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Green Economy Peterborough members including Engage Engineering celebrated the sustainability efforts of their peers at the annual Leadership in Sustainability Awards celebration in April 2024. The business network recently launched the “Discover” and “Insight” membership tracks for small businesses that are at earlier stages in their sustainability journey. (Photo: Heather Doughty)
By: Jackie Donaldson, Green Economy Peterborough hub coordinator, GreenUP
“Climate action is good for business,” is the catchy tagline used by GreenUP’s Green Economy Peterborough (GEP) program. And while it speaks true to the many benefits for organizations that reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, for small business owners, it can be difficult and confusing to know what this means and where to start.
For a business, actions to reduce climate impact can result in increased efficiency, cost savings, more customers, employee pride, and of course, that general good feeling of knowing you are contributing to a greener future. Green Economy Peterborough is a GreenUP program that works with business owners to understand and strategically implement these important actions.
“Green Economy Peterborough was built on our Green Economy Leader program, a comprehensive initiative in which businesses work through a process to measure and reduce their environmental impact,” states Natalie Stephenson, director of programs at GreenUP. “When we launched in 2021, it drew the interest — and still does — of local business champions ready to make big changes for the climate. Soon, however, we recognized there were other business leaders at different stages with different needs.”
GEP, and umbrella organization, Green Economy Canada, went back to the drawing board to create a more expansive membership offering. Community Futures, who recognize the cost savings and value inherent in the program provided financial support for outreach development.
Trent School of the Environment director Stephen Hill speaks to Green Economy Peterborough business leaders at the annual Leadership in Sustainability Awards celebration in April 2024. (Photo: Heather Doughty)
Now, whether you’re a “green curious”, deep-dive ready, or fully committed business operating with an established sustainability focus, Green Economy Peterborough has a membership track for you.
Discover
The new Discover track is a great option for businesses that want to be informed of upcoming learning opportunities, business sustainability news and trends, and legislative changes. This track is for organizations that are beginning to explore the concepts and opportunities of business sustainability, are micro- or home-based businesses, or who have secure low-carbon strategies already in place.
Insight
Members of the new Insight track will be assisted to measure greenhouse gas sources material to their operations. With this data, Green Economy Peterborough produces an emissions inventory that aligns with the World Resources Institute’s GHG Protocol.
Jennifer Meek (middle) accepts the Leadership Through Teamwork award on behalf of Charlotte Products at the Leadership in Sustainability Awards in April 2024. Meek is pictured with Green Economy Peterborough hub coordinator Jackie Donaldson and City of Peterborough climate change manager James Byrne. (Photo: Heather Doughty)
Depending on the member, this may be used to develop an internal sustainability program, or it may guide them to become a Lead member.
Lead
The Lead track is Green Economy Peterborough’s premier membership track.
These members have committed to a process in which they measure their operational greenhouse gas emissions (like those produced by natural gas and electricity use, business travel, and waste management), set a reductions target, and develop and fulfil an action plan, which include low- and no-cost actions, to achieve that target. Celebrated as mentors to our business community, the commitment, activities, and experience of these members are shared with GEP peers and promoted publicly.
The Lead track is perfect for organizations that want to make sustainability a priority and wish to align it with their business brand, values, and strategic vision.
Locally, Green Economy Leaders are 30 strong and represent a broad selection of sectors. Most recent to join the network are Basterfield & Associates, a landscape architecture firm involved in the development of many iconic outdoor spaces in the Peterborough area (including Millennium Park and Beavermead Park), and the Morton Medical Centre in Douro-Dummer, a community-built, non-profit healthcare facility, home to a team of family physicians and other healthcare practitioners. Like their seasoned Lead peers, they are committed to reducing their environmental impact: taking care of business while taking care of their community.
Curious about what Green Economy Peterborough can do for your business?
Contact Jackie Donaldson, Green Economy Peterborough hub coordinator, GreenUP at jackie.donaldson@greenup.on.ca, or visit www.greeneconomypeterborough.ca to see the full roster of local Green Economy Leaders and to learn more about our new membership tracks.