Ontario, CME partner on $25M energy efficiency program for small businesses
by Canadian Manufacturing.com Staff
Eligible companies to receive grants of as much as $200,000 to cover up to 50 per cent of project costs
TORONTO—The Ontario government and the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) are launching a new program aimed at helping small- and medium-sized businesses across the province increase their energy efficiency and trim emissions.
The SMART Green initiative will support manufacturers investing in energy efficient upgrades with grants of as much as $200,000 to cover up to 50 per cent of project costs. High-efficiency ovens, dryers, kilns and furnaces are a few examples of retrofits covered under the program.
The province has set aside $25 million to fund the program through the Green investment Fund. Businesses must have at least 10 employees and produce less than 25,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emission per year to qualify.
“The Smart Green program provides an opportunity to continue to invest in measures that will improve the environment, mitigate costs associated with carbon and improve competitiveness,” Ian Howcroft, CME vice-president, said.
The industry association and the province expect the program to create jobs while reducing GHGs.
