There are enormous opportunities for businesses, industries and homeowners in trimming energy costs says the interim CEO of the Efficiency Nova Scotia Corporation.
Allan Crandlemire says businesses particularly can gain a competitive edge through saving energy.
The 4th annual Power of Green Conference, taking place Monday, November 8 in Halifax will discuss the advantage green brings. The afternoon panel session features Nova Scotia business people speaking from experience. Experts from government and industry will also be there to point business people in the right direction.
“Energy efficiency can be an economic driver,” says Crandlemire of Efficiency Nova Scotia, the new, non-profit energy efficiency corporation, independent of both government and Nova Scotia Power. Efficiency Nova Scotia is in charge of delivering programs, incentives and helping to change the way we think and act about energy efficiency.
“The goal is to help Nova Scotia businesses and families take dollars out of their energy bills so they can put those dollars into other priorities,” says Crandlemire. “None of us can control the price of energy, but we can take steps to lower our consumption and increase our efficiency. We are focused on saving energy – and energy savings.”
Energy audits and energy use monitoring for business can reap considerable economic benefits. And small businesses can also benefit from existing “direct install” programs with energy efficient products.
The Quality Inn Halifax Airport Hotel is one of the first hotels to participate in the province’s solar heating commercial rebate program. The hotel installed a 15-panel system.
Shelly Dean, General Manager at the Inn, says she is pleased with the results.
“We are looking at 15 – 20 percent savings,’’ says Dean. “There is an eight-year return on investment then we are home free with savings.
Marty Janowitz, Vice President, Practice Leader Sustainable Development at Stantec Consulting will be speaking at the conference at the World Trade and Convention Centre.
“You know a lot of business people think there has to be a ‘tug of war’ between the environment and economy,” says Janowitz.
“At this point, that has proved to be false. “Savvy businesses are now being rewarded by taking advantage of sustainable opportunities. “Stantec often sees opportunities to reduce waste and resources. We look for ‘triple bottom line’ so we get savings, help the environment and help people.”
“As energy consumers, we really don’t have a choice; we can take the initiative now, build capacity, innovate, and succeed, or we can wait to be taken there later, forced to do it by higher costs and environmental requirements,” adds Crandlemire.
As a business owner, energy costs can be a nagging expense. Suppliers, competitors, clients are all going green, but how much does that cost? How should you move forward?
“We don’t have to do it all at once but over time and with buy-in, the cumulative effect is enormously positive,” says Crandlemire. “Everyone needs to be engaged – together, even small steps, one by one, can achieve big results collectively.”
Websites like Nova Scotia Power at www.nspower.ca and Conserve Nova Scotia and grants and incentives at the federal government’s Natural Resources Canada website offer more information grants and incentives.
The conference keynote speakers will also include Galen Weston, Executive Chairman – Loblaw Companies Limited and Andrew Heintzman, Investeco investment firm President and CEO.
To register, or for more information on the conference, visit www.thepowerofgreen.ca.
A special rate is being offered for businesses affiliated with Nova Scotia chapters of the Chamber of Commerce, BALLE, ESANS, the Black Business Initiative and Charter Members of Nova Scotia Come to Life.
