MESSAGE FROM CEO
What Brings Out the Best in Us?
When we act on the basis of our core values, we nearly always end up doing the right thing.
Let’s reflect on that as we celebrate the birthdays of Canada and the United States in the next two weeks. During this pandemic year especially, it’s worth considering how core values have served us well in both our countries.
What are our core values? The University of Waterloo has studied this extensively. Their Canadian Index of Well Being is a good place to start. After extensive public consultations they identify Canada’s core consensus values as being: Fairness; Diversity; Equity; Inclusion; Health; Safety; Economic security; Democracy and Sustainability.
Energy Savvy Companies Can Now Reduce Borrowing Costs!
Companies focused on energy efficiency and carbon emission reductions can now earn a financial reward in the form of lower interest rates. John Uhren, Head of Sustainable Finance, Products & Strategy for BMO Financial Group, revealed this new opportunity for borrowers in a webinar presented by 360 Energy.
BMO, one of Canada’s largest financial institutions, is offering a new product called Sustainability Linked Loans (SLL). Companies that are committed to making measurable progress in meeting their Environment Social and Governance (ESG) targets may be eligible to access this innovative financing facility.
“Sustainability Linked Loans are one example of how BMO is getting capital to companies pursuing sustainable outcomes,” Uhren said. The bank is committed to mobilizing $400 Billion in financing by 2025 to help companies make meaningful progress on solving what he called, “the problems of tomorrow”.
Three Actions Slashed Energy Costs 40% for this Greenhouse Grower
Greenhouse growers can proactively save a lot of money on their energy use. In these perilous economic times, they need every advantage they can get. After all, energy nearly always represents the second largest cost centre for a grower.
Greenhouses can no longer afford to passively view energy as an uncontrollable expense.
One Canadian greenhouse reduced energy costs by more than $400,000 in one year by taking three simple actions. The three actions are available to any greenhouse operator, whether they operate in a regulated or de-regulated energy market.
How has COVID-19 disrupted Canadian Energy Markets?
Early June is an important time for large electricity users in Ontario. Between now and June 15th, large power users face an important decision. They can register for Class A Global Adjustment rates or choose Class B rates under the Industrial Conservation Initiative (ICI).
Companies with a monthly average demand of least 500 kW are eligible to participate in the Class A program. But, they must opt-in each year to enter, or to continue, in the ICI Class A category.
Email messages will soon be arriving from local electricity providers notifying eligible consumers of the opportunity to apply for Class A rates for the coming year.
Coaches Circle
Be Prepared!
Forest fires sweeping through British Columbia and California. Massive snowfalls in New York. Hurricanes pummeling the American south. Flooding and tornadoes hitting Ontario hard.
Many businesses have had to shut down on short notice due to extreme weather events. The impacts were costly and highly disruptive. Being prepared in advance may not eliminate costly disaster outcomes. But an emergency preparedness plan will help minimize damage and accelerate the process of getting your business back to normal.
Does your disaster preparedness plan specifically address energy? Here are a few questions a robust and energy-conscious plan will answer:
