Your Business and the Environment Info-Guide

The following Info-Guide is a document designed to help you navigate through the different government programs, services and regulations which deal with the environment and your business.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. General Information
2. Programs and Services
3. Financing
4. Regulations
5. Taxation
6. Other Resources   

1. General Information

Canadian business and industry are the backbone of our economy and fundamental to our quality of life. However, as they create new economic opportunities, new markets and new jobs, environmental issues increasingly become a part of business operations, and as a result new ways of doing business with the environment in mind are emerging. This guide covers some of the resources available to your business with environmental concerns in mind.

Working with Industry and Business to Address Climate Change

The Climate Change Plan for Canada outlines the role the key sector of Industry and Business can play to reduce emissions, while continuing to grow and prosper.

The Government of Canada (GoC) will invest millions:

2. Programs and Services

General Information

National Environmental Indicators and State of the Environment Reporting Program — Knowledge Integration Directorate

The  Knowledge Integration Directorate, Environment Canada, reports on the state of Canada's environment by showing how human activities affect environmental conditions and trends and impacts on human and ecosystem health.

Under the State of the Environment Reporting Program, the National Indicators and Reporting Office of Knowledge Integration Directorate develops and reports on a national set of environmental indicators that track key environmental issues.

For further information:
see the document : National Environmental Indicators and State of the Environment Reporting Program — Knowledge Integration Directorate

Environmental Choice Program - EcoLogo Marketing

The Environmental Choice Program responds to demands by Canadian consumers for a credible assessment of and information on products, services, technologies, processes, operations and facilities that are less harmful to the environment.

For further information:
visit the web site: EcoLogo Program
see the document : Environmental Choice Program - EcoLogo Marketing

Buildings

The Commercial buildings sector is asked to make its buildings more energy efficient and to increase the use of renewable energy. Some GoC investments are thus vehicled through the following programs:

Energy Efficiency Publications - Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)

Numerous publications on topics related to energy efficiency and alternative energy are published by the  Office of Energy Efficiency . The publications are aimed at the general public and are free in Canada. The publications that target industrial, commercial and institutional (ICI) programs, however, carry a fee.

For further information:
please call 1-800-387-2000 or 613-995-2943
see the document : Energy Efficiency Publications

Energy Innovators Initiative - Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)

Up to $25 000 for Retrofit Planning

Commercial or institutional organizations with annual energy bills of $100 000 or more could qualify for up to 50% of eligible costs for energy audits, feasibility studies, energy management plans and other project development measures.

Up to $250 000 for Retrofit Projects

Commercial or institutional organizations could qualify for up to 25% of eligible costs - based on projected energy savings - for project development and management, lighting, heating, controls, monitoring, training and other energy-saving measures.

For further information:
please call 1-877-360-5500
visit the web site: Energy Innovators Initiative
see the document: Energy Efficiency Programs - Industrial Sector

Industrial Building Incentive Program - Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)

Up to $80 000 for Industrial Innovators that are building new industrial buildings.

Fosters the integration of industrial building design and process design in order to encourage energy efficiency in the designs of industrial buildings.

For further information:
please call 1-877-360-5500
visit the web site: Industrial Building Incentive Program

Transportation

The transportation sector is being asked to make greater use of renewable and alternative fuels such as ethanol and biodiesel. The commercial transportation sector is also being asked to adopt other emission reduction technologies and improve fleet management techniques. Following are some programs that can help the transportation sector achieve this goal:

Freight Sustainability Demonstration Program - Transport Canada (TC)

Up to $250 000 to a maximum of 50% of eligible costs

Private enterprises and non-profit organizations can apply for funding towards demonstration projects in the areas of truck, rail, marine and air freight transportation in Canada. The projects must demonstrate and evaluate innovative, practical and cost-effective technologies and best practices to reduce the growth of greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption.

For further information:
please call 613-991-1196
visit the web site: Freight Sustainability Demonstration Program   

Technology and Innovation

To help industry meet climate change targets, as well as lay the foundation for new, cleaner technologies and economic opportunities, the Government of Canada will invest in technology and innovation, including allocations to Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) in Budget 2003. Most of this investment will focus on five areas critical to achieving the climate change goals:

Emerging Technologies Program (ETP) - Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)

Up to 50% repayable funding assistance

Clients to date include the pulp and paper, iron and steel, cement, oil and gas, and food and beverage sectors but all Canadian industrial sectors are eligible.Emerging Technologies Program's funding assistance for technical assessments of energy-efficient technologies, prototype development and field trials. It is repayable from revenue or cost savings resulting from the project.

