New Report Released
Canada has set a goal of cutting its emissions 40-45% by 2030 from 2005 levels and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) make up 99% of businesses in Canada and are the backbone of our economy in communities across the country. Yet how to mobilize SMEs to reduce their emissions, and adapt and thrive in the low-carbon transition has been largely overlooked. SME manufacturers in particular are one segment that will be impacted significantly by the low-carbon transition.
To help address this gap, Green Economy Canada and the Pembina Institute launched a pilot project with ten participants in Ontario focused on identifying the barriers and support SME manufacturers need to transition to a net-zero future. This project combined technical studies on greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction opportunities, alongside qualitative interviews on the barriers the participants face in decarbonizing. We also conducted a scan of what federal and Ontario-level policies exist to help or hinder SMEs on the path to net-zero. Read the report below.
Report Recommendations
Create an enabling environment for SME manufacturers to
make the net-zero transition.
This includes implementing mandates and setting goals around engaging SMEs in climate action, and growing green procurement and other market incentives to support SME decarbonization. It also includes continuing to increase building energy efficiency standards, expanding infrastructure and access to low-carbon fuels in rural communities, and moving towards a net-zero electricity grid.
Increase capacity-building for SMEs.
This includes putting more effort and resources behind climate awareness-building, helping SMEs level up their internal knowledge, skills and systems for the net-zero transition, connecting SMEs with information, experts and resources to support their transition, and partnering with intermediaries to understand and aggregate SME needs.
Target financial and programmatic support at SMEs.
This includes developing policies and programs specifically geared for SMEs, increasing the number and size of SME-friendly funding opportunities, and increasing the availability and awareness of SME-focused sustainable financing products.
Learn more about these recommendations and what SME manufacturers
can do today to get on the path to net-zero in our report!
Contact Us
Have questions?
We’re here to help.
If you’d like to learn more about how to transition your manufacturing processes to net-zero, please email Emma Murphy at: info@greeneconomy.ca.
Emma Murphy
Director, Sustainability and Innovation
Project Leads
Green Economy Canada
Green Economy Canada is a national non-profit accelerating Canada’s transition to a vibrant and inclusive net-zero future by engaging businesses and organizations in communities across the country. Through our growing network of 10 Green Economy Hubs and 250 Green Economy Leaders, we’re making business better together.
Pembina Institute
The Pembina Institute is a non-profit think tank that works to advance a prosperous clean energy future for Canada through credible policy solutions that support communities, the economy, and a safe climate.
Technical Partner
Delphi Group
Delphi is a boutique sustainability and climate change consulting firm whose mission is to transform the way leading organizations generate value to make our world better. For over three decades, Delphi has helped some of Canada’s highest-profile organizations be more transparent, accountable and prosperous in an ever changing landscape.
This project was made possible thanks to the generous support of the
ECHO Foundation, Ivey Foundation, Trottier Foundation and TD.
Do More with Green Economy Canada
Green Economy Canada is a national non-profit accelerating Canada’s transition to a vibrant and inclusive net-zero future. We support businesses of all sectors and sizes in taking action on climate change and creating more sustainable operations.
Through our growing network of Hubs, members and partners,
we’re making business better — together.
New Report Released
Canada has set a goal of cutting its emissions 40-45% by 2030 from 2005 levels and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) make up 99% of businesses in Canada and are the backbone of our economy in communities across the country. Yet how to mobilize SMEs to reduce their emissions, and adapt and thrive in the low-carbon transition has been largely overlooked. SME manufacturers in particular are one segment that will be impacted significantly by the low-carbon transition.
To help address this gap, Green Economy Canada and the Pembina Institute launched a pilot project with ten participants in Ontario focused on identifying the barriers and support SME manufacturers need to transition to a net-zero future. This project combined technical studies on greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction opportunities, alongside qualitative interviews on the barriers the participants face in decarbonizing. We also conducted a scan of what federal and Ontario-level policies exist to help or hinder SMEs on the path to net-zero. Read the report below.
Report Recommendations
Create an enabling environment for SME manufacturers to
make the net-zero transition.
This includes implementing mandates and setting goals around engaging SMEs in climate action, and growing green procurement and other market incentives to support SME decarbonization. It also includes continuing to increase building energy efficiency standards, expanding infrastructure and access to low-carbon fuels in rural communities, and moving towards a net-zero electricity grid.
Increase capacity-building for SMEs.
This includes putting more effort and resources behind climate awareness-building, helping SMEs level up their internal knowledge, skills and systems for the net-zero transition, connecting SMEs with information, experts and resources to support their transition, and partnering with intermediaries to understand and aggregate SME needs.
Target financial and programmatic support at SMEs.
This includes developing policies and programs specifically geared for SMEs, increasing the number and size of SME-friendly funding opportunities, and increasing the availability and awareness of SME-focused sustainable financing products.
Learn more about these recommendations and what SME manufacturers
can do today to get on the path to net-zero in our report!
Emma Murphy
Director, Sustainability and Innovation
Contact Us
Have questions?
We’re here to help.
If you’d like to learn more about how to transition your manufacturing processes to net-zero, please email Emma Murphy at: info@greeneconomy.ca.
Project Leads
Green Economy Canada
Green Economy Canada is a national non-profit accelerating Canada’s transition to a vibrant and inclusive net-zero future by engaging businesses and organizations in communities across the country. Through our growing network of 10 Green Economy Hubs and 250 Green Economy Leaders, we’re making business better together.
Pembina Institute
The Pembina Institute is a non-profit think tank that works to advance a prosperous clean energy future for Canada through credible policy solutions that support communities, the economy, and a safe climate.
Technical Partner
Delphi Group
Delphi is a boutique sustainability and climate change consulting firm whose mission is to transform the way leading organizations generate value to make our world better. For over three decades, Delphi has helped some of Canada’s highest-profile organizations be more transparent, accountable and prosperous in an ever changing landscape.
This project was made possible thanks to the generous support of the
ECHO Foundation, Ivey Foundation, Trottier Foundation and TD.
Do More with Green Economy Canada
Green Economy Canada is a national non-profit accelerating Canada’s transition to a vibrant and inclusive net-zero future. We support businesses of all sectors and sizes in taking action on climate change and creating more sustainable operations.
Through our growing network of Hubs, members and partners,
we’re making business better — together.