Many corporations across New Brunswick are increasingly interested in taking action on climate change. However, they can face challenges in reducing their environmental impacts, including a lack of time, knowledge, and support to help them understand what actions to take and the business case of doing so.
Green Economy New Brunswick (GENB) is a newly launched resource for New Brunswick businesses to help fill this gap. This provincial Hub provides a variety of tools and resources, peer learning events, 1:1 support, and public recognition to help businesses succeed in making their operations sustainable while saving money, engaging their employees, and building their brand as Green Economy Leaders provincially and nationally.
The launch event on January 20, 2022, had over 100 attendees, with welcoming remarks from provincial Minister Gary Crossman (NB Ministry of Environment and Climate Change), federal Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency), and Minister Jonathan Wilkinson (Natural Resources Canada).
The event included a panel discussion on ‘Collective Business Action for a Net-Zero Future’ featuring John Wishart (The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Moncton), Dawn Arnold (City of Moncton), and New Brunswick business owners Emma Theriault (D.A.S. Concrete Countertops), and Greg MacPherson (Manulife Securities).
Climate change is a defining issue of our time and businesses have a critical role to play in solving this challenge. Given New Brunswick has set a target of reducing its carbon emissions by 47% from 2005 levels by 2030, programs like GENB will help accelerate climate action in the province and keep New Brunswick businesses competitive in a global transition to a low-carbon future.
GENB was funded by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency ($267,554), the province of New Brunswick ($267,554), the City of Moncton ($30K), and TD Canada Trust ($5K). Its development was initially enabled through the financial support of Natural Resources Canada.
“To develop and grow a sustainable economy, Atlantic Canadian businesses must incorporate clean technology, products, processes, and services that improve performance and protect the environment;” said the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. “Through this project, more SMEs will measure and reduce their environmental impact and greenhouse gas emissions, leading them to enjoy benefits such as direct savings, increased profits, and improved competitiveness and resiliency.”
“Funding for Green Economy New Brunswick will provide important support to New Brunswick’s small business community and raise the overall awareness of how businesses can take climate action across the province,” noted the Honourable Gary Crossman, New Brunswick Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation, “Initiatives like these are vital to New Brunswick’s climate resiliency and long-term economic development.”
“The need to act on climate change has never been greater, and the business benefits of doing so are significant,” said Priyanka Lloyd, Executive Director of Green Economy Canada, “We’re excited to see the launch of Green Economy New Brunswick as a local resource to help businesses take climate action while building a better business and a better future for generations to come.”
GENB is the 9th Hub in a national network led by the non-profit Green Economy Canada,. Businesses who join GENB will be connected to like-minded organizations across the country that are leading the transition to a thriving low-carbon economy.
During the launch event, we showcased the impactful work of our six founding members listed below.
- Manulife Securities
- D.A.S Concrete Countertops
- Sabian
- Tru Sun Solar Energy
- North Shore Micmac District Council
- Centre Culturel et Sportif de Cormier village
These businesses and organizations are demonstrating that climate action and profitability go hand in hand. Learn more about their sustainability journey and the business benefits of reducing your environmental impact in our launch video.
If you’re interested in making your business stronger and more resilient through climate action, get in touch. We’d love to help.
Listen to GENB’s interview on CBC Radio to learn more about the new Hub.