Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Nottawasaga Futures June 2012
Greening Biz News Information to help your business go green and save money!
Water This month’s Green Economy Centre bulletin provides examples of water conservation practices from local business, identifies some funding opportunities and green tips to help your business save money by conserving water.
Contents Page 1 Water-related funding
opportunities
Page 2 Local businesses saving money while preserving the water supply
Page 3 Summer Workshop Series
Page 3 Monthly Green Tips
Page 4 Additional Resources
Go Green. Save Money.
Water related funding opportunities National Research Council of Canada, Industrial Research Assistance Program provides research and development funding for small and medium size businesses developing new and efficient technologies. Contact Industrial Technology Advisors at 1-877-994-4727 or http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/services/irap/financial-assistance.html Healthy Waters Grants are available through the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority. Funding, technical assistance, and project management support is available to landowners undertaking projects in the watershed that enhance water quality and improve stream health. For more information contact Shannon Stephens, Healthy Waters Program Coordinator at 705-424-1479 ext. 239 or [email protected]. Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) has a Landowner Environmental Assistance Program (LEAP), which provides landowners with funding and technical assistance for environmental projects on their land. See the LSCRA website www.lsrca.on.ca for eligibility criteria and funding amounts or contact Andee Pelan, Stewardship Technician, Phone: 905-895-1281 Ext. 244, Email: [email protected]
Continued on page 4
2
Nottawasaga Futures June 2012
Local businesses saving money while preserving water supply The Fork & Plate Family Grill in Lefroy recycle their drain water to cool compressors in the coolers, and then use that water again for the plants.
Nottawasaga Inn Resort & Conference Centre in Alliston leverages the cool water from their outdoor pool to cool refrigeration compressors (while keeping the pool from freezing in the winter). They also clean and treat the effluent from the resort and recycle the water onto the golf course.
Somerville Nurseries in Everett, Honda of Canada Manufacturing in Alliston and F&P Manufacturing in Tottenham are leaders in helping preserve our streams in South Simcoe. Somerville Nurseries have supported rehabilitation efforts donating thousands of seedlings and trees, while Honda and F&P associates celebrate a decade of naturalization and caring for their stretch of stream through annual plantings and tending events.
Provincially recognized as a model of success, the Innisfil Creek Water Users Association represents the interests of irrigation-dependent agriculture businesses and golf courses in the Innisfil Creek watershed and encourages best management practices of the water from the watershed.
Solar-powered stream flow gauges help monitor water
levels in Innisfil Creek watershed
Part of the Integrated Water Resource Management Strategy for the Innisfil Creek Watershed includes these innovative gauges that measure the flow of water at different points along the creek and automatically transmit the data through the Internet so that agricultural producers have access to real-time water flow information. They use this information to help them responsibly manage their irrigation practices.
South Simcoe Streams Network South Simcoe Streams Network (SSSN) works with multiple partners in South Simcoe communities to conduct stream rehabilitation projects. Local industries and businesses are encouraged to offset their carbon footprint and involve their associates in environmental stewardship. Examples include:
• Water Depot providing bulk water for the volunteers at the spring Trees for Streams planting events
• Baxter Corporation in Alliston hosting one of five awareness events to highlight recovery efforts of the endangered native butternut tree.
You too can become involved. For more information contact the SSSN Environment Liaison [email protected] or call 705 435-1540.
The Streams Network is funded in part by the Ontario Trillium Foundation
F&P Manufacturing staff planting trees along East Beeton Creek has become an annual tradition. Each year F&P associates plant
hundreds of native seedlings. On May 5, 2012, they planted 400 seedlings as one of 17 spring SSSN Trees for Streams events targeting the volunteer planting of 4000 native trees and
shrubs in South Simcoe.
3
Nottawasaga Futures June 2012
Summer workshop series
1
Monthly Green Tips Water conservation reduces operating costs and energy needed for heating and processing. With advanced filtration systems, reusing water is becoming more commonplace in industry. How does your business use water? What strategies can you incorporate in your business to reduce your water costs?
Here are a few tips to help your business reduce water consumption:
• Fix leaky fixtures
• Install aerators in faucets
• Install low flow fixtures such as dual flush toilets and waterless urinals
• Consider installing a grey water recovery system
• For restaurants, save up to 80% of the energy used by a traditional food boiler by using a boiler-less food steamer
• Install air-cooled ice machines
2
• Save energy and water by purchasing Energy Star high efficiency equipment for dishwashing and laundry
• Consider turning off your water or checking the water meter for leaks when closing up for the night
• Consider purchasing a dishwasher that reuses rinse water in the prewash cycle
• Plant drought tolerant plants
• Harvest rainwater in water barrels and use it to water plants
• Wash business vehicles in a car wash facility that uses recycled water
• Conduct a water audit or engage in pollution prevention planning.
For more energy-saving tips, visit our website at:
www.nottawasaga.com/get/green_resources
We invite you to join us for our next free workshop hosted by PowerStream and Innisfil Hydro on June 22 at 8:00 am. at National Pines Golf Course in Innisfil. The event is for Contractors. Representatives from the Ministry of Labour, Electrical Safety Association and municipal building inspectors will be joining us to discuss recent changes to regulations and how to increase sustainability and save money. Contact our office at 705-435-1540 to register for this workshop and with an option to golf at this Clublink course.
4
Nottawasaga Futures June 2012
Water…continued from page 1 Water is essential to many businesses, whether it is used in processing or irrigation on a farm, within a restaurant or as part of a manufacturing process. With water and sewer costs constantly increasing, businesses that conserve water will reduce both water and sewer charges.
Internet Resources Click on the links below to access these valuable resources on water conservation for businesses: Water Calculators are available on the Green Economy Centre website http://www.nottawasaga.com/get/green_resources/self_assessments.html Alliance for Water Efficiency- sector based best practices for commercial business http://www.allianceforwaterefficiency.org/Commercial_Institutional_and_Industrial_Library_Content_Listing.aspx Water Reduction Strategies for Food Processing http://www.bloomcentre.com/docs.htm
July’s Greening Biz News topic: Waste Management
Please contact us if your business has a waste reduction story you would like to share.
Green Economy Centre Partners
Interested in sharing best practices and finding out about local business success stories? Ask our Green Business Manager to come out to your business or a local venue to talk about the opportunities to further green your business. Call Susan at 705-436-3806.
We can come to you!
