Canada’s Businesses are Getting in the Green

Canada’s Businesses are Getting in the Green

In the face of climate change, businesses worldwide are recognizing the urgency to reduce their carbon footprint and become more sustainable.

Green Economy Canada (GEC), a national not-for-profit, has been at the forefront of accelerating Canada's transition to a vibrant and inclusive net-zero future. Through their network of Green Economy Hubs, they bring together businesses from all sectors and sizes across the nation, supporting and celebrating their efforts to combat climate change and integrate sustainability into their operations.

LEADING THE WAY TO GREENER PASTURES

Over the past decade, GEC’s network has achieved remarkable success in promoting sustainable practices among its members. Together, these businesses have collectively reduced over 200,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions— equivalent to taking 60,000 cars off the road for one year. What makes it possible and what sets GEC apart is the practical, cost-effective, and hands-on support their Hubs provide to help businesses set and achieve their sustainability goals, alongside a significant focus on community-building. From offering a step-by-step guided process, to helping members measure, reduce, and report on their carbon footprint, to fostering opportunities to learn and share best practices with peers, the GEC network makes it easy for Canadian businesses to operate sustainably. Members are profiled locally and nationally, and are recognized as Green Economy Leaders for making and working towards a tangible commitment to climate action.

Despite facing significant challenges like the global pandemic, GEC's network has continued to expand and thrive. In the last few years, they launched three new Green Economy Hubs, including their first provincial and bilingual Hub in New Brunswick, along with a virtual National Hub to support businesses from any region in Canada. GEC also spearheaded various special projects focused on sustainable procurement, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and net-zero manufacturing.

NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT

While interest in climate action and GEC’s network is increasing, taking steps to reduce their carbon emissions can still feel like a luxury for many businesses. From high inflation, to supply chain challenges, to worker shortages, businesses have a lot on their plates. However, the global transition to net zero is already underway and changing the expectations of businesses. Canada’s carbon price is set to hit $170/tonne by 2030, large corporations are pushing greening requirements through their supply chains, and investors are recognizing that inaction on climate change is a significant business risk. Taking steps now to go green can help organizations adapt and prepare for the future while also improving the bottom line.

Members of GEC’s network are showing that sustainability and good business go hand-in-hand. Businesses like Riverside Natural Foods (producers of the organic snack brand, “Made Good”), London Brewing (a co-operative brewery), Earth Group (a bottled water social enterprise) and SABIAN (a cymbal manufacturer) understand that reducing their energy consumption not only lowers their carbon footprint, but saves on rising energy costs and positions them to be a supplier of choice. Organizations like Wild Rock Outfitters (an outdoor adventure store), Boardwalk REIT (a real-estate investment trust), Port Saint John (largest port by volume in Atlantic Canada), Goodwill Industries of Alberta (a non-profit thrift retailer), and Environics Research (a market re search and consultancy firm) are seizing the low-carbon transition as an opportunity to attract and retain employees and demonstrate leadership with customers and their community.

Regardless of sector or size, every business can make a dif ference, and every business can benefit by doing its part to create a better future for generations to come. Yet, knowing how to get started or where to go next can be challenging. No matter where your organization is in its sustainability journey, GEC's network can help. They've built a growing network of hundreds of businesses seeing real results and inspiring real change, and they are on a mission to engage organizations in every corner of Canada to build a thriving sustainable future for all.

Learn more and join the movement at greeneconomy.ca