INNOVATION January-February 2018

or more simply by using a reputable online calculator or simple spreadsheet model. The next step is to develop a carbon management plan, which could include a public commitment to reduction of GHG emissions, achieving carbon neutrality, or using only 100% renewable energy (see there100.org/ ). It increases credibility if specific targets for achieving reductions are set, and if a commitment is made to offset residual emissions. Offsets should result in permanent GHG reductions within the global carbon budget, and can be purchased from many transparent and ethical sources for between $5 and $25 per tonne of GHG reduced. However, it is preferable to reduce emissions first through direct changes within the control of the company. “Island Health has been actively engaged in energy management for more than 10 years, initially targeting reduced operating costs but since 2011 has been increasingly focused on minimizing GHG emissions and leveraging BC’s low carbon electricity to do so wherever it makes sense. Our energy use index (kWh/m 2 /year) has dropped by 10% and we’ve avoided well in excess of $10 million in utility costs as a result of these efforts. GHG emissions have also measurably dropped in spite of an ever growing need for health care services and expanding facilities. We are now actively working to integrate climate change adaptation into our mitigation efforts on both existing and new facilities. As a [public sector organization], we are required to be carbon neutral and now with the Climate Leadership Plan, are required to have 10-year mitigation and adaptation plans, but we believe it makes good business sense.” Joe Ciarniello, P.Eng., Island Health Energy Manager, Vancouver Island Health Authority

Direct GHG emissions associated with professional practice are essentially limited to the combustion of fossil fuels to provide energy services, primarily heating buildings (with furnaces fuelled by natural gas, propane, or home heating oil) and mobility (using company owned vehicles and equipment, as well as business-related air, rail, and bus travel). Indirect GHG emissions are somewhat more varied in scope and are sometimes more difficult to quantify because of access to data. Indirect sources include: 1. Electricity used in business operations; 2. Solid and liquid waste generation; 3. Contracted services (e.g., vehicles and equipment used by contractors); 4. Embodied energy (and associated emissions) in goods used by organizations (e.g., paper). Increasingly stringent carbon pricing policies are in effect across Canada (such as the BC Carbon Tax, Alberta’s carbon levy and the pending Federal backstop measures to ensure cross-country carbon pricing from 2018 onward). These and other measures provide fiscal motivation for organizations to find lower-carbon ways of doing business. However, it is apparent that many businesses are taking action to reduce emissions beyond what is strictly needed to manage increasing operating costs. The most successful companies are realizing that there is real value—both environmental and commercial—in implementing carbon management strategies. Indeed, often the most effective and credible sustainability strategies also align with improved performance through good management practices, adaptability, and ethically and fiscally defensible business decisions. Benefits of acting with the environment in mind include: • COST SAVINGS . Pursuit of sustainability goals (which may including carbon neutrality), has the potential to provide substantial reductions in operational and energy costs. • BRAND BENEFITS. Companies that publically adopt and commit to sustainability and environmental values can build a loyal following of clients and customers. • ATTRACTING AND RETAINING EMPLOYEES. Employees want to contribute to society through business, while staying true to their personal values. 1 This leads to employees who believe in the companies they work for and who are motivated to making them a success. To reduce their climate impact, organizations can start by calculating their carbon footprint (the number of tonnes of CO 2 -equivalent emissions produced each year from their direct and indirect activities). Depending on the resources available to a company, this can be done rigorously following ISO 14064-1 2 , the GHG protocol 3 ,

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Oyen Wiggs Green & Mutala LLP INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAWYERS patentable.com

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