SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED BUSINESSES
Not every business has complex supply chains, systems, or need sophisticated solutions, but still want to take advantage of the opportunities sustainability presents. So we have included this section which presents ideas and solutions that are more applicable for small businesses. This section can also be helpful for individuals or families.
Case Studies and White Papers
Sustainability Reporting and SMEs
Greenomics is an Organizational Stakeholder of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and recommends its use to our clients. While some people argue it is only for large businesses, we have found that it is effective for small to medium sized businesses as well.
This white paper surveys a few popular reporting standards companies use for reporting, focuses on the prevailing standard of GRI, and its GRI structure and recommendations. It also examines how some small to medium-sized firms have used its guidelines, and provides recommendations for SMEs thinking of starting their sustainability reporting process.
SMEs Set Their Sights on Sustainability
This report by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants presents Nine Case Studies of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) from the UK, US and Canada.
Orchard Garden Hotel Case Study
Study of a small business that designed their building to follow LEED certification using strategies aimed at improving performance metrics in energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts.
Gaining the Competitive Edge: An Environmental Guidebook
This guidebook for small to medium sized enterprisesis designed to help companies recognize the business benefits of environmental leadership, and develop these ideas in the context of their business.
Readings
Small Business Guide
This information sheet provides information that may be of special interest to small-business owners and will help small businesses determine if they are required to report under this rule.
Climate Change for SME
This publication is designed to help small- and medium-sized businesses in Canada understand the potential impacts of climate change on their operations, learn how to assess and manage the risks and opportunities posed by climate change, and decide how to take action to both reduce their contribution to climate change and lower their energy costs.
Promoting SMEs for Sustainable Development
This document explores ways governments can help alleviate poverty by focusing on SMEs and how larger
corporations can help themselves by including SMEs in their value chains. While it primarily focuses on developing countries, some of the principles apply in developed countries.
Putting Energy into Profit
This fairly comprehemsive guide presents numerous options for saving energy through conducting upgrades. It also has numerous lnks to resources including funding. It argues thaty any small business can improve its energy efficiency easily and cost-effectively, using the numerous resources available for an upgrade.
SME Sustainability Roadmap
This roadmap can assist SMEs manage their environmental impact, develop products that meet the needs of a greening market, and show leadership on climate change and other pressing environmental issues.
Tools
At Work Tool Kit
A comprehensive document aimed at instructing businesses in how to reduce their carbon footprint while increasing their profit margins. Develops a business strategy of easy-to-impliment practises that make an impact.
The Lean and Environment Toolkit
This toolkit offers practical strategies and tools for integrating environmental considerations into Lean initiatives in ways that support Lean’s focus on the elimination of waste and non-value added activity.
Travel Green Guide
Presents the “who is who” in sustainable tourism and travel.
Greening the Office – Online Audit
This audit is designed so you can find out how green your office is. It includes basic information on identifying environmental impacts and finding solutions.
Ideas Compass
This interactive website helps businesses map out and integrate a sustainable strategy.
Funding Sources
Green Municipal Fund
The Fund is a long-term, sustainable source of grants and below-market loans for municipal governments and their partners.
Agricultural Sustainability Initiative –The program provides funding to Manitoba producer groups and provincial commodity organizations to carry out environmentally sustainable agriculture practices, demonstrations or technology transfer projects throughout the province.
Toronto Region Sustainability Program
The program is aimed at fostering sustainable behaviour among SME manufacturers by providing technical and financial assistance to enhance their environmental performance while improving competitiveness.
Sustainable Development Innovations Fund
To provide funding for the development, implementation and promotion of environmental innovation and sustainable development projects in Manitoba.
RBC Venture Partners
To invest and assist in creating and managing start-up technology ventures.
Sustainable Environment Fund
A special B.C. Government financial account dedicated to supporting provincial environmental protection and renewal initiatives.
Moving on Sustainable Transportation Program A program that provides financial support to help organizations implement demonstration, research, education and pilot projects that create and support new sustainable transportation options for Canadians
