Sustainability Links: Canada

The Environment and Sustainable Development Indicators Initiative of the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy

How are we really doing – for the long run? Can our economy keep on supporting us as one of the most developed countries in the world, particularly given our high use of natural resources? What will be left for our children to build their own futures?

To answer these vital questions, we need an accurate and trusted measurement system that puts economic development in perspective with human development and the state of the environment, which supports our economy and lifestyle. Canada’s National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy (NRTEE) led a historic first attempt at measuring the long-term sustainability of Canada’s economic activity.

Canadian Business for Social Responsibility

CBSR is the globally-recognized source for corporate social responsibility (CSR) knowledge and expertise in Canada. Founded in 1995, CBSR is a business-led, non-profit learning organization that provides its members with candid counsel and customized services as they formulate powerful business decisions that improve performance and contribute to a better world.

A Guide to Sustainability. From: Canadian Choices for Transitions to Sustain

The Projet de société is a national, multi-stakeholder process dedicated to planning for a sustainable future. It originated at a meeting held in November 1992 when about 40 people who had been involved in Canada's preparation for the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) decided that a new organization was needed to maintain the momentum and to prepare the National Sustainable Development Strategy (NSDS) called for in Agenda 21.

CANMET Energy Technology Centre

CANMET Energy Technology Centre (CETC) is Canada's leading federal government S&T organization with a mandate to develop and demonstrate energy efficient, alternative and renewable energy technologies and processes. CETC has facilities in Devon, Alberta; Varennes, Quebec; and Ottawa, Ontario.

Canada Leads Drive in Green Procurement

Business in Canada as in the rest of the world is changing.  In 2004, China became its second largest trading partner, after the United States and a wider range of developing countries, both in the Far East, South East Asia and other regions, are all producing more goods than they used to.  As time goes on and the world economy becomes more globalized, it is probable that Canada will purchase more goods and services from overseas developing countries than it did in the past.

America's Gas Tank - The High Cost of Canada's Oil and Gas Expansion (PDF)

Canada, not Saudi Arabia, is the single largest supplier of oil and gas to the United States. This October 2002 report from NRDC and the Sierra Club of Canada shows that U.S. demand for fossil fuels is destroying Canadian air, land and water resources. Oil and gas production, driven by an insatiable demand south of the border, is threatening huge swaths of Canadian wilderness and marine areas, increasing greenhouse gas emissions, and exposing millions of Canadians in rural areas to dangerous air emissions.

Sustainability Reporting Toolkit for Canadians

Many companies internationally and in Canada, are incorporating economic, environmental and social information into their public reports. Companies are providing this information in response to demands from shareholders, as well as a broader group of stakeholders such as communities, customers, employees and regulators. Corporate sustainability reports help these audiences make informed decisions about their involvement with individual companies.

A corporate sustainability report is a vehicle to communicate with stakeholders on a company’s economic, environmental and social management and performance. Sustainability reporting addresses how societal trends are affecting the company, and how the company’s presence and operations are affecting society. As such, sustainability reporting can demonstrate a company’s motivation and willingness to position itself in a broader context.

Sustainable Communities: Local Solutions for local needs

WD is firmly committed to ensuring that its sustainable economic or community development activities are relevant to regional needs. WD fosters economic development through partnerships and collaboration with other levels of government, as well as private, non-profit, and community organizations. We work with universities, community groups, research organizations, municipal governments and businesses to determine local needs and local opportunities. We help these local entities form strategic partnerships, which can more successfully access funds, and create an environment where economic development opportunities can flourish.

Sustainable Building Practices

Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

CEERE provides technological and economic solutions to environmental problems resulting from energy production, industrial, manufacturing, and commercial activities, and land use practices.

Natural Resource Canada Office of Energy Efficiency

Resources, publications and information on how to save energy and on alternative energy sources for consumers and businesses. Regulations and program information including R-2000 and Energy-Star. Site in English and French.

Natural Resources Canada: Building Group

Group of the Canadian Energy Technology Centre (CETC) that develops and deploys energy efficient building technology. Includes project overview and publications. [English, French]