For further information:
please call 613-996-6165
visit the web site: Emerging Technologies Program
see the document: Emerging Technologies Program - ETP

Renewable Energy Technologies Program (RETP) - Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)

Stakeholders in the energy industry, such as manufacturers, developers, consultants, utilities, provincial governments and other federal departments are eligible for the support from the RETP. The RETP helps industry to generate competitive and environmentally responsible alternatives to conventional energy generation. Technologies under development by the RETP include small hydro, active solar energy, wind energy and bioenergy.

For further information:
please call 613-996-6087
visit the web site: Canadian Renewable Energy Network

Program for New Environmental Technologies Evaluation (NETE) - Ontario Ministry of Environment

The Program for New Environmental Technologies Evaluation provides an opportunity for the private sector to have new environmental technologies evaluated and assessed by the Ontario Ministry of Environment. Under this program, the ministry will provide a written opinion on the potential of a particular technology's application in Ontario and whether it is likely to satisfy site-specific applications of new technologies.

For further information:
please call 416-327-8220
visit the web site: New Environmental Technology Evaluation Program (PDF 46 KB)
see the document: Program for New Environmental Technologies Evaluation (NETE)

Technology Roadmaps - Industry Canada (IC)

Technology Roadmaps identify the new critical technologies, skills and competencies required to meet future market demands. The roadmaps are initiated and supported by the combined strengths of Canadian industry, academic institutions, research organizations and governments.

For further information:
please call 613-954-3040
visit the web site: Technology Roadmaps
see the document: Technology Roadmaps

Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) - Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD)

The Foundation is a catalyst for creative, collaborative solutions that deliver positive environmental and economic impacts to Canadians. The Foundation fosters the rapid development, demonstration and pre-commercialization of technological solutions, which address climate change and air quality.

Among other eligibility criteria, proponents must be part of a partnership/consortium composed of a combination of a private sector commercial corporation and one or more of the following:

• a private sector commercial corporation which could be a technology manufacturer, distributor or user;
• a university or college;
• a private sector research institute;
• a non-profit corporation;
• a non-governmental organization;
• a federal or provincial crown corporation (or subsidiary) whose role is the provision of resources and/or facilities to the consortium as a sub-contractor.

For further information:
please call 613-234-6313
visit the web site: Sustainable Development Technology Canada

Forests

Planting fast-growing trees helps offset GHG emissions.

Forest 2020/Greencover - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)

Through its four components (Land Conversion; Critical Areas; Technical Assistance; Shelterbelts), Forest 2020/Greencover will provide eligible clients with technical and financial assistance for the following:

• land conversion;
• improved grassland management practices;
• water quality protection;
• enhanced biodiversity;
• improved wildlife habitat.

For further information:
please call 1-866-844-5620
visit the web site: Greencover Canada
see the document Greencover Canada - Land Conversion

Large Industrial Emitters

Large industrial emitters (i.e., oil and gas sector, electricity, mining and manufacturing sectors) have been asked to reduce GHG emissions. The sectors are vitally important to Canada's economy and response to climate change. The Government is working closely with the large industrial emitters to help minimize the cost of achieving the objective.

Energy Efficiency Programs - Industrial Sector - Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)

The purpose is to provide a framework for a voluntary government/industry alliance to help Canada achieve its economic and climate change initiatives through greater energy efficiency in Canada's manufacturing and mining sectors. NRCan administers the following two programs:

Canadian Industry Program for Energy Conservation (CIPEC) - Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)

The Canadian Industry Program for Energy Conservation  provides a framework mechanism for coordinating the development of energy-efficiency goals, action plans and services for each industrial sector. CIPEC provides:

• technical guidebooks;
• newsletters on the latest energy efficiency information from NRCan and industry;
• networking opportunities with other industrial energy managers.

For further information:
please call 1-800-387-2000 or 613-993-2943

Industrial Energy Innovators (IEI) - Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)

The initiative recruits and encourages industrial energy users at the corporate level to develop long-term energy-management planning and replication strategies for their companies. IE Innovators have access to a variety of energy efficiency products and services developed by NRCan's Office of Energy Efficiency (OEE). Innovators are also regularly updated on CIPEC's international technical information network, new technologies, operating practices and the latest "Dollars to $ense" series of energy management workshops. The OEE also offers a good selection of free in-house case studies and reports that outline new money- and energy-saving technologies.

For further information:
please call 1-877-360-5500
visit the web site: Business: Industrial

Human Resources

Environmental Youth Corp. - Canadian Council for Human Resources in the Environment Industry (CCHREI)

Up to $8 000 to $12 000 wage subsidy

EYC supplies companies with:

• a database of hundreds of pre-screened, work-ready young professionals;
• a wage subsidy of up to $8 000 - $12 000 (depending on the length and type of project your company is undertaking).

