Helping Small- and Medium-Sized Businesses With Energy Efficient Upgrades

Helping Small- and Medium-Sized Businesses With Energy Efficient Upgrades

New Program will Support Emissions Reductions and Help Businesses Save Money

November 8, 2016 10:00 A.M.

Ontario is launching a new program to help small- and medium-sized businesses reduce emissions and become more energy efficient.

The SMART Green program, a partnership between the government and the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME), is designed to assist businesses to invest in equipment and process upgrades including high-efficiency ovens, dryers, kilns and furnaces.

Upgrades will improve the competitiveness of Ontario's small- and medium-sized manufacturers, help to reduce their energy consumption, save them money, and help Ontario meet its targets for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction.

Partnering with small- and medium-sized businesses to fight climate change is part of our plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives.

QUOTES

" We are pleased to partner with Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters on the SMART Green program. It’s a great way to promote energy efficiency and to help Ontario businesses take advantage of the latest clean technology to stay competitive in a greener global economy."
- Brad Duguid
Minister of Economic Development and Growth

" The SMART Green program is an example of the incredible opportunity that exists to create good jobs and grow our economy at the same time. By partnering with the CME to promote the clean technologies that will help reduce emissions and increase efficiency, we can improve Ontario’s environment and our thriving innovation ecosystem."
- Reza Moridi
Minister of Research and Innovation and Science

" It’s imperative we take action on all fronts to effectively reduce greenhouse gas pollution. By helping businesses adopt clean technologies, we’ll improve their energy efficiency, reduce their carbon footprint and, importantly, help them save money."
- Glen R. Murray
Minister of the Environment and Climate Change

" We are proud of the significant progress manufacturers have already made on improving energy efficiency and reducing GHGs. The Smart Green program provides an opportunity to continue to invest in measures that will improve the environment, mitigate costs associated with carbon and improve competitiveness. It is a great example of partnership with government that we can build on."
- Ian Howcroft
Vice President, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters Ontario

QUICK FACTS

• Ontario is investing $25 million from the Green Investment Fund for the SMART Green program. Qualifying businesses will receive grants of up to $200,000 to cover up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs.
• The Ontario Green Investment Fund is a $325-million down payment on Ontario’s cap and trade program to create jobs, strengthen the economy and fight climate change.
• In just 10 years, Ontario has become a North American leader in the development, use and manufacturing of clean energy, with more than 30 solar and wind manufacturers operating in Ontario today.
• Ontario is investing nearly $100 million for projects that support cleantech innovation, create jobs and reduce GHG emissions over six years through the Green Investment Fund.

LEARN MORE

• Find out if your business qualifies for the SMART Green Program
• Ontario’s Climate Change Strategy
• Ontario’s Green Investment Fund

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