Ontario has always been at the forefront of green innovation. Over the past few years, it has offered various grants to businesses dedicated to reducing their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and become more energy efficient enterprises. Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario, quotes that these initiatives will reduce GHG emission “….while promoting the innovative and disruptive technologies that will improve productivity and secure our economic future.”
The overall plan for climate change initiatives for businesses involves four components: investing in people’s skills and abilities, driving the largest investment in public infrastructure in the history of Ontario, creating an innovative business environment and enabling a secure retirement savings plan.
Off all the varied climate change initiatives undertaken by the Government in association with local ministries, we at Kelid™ explore the one that is receiving a lot of attention among technology sectors is the CME SMART Green Program.
CME SMART Green Program
This program is delivered by Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters Association (CME), Canada’s largest trade and industry association, in partnership with the Government of Ontario. It is set to change the course of small- and medium-sized companies and encourage them to come up with creative solutions to become strong, energy efficient businesses.
CME will now offer grants up to $25 million to manufacturers who are actively taking measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and becoming more environment-friendly and sustainable businesses. The program is created to improve the competitiveness and efficiency of the Ontario manufacturing supply chain of small, medium and large-sized manufacturers.
The objective of the program is two-fold:
1. The project aims to create environmental awareness and sustainable living by taking practical steps to fight climate change setting for businesses to consider green innovation in their technological efforts.
2. It also aims to grow the economy by improving productivity, increasing efficiency and creating jobs.
The Program will be launched in November 2016 and the funding is provided on first-come, first serve basis (upon review) until the total funding amount is assigned.
Funding Guidelines
- Businesses are eligible for 50% reimbursement for all incurred costs. They will receive up to $200,000 in non-repayable grants targeted at implementing capital investment projects that reduce emissions, utilize green technologies, and implement best practices for process/product improvement.
- Support is available for 110 projects across Ontario.
- Applicants can apply for up to 5 facilities up to a maximum of $500,000.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for CME SMART Green Grant, an Ontario manufacturer must:
- Have been in operation for minimum three years
- Have at least 10 employees
- Have greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) of less than 25,000 tonnes
- Not be participant of Ontario’s Cap and Trade Program
- Have an upcoming project. Past projects or those currently in works are not eligible
- The main focus of the project should be to reduce the intensity of GHG emissions on a gross or per-unit basis. This could be achieved by implementing green technologies, by upgrading processes, equipment, or end products; or by implementing productivity improvements which have direct impact on GHG reductions
- Projects that improve productivity but do not reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are not eligible.
The project may be an assessment or implementation project:
- Assessment projects – These projects focus on utilizing third-party expertise to assess GHG reduction opportunities within manufacturing facilities.
- Implementation projects – These projects focus on equipment and process integration costs.
A single assessment audit and one implementation project can be completed per facility for one to five facilities by licensed auditors.
Application Process
- All projects are required to obtain a technical assessment report which includes current state analysis of GHG emissions
- An annual post-implementation verification that highlights proven reduction in GHG emissions
The SMART Green Grant is a great asset to the small- and medium-sized businesses as it provides them enough funding to create profitable businesses and lead innovation in building sustainable businesses and communities. These early adopters can benefit greatly by adopting the green technology of the future. This sustainable and green innovation-based business model and the accompanying support is actively being encouraged by other regions in the country and North America.
So what does your upcoming project look like? Do your company and your project meet the eligibility criteria to receive the CME SMART Green Program? Are you building the company of the future? Our team of experts can help you find out. Contact Kelid™ to set up a free consultation TODAY!
Think Green, Think Growth!
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