Tips for a Greener Business

https://sbs-spe.feddevontario.canada.ca/tips-greener-business
Table of contents
Introduction
Save energy
Reduce waste
Additional resources
Introduction
Many business owners look for ways to reduce their energy costs and minimize their impact on the environment. You can make small changes
in your business to promote a healthier planet. This guide provides tips and resources to help you make your business a greener one.
Save energy
Using less energy can cut down on your energy costs and lower greenhouse gas emissions. You can take these simple steps to cut down on your
energy use:
 Use electricity at off-peak times: Smart meters and time-of-use pricing can save you money. Energy at mid- and off-peak hours may cost
less.
 Switch to Tiered electricity prices: Tiered prices may suit your business best.
 Unplug electronics that you aren’t using: Computers, photocopiers and other electronic products use small amounts of energy when
they are plugged in. Use a power bar to make it easier to turn them off.
 Choose energy-efficient products: ENERGY STAR ® appliances and compact fluorescent light bulbs use less electricity. Using energy-
efficient products will lower your energy costs.
 Train your staff to conserve energy: Talk to your staff about saving energy and create a plan that includes temperature control and
proper lighting.
Programs, incentives and rebates
There are incentives and rewards for businesses that cut down on their energy use, including:
Save on energy
You may be eligible for energy savings or free products to help your small business save electricity. Current programs include:
 Small business lighting
Offers up to $2,000 in energy efficient lighting upgrades for qualifying businesses.
 Retrofit program
Provides incentives for replacing inefficient equipment with energy efficient equipment.
Search online:
Identify your local electric utility
Incentive programs search
You can use the Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines’ website to search for additional incentive programs to help you lower
your energy use.
Read online:
Incentive programs for business
Reduce waste
You may be able to lower your business supply costs and help the environment by cutting down on the amount of waste your business creates.
Examples of common office waste are:
 Paper
 Staples and paper clips
 Toner and printer cartridges
Some easy steps you can take to reduce your office waste are:
 Use email and computer documents instead of printing
 Switch to recycled or reusable office products
 Recycle as many items as possible
 Use less paper by printing on both sides of the page
For information on pollution and waste prevention, visit the Environment and Climate Change Canada website.
Read online:
Pollution prevention
Electronic waste
When new technology replaces old technology, you are left with unused computers, laptops, cell phones, tablets and photocopiers. You can
reduce the amount of electronic waste that ends up in landfills by recycling and re-using your electronics.
Learn more about recycling your electronic waste from the Ontario Electronic Stewardship (OES).
Contact OES:
1-888-646-1820
Recyclemyelectronics.ca/on
Hazardous materials and chemical waste
If your business works with chemicals or hazardous materials, there are environmentally responsible ways to dispose of them. Many
municipalities have disposal centres and programs to help you understand when and where to dispose of these products. Visit the Association
of Municipalities of Ontario website for a list of municipalities.
Read online:
Association of Municipalities of Ontario
You can also refer to Stewardship Ontario’s website for more information on some of the hazardous or special waste products that can be
recycled in Ontario through the Orange Drop program.
Read online:
Stewardship Ontario - Municipal hazardous or special waste
Additional resources
You may be interested in the following resources on waste reduction and energy efficiency.
 Build consumer trust with sustainability
 Ontario Environment Business Directory
 Inventory of recycling programs in Canada
 Bill Calculator: electricity or natural gas utilities - for small business consumers
 Environmental Claims: A Guide for Industry and Advertisers
 
You can also find books, magazines and other relevant print material at business service organizations in your community. For more
information or to locate a local business centre, contact us at 1-888-576-4444.