Pearson Eco-Business Zone Generates Renewable Power and Interest in Sustainability

-Release of 2011 Annual Report Shows Partners in Project Green Forging Path to Greener Business Practice-

TORONTO, June 8, 2012 /CNW/ - Partners in Project Green, an internationally recognized Eco-Business Zone which encompasses Canada's largest employment area, has released their 2011 Annual Report. Over the past year, the program has gained significant momentum and made unprecedented growth, both in the number of businesses taking part in Partners in Project Green initiatives and in the actions of these businesses in conserving resources, which when combined, illustrate a fundamental shift in the perspective of Toronto area businesses towards environmentally responsible practices and more sustainable resource consumption.

"Partners in Project Green has continued to attract a strong following in the 3^rd year since its inception," says Brian Denney, Chief Administrative Officer for Toronto and Region Conservation. "We have seen a growing interest in the program by companies and an active increase in the number of business involved in energy efficiency projects - with a total of 3,527 companies participating over this past year. This has resulted in record amount of electricity and water conserved by local companies. Companies in the Pearson Eco-Business Zone are becoming national leaders in sustainability and continue to show a concerted effort to making a positive impact in their communities. We applaud them for all their efforts in helping protect both our environment and our region."

Highlights of this year's report include -

• 316 businesses were engaged in Partners in Project Green programs;
• 674 companies and 1,465 participants attended Partners in Project Green training events and networking sessions;
• 3,527 companies engaged in energy conservation efforts thanks to the collaboration between Partners in Project Green, Enersource Hydro Mississauga, Hydro One Brampton, Toronto Hydro and Enbridge Gas, reducing electricity consumption by 46,500 MWh and natural gas use by over 3,000,000 m³; and,
• 64,302 MWh of renewable energy was generated and used by businesses in the Pearson Eco-Business Zone through local solar installations and Bullfrog Power's Green Power Challenge.

"After another successful year, it is clear that Partners in project Green is continuing to serve genuine needs," said Toby Lennox, of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority - a founding partner in Partners in Project Green and Chair of the Partners in Project Green Steering Committee. "The number of companies engaged, projects undertaken and uptake of the collaboration model continues to demonstrate that thousands of companies are interested in turning sustainability into real business opportunities."

The Annual General Meeting also announced the 2012 Partners in Project Green Sustainability Awards, which were created to recognize the innovative and inspiring work of local companies who are embracing sustainability and realizing the business benefits of their actions. This year's award theme is 'Employee Engagement in Sustainability'. One award will be given out in each of the major business sectors in the area consisting of manufacturing, office, hospitality and logistics. The winners will be announced at a networking reception in October. For more information, or to download the award applications, please visit www.partnersinprojectgreen.com/sustainabilityawards.

Other accomplishments of 2011 include:

• 494 companies utilized energy management training.
• 47 companies went through the Eco-Efficiency program, which provides a review and assessment of existing utilities, and implementation assistance for conversion to more sustainable energy options.
• 12 companies hired interns through the Energy Management Co-op Program.
• 43 companies, working in concert with the City of Toronto and Region of Peel, reduced a total of 137,747,350m³ of water annually.
• 31 companies in the Pearson Eco-Business Zone are utilizing Smart Commute, which helps employers and commuters explore different transportation options like carpooling, teleworking, transit, cycling or walking.
• 1,000 trees, 2,660 shrubs, and 800 wildflowers were planted, covering an area of 12,300 m³.
• 1,000 metres of trails were developed, 1,300 metres of riparian habitat were protected, and 650 metres of aquatic habitat were enhanced.
• 10 companies participated in the Kids in Nature Corporate Challenge.
• 18 LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified buildings, and 180 BOMA BESt (Building Owners and Managers Association, Building Environmental Standards) buildings are located in the Pearson Eco-Business Zone.

To view a copy of the 2011 annual report please visit www.partnersinprojectgreen.com/2011annualreport

About Partners in Project Green
Partners in Project Green, an initiative led by the Greater Toronto Airports Authority and Toronto and Region Conservation, is a growing community of businesses working together to green their bottom line by creating an internationally-recognized eco-business zone around Toronto Pearson. Through new forms of business-to-business collaboration, Partners in Project Green delivers programming that helps businesses reduce energy and resource costs, uncover new business opportunities, and address everyday operational challenges in a green and cost-effective manner.

Media information and registration: 

Rowena Calpito, Supervisor, Media Management, Toronto and Region Conservation
Tel: [phone] ext 5632, Mobile: [phone] E-mail: [email protected]

David Svaluto, Communications, Toronto and Region Conservation
Tel: [phone], Email: [email protected]