For further information:
please call 403-233-0748 or 1-800-962-9562
visit the web site: ECO Canada
see the document: Environmental Youth Corp. (EYC) and EYC International

EcoAction Community Funding Program - Environment Canada (EC)

Average $25 000 for matching a projects funds or in-kind support

Non-profit, non-government groups can apply for funding. This includes community groups, environmental groups, service clubs, First Nations and aboriginal groups, associations and youth or seniors' organizations. ecoAction encourages projects that protect, rehabilitate or enhance the natural environment, and build the capacity of communities to sustain activities into the future. Projects require matching funds or in-kind support from other sponsors. Funding support is available for projects that address Environment Canada's priority environmental issues.

For further information:
please call 1-800-668-6767
see the document: EcoAction Community Funding Program

State of the Environment (SOE) Reporting Program - Environment Canada (EC)

The SOE Reporting Program is an Infobase web site that attempts to answer five key questions:

• What is happening in the environment (i.e., how are environmental conditions and trends changing)?
• Why is it happening (i.e., how are human activities and other stresses linked to the issue in question)?
• Why is it significant (i.e., what are its ecological and socioeconomic effects)?
• What is being done about it (i.e., how is society responding to the issues through government and industry action and voluntary initiatives)?
• Is this sustainable (i.e., are human actions depleting environmental capital and causing deterioration of ecosystem health)?

For further information:
please call 1 800 668-6767
visit the web site: State of the Environment (SOE) Infobase
see the document: National Environmental Indicators and State of the Environment Reporting Program — Knowledge Integration Directorate

3. Financing

Access to capital is one of the most challenging aspects of business ownership for any entrepreneur, there are a variety of programs and organizations that can help business owners secure start up financing as well as development capital.

• Financing for Starting a Business Info-Guide
• Financing for Established Businesses Info-Guide

4. Regulations

Environmental Assessment and Approvals Branch - Ontario Ministry of Environment

As part of the Ontario Ministry of Environment, the Environmental Assessment and Approvals Branch provides "one-window" service for regulatory environmental approvals for the province.

For further information:
please call 416-314-8001 or 1-800-461-6290
visit these web sites:
Environmental Assessment Activities
Business and the Environment
The Ministry of the Environment and Your Business
What to Expect When an Environmental Officer Inspects Your Facility
The Ministry of the Environment and Your Business
see the document: Environmental Assessment and Approvals Branch

Environmental Acts and Regulations - web site

Environmental Acts, Regulations and Agreements is a gateway to online federal and provincial resources about environmental acts and regulations. As well as summaries, the site provides contact information and links to the full text of the Act or regulation on the Department of Justice's online database.

For further information:
see the document: Environmental Acts and Regulations - Web Site

Energy Efficiency Regulations - Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)

A bulletin board of regulations that eliminate inefficient energy-using products from the market to protect Canadian consumers and our environment. For example, regulations that affect dishwashers, water heaters, thermopumps etc.

For further information:
please call 1-800-387-2000 or 613-993-2943
visit the web site: Canada's Energy Efficiency Regulations

Canadian Environmental Quality Guidelines - Environment Canada (EC) and Health Canada (HC)

The Canadian Environmental Quality Guidelines are provided by the National Guidelines and Standards Office (NGSO), part of Environment Canada. NGSO provides nationally approved, science-based measures of environmental quality including guidelines, standards, and objectives. The primary focus of the group is the development of national guidelines for the quality of the following:

• water (HC);
• sediment;
• soil;
• fish tissue residues.

Guidelines are recommended numerical or narrative limits for a variety of pollutants (organic and inorganic chemicals) or environmental quality characteristics (such as dissolved oxygen or pH), which, if not met, may impair the health of Canadian ecosystems.

For further information:
please call 819-953-1550 (EC) or 613-952-2594 (HC)
visit the web site: Water Quality and Health
see the document: Canadian Environmental Quality Guidelines

5. Taxation

Dealing with Business Taxes

All businesses must be aware of the various taxes that may apply to their product or service. Depending on the type and location of products or services being offered, federal, provincial and/or municipal business taxes may apply.

For further information:
see the document: Taxation Info-Guide

6. Other Resources

Publications

Understanding Climate Change

Environmental Data and Statistics

EnviroZine - Environment Online Newsmagazine

A Guide to Climate Change for Small-to Medium-sized Enterprises (1.26MB)

Web sites of Interest

Climate.org

David Suzuki Foundation

International Institute for Sustainable Development - Climate Change

Need more information?

Click: Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre
Call: 1-800-567-2345
Visit: our  Regional Access Program Locations page to locate an office near you

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Some of the organizations listed above are not subject to the federal Official Languages Act or the French Language Services Act of Ontario. Their services may not be available in both official languages.

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DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this document is of a general nature only and is not intended to constitute advice for any specific fact situation. Users concerned about the reliability of the information should consult directly with the source, or seek legal counsel.

Links Policy
Some of the hypertext links lead to non-federal government sites which are not subject to the Official Languages Act and the material is available in one language only.