Organizations planning to undertake renewable projects should consider NRCan’s ecoENERGY Retrofit Incentive for Industry program. The program accepts applications for renewable projects that meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Projects lead to overall energy savings in a facility.
• Renewable fuel switching projects result in savings in purchased or imported energy. The project cannot result in increased greenhouse gas (GHG) or criteria air contaminant (CAC) emissions.
• Electric power generation projects use renewable fuels to replace non-utility sources.

In collaboration with Transport Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, Frito Lay Canada, a division of PepsiCo Canada, is the country's first food manufacturer to introduce zero-emission electric vehicles into its delivery fleet. Six vehicles will be based at Frito Lay Canada’s major distribution centres across the country – three in Brampton (ON), one in Ottawa (ON), one in Surrey (BC) and one in Laval (QC).

The zero-emission electric vehicles were made by Smith Electric Vehicles, the world’s leading manufacturer of electric vehicles, and each has a 60 kilometre per day range which meets the daily kilometre needs of the majority of the routes from the designated distribution centres. The six electric vehicles will be powered by electricity from the grid, offset by renewable energy credits, and at the end of the battery lifespan (3-5 years or longer) they will be returned to Smith Electric for recycling.

The Canadian Institute of Planners recently announced the winners for the 2010 Awards for Planning Excellence. Since 1983, the Institute has recognized planning excellence through its annual awards program, which honors planning projects judged on their excellence, innovation, contribution to the body of professional knowledge, implementation potential, and presentation.

The Canadian Institute of Planners received 53 superb planning documents and projects from across Canada. Partners in Project Green received Honourable Mention for Environmental Planning, which focused on such criteria as innovation and contribution to the profession, goals and results, implementation strategy and both fiscal and environmental sustainability. "These projects reinforce the importance of natural and built environments and showcase the creative and innovative solutions that improve our communities." said Gary Willson, Chair of the Awards Jury.

In an effort to reinforce its commitment to sustainability, the International Centre’s CEO Michael Prescott has appointed Camille Camirand, Manager of Corporate Sustainability and Client Experience Development; and Trevor Lui, Director of Operations and Sustainability. These newly created roles will lead the International Centre’s move towards sustainability.

As there is an overwhelming demand for ‘green’ venues, the International Centre has been leading the way in developing sustainable business practices with suppliers, partners, clients and within the surrounding community.