a winning strategy for the new economic game
By Rob Abbott

Let’s face it, people are nervous right now. The economy is convulsing and there is much talk about the environment being “off the table” of policy and business decision-making as the focus shifts to job protection or the containment of losses. While the fear is real and understandable, the solution is less about expensive and incremental change through bailouts and stimulus packages than a national economic strategy that heralds whole system change.
Full story: Strategy

Carbon trading in North America is now inevitable
By Cheryl Slusarchuk

The phrase “cap and trade” is largely unfamiliar to most North Americans, but it will soon be well-known at both boardroom tables and kitchen tables. Canadian and U.S. legislators have been contemplating carbon trading, mostly in the form of “cap and trade” regimes, and three regional regimes are in the works, at varying stages of development.
Full story: Carbon
FEATURES

Budget 2009: Infrastructure and energy, but is it enough?
In late January, the federal government’s budget was released to mixed reviews from those in the energy sector. While it supports “green” infrastructure projects and clean energy, it also dumped a valuable renewable power program.
Full story: Budget 2009

Carbon sequestration – what is holding us back?
By Robert Colman and Jennifer Armel

Research suggests CCS could help reduce greenhouse gas emission levels, and the Canadian government is putting a substantial piece of the most recent budget into seeing technologies like this take off – to the tune of $850 million. But introducing the technology is currently hampered by a number of stumbling blocks.
Full story: CCS

BioEnergy action recommended for the Atlantica Region’s forest industry
By Bruce McIntyre

To drive the Atlantica Region to the forefront of the renewable energy economy a new report from the Atlantica BioEnergy Task Force identifies issues and recommendations to be implemented. The Task Force—comprised of regional government, industry, utilities, federal and regional organizations and post secondary institutions—has the mandate to ensure the future sustainability and prosperity of the forest products industry across three jurisdictions: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and the state of Maine, which together constitute the Atlantica Region (the “Region”).
Full story: Atlantica

White papers
Spanning the Great Divide: A Report on the Relationship Between Canadian NGOs and Corporations
While a majority of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) welcome collaboration with the private sector to achieve mutual objectives, most see such engagement as a less-than-ideal solution that could threaten their independence and legitimacy as ‘watchdogs’ of corporate performance on social and environmental issues. This is one of the major findings of a survey of the NGO sector released today by NATIONAL Public Relations.
To read more about Spanning the Great Divide: A Report on the Relationship Between Canadian NGOs and Corporations, click here.

To go directly to the report, click here.

CALENDAR

February 25-27, 2009
Third Annual In-House Counsel Forum
St. Andrew's Club and Conference Centre
Toronto, Ontario
As the role of corporate counsel rapidly evolves, in-house counsel and corporate executives are re-examining what they expect of each other. Should corporate counsel be part of the senior management team? Does an employment relationship afford in-house counsel greater access to senior management, or does it diminish counsel's independence, giving external counsel the lead role in representing the organization? Is there a career path for corporate counsel outside law in the organization's business operations?
www.insightinfo.com

March 10-11, 2009
Sixth Annual B.C. Power Summit
Wosk Centre for Dialogue
Vancouver, B.C.
This program covers issues of strategic interest to the B.C. economy. Topics include: renewable and alternative energy options, clean power potential in B.C., and new developments in demand side management.
www.insightinfo.com

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 14-15, 2009
Ontario Hospital Association: Climate Change in Ontario
Toronto Board of Trade,
1 First Canadian Place, Toronto
Climate change is dominating the media, election debates and trends in business. But, what is the impact of climate change on organizations in Ontario? Businesses that ignore climate change do so at their peril; they must be prepared to address the potential impact of climate change, whether this be in response to growing consumer concerns, or by dealing with the potential adverse effects of severe weather conditions on the organization. The business sector also has a special role to play in advancing new products, technology, financing and pursuing the emerging opportunities in the green economy.
www.oha.com

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

Please visit our website for many more upcoming events.



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