MBiz

19 SUMMER 2024 Program director Christa Rust recognizes the importance of pro- moting Manitoba as a leader in the transition to net-zero. She also un- derstands the importance of provid- ing financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to help them to assess and plan for a greener future. "The first phase of the initiative focuses on developing a roadmap to identify both strengths and growth opportunities for Manitoba in the green economy," Rust explains. "All this is made possible with critical funding from PrairiesCan and support of the province." She notes that the initiative aims to bring together business and community leaders to develop the data-driven strategy. Program manager Sarah Duval explains the details of the granting program, which is the second phase of the initiative. "MGA will provide 60 SMEs with up to $10,000 each in financial grants, which will identify opportunities to incorporate sustainable practices into their operations," Duval says. "These grants will help business- es develop an understanding of where they're at when it comes to sustainability and empower them to invest in smart green initiatives." Rust points to Statistics Canada data from the first quarter of 2024 indicating that only 7.2 per cent of Manitoba businesses with 20 to 99 employees currently have commit- ments to net-zero carbon emissions. "This is significantly lower than in neighbouring prairie provinces, where 17.4 per cent of similar busi- nesses in Saskatchewan and 14.5 per cent in Alberta have such commit- ments," she says. "Comparisons aside, in order to achieve our national targets and mitigate the growing impacts of cli- mate change, we all need to engage in the net-zero economy." The recent Manitoba Business Outlook Survey further highlights that Manitoba businesses need substantial support to transition towards sustainability practices. "Despite growing concerns about climate change, only 45 per cent of Manitoba's business leaders cur- rently incorporate environmental considerations into their strategic planning," Rust says. "They specifically need financial support, energy-efficiency programs with incentives and methods to identify cost-effective emissions reduction strategies." A net-zero economy is achieved when the total amount of green- house gases emitted is balanced by an equivalent amount removed from the atmosphere. "For business, this means funda- mentally overhauling their opera- tions, products and supply chains," Rust says. "To achieve this balance, compa- nies must engage in research and innovation, investing in renewable energy and sustainable materi- als. When a complete reduction of emissions is not feasible, adopting carbon offsets can serve as a viable alternative." Business leaders can enhance operations by assessing environ- mental impacts, setting ambitious reduction targets and embedding sustainability throughout their busi- ness models. Left to right: Jack Winram, executive director, Manitoba Environmental Industries Association; Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada; Dennis Cunningham, manager of environmental sustainability, Assiniboine Credit Union; Christa Rust, program director of MGA, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce; Colleen Kuruluk, CEO, Efficiency Manitoba; Chuck Davidson, president and CEO, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

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