Demonstrating Success: KyotoSmart Case Studies

KyotoSmart believes that efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will create important economic, social and environmental benefits; that through partnerships, technological innovation, redesigning industrial processes, integrating energy sources, reducing consumption, and unleashing the ingenuity of employees, businesses, governments and non-government organizations can actively contribute to reducing emissions while still achieving success.

This belief reflects the experiences of KyotoSmart members—some of Canada's most forward-thinking entities. The success of our members in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and positioning themselves in the emerging low-carbon economy are captured in the following six case studies. Each case study outlines actions taken, benefits gained and the future targets of each organization.

The members profiled have chosen to tackle their greenhouse gas emissions head on. Using a range of innovative techniques, these organizations have significantly reduced their greenhouse gas emissions—by as much as 54 per cent since 1994—while collectively illustrating that these reductions have made financial sense. Interface, Inc., for example, reports saving US$262 million since 1994 due to their implementation of sustainable policies and resource efficiency.

Profiles are currently available for the following members:

• Forest Products Association of Canada (541 kb)
  Canada's forest industry has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions to 22 per cent below 1990 levels while increasing output by 21 per cent.

• Government of Manitoba (411 kb)
  Recognized as an international leader in tackling climate change, Manitoba has set a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 18 per cent below 1990 levels by 2010 and by up to 23 per cent by 2012 in partnership with the federal government.

• Government of Quebec (210 kb)
  In addition to being a leader in the generation of renewable energy, between 1990 and 2002, the Quebec government reduced greenhouse gas emissions from its existing buildings by 27 per cent.

• International Institute for Sustainable Development (685 kb)
  One of the first non-governmental organizations to use the Global Reporting Initiative's Sustainability Reporting Guidelines, IISD has offset its greenhouse gas emissions since 2003.

• Interface, Inc. (432 kb)
  Interface has reduced its total, internal greenhouse gas emissions by 54 per cent (absolute) since 1994 and has set a goal of operating all of its facilities using renewable energy sources by 2020.

• Manitoba Hydro (505 kb)
  A leading provider of hydroelectric, natural gas and wind energy, this corporation has reduced net average emissions by more than 515,000 tonnes since 1990 (and relative to 1990 levels), or an average reduction of 36,800 tonnes per year.

Across Canada and around the world, other companies, municipalities and regional governments are taking action today to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. In doing so, they are demonstrating the cost effectiveness of these actions. The Climate Group has developed case studies of several of these leaders, including the City of Toronto and Catalyst Paper Company. Additional case studies from the United States, Australia and Europe can also be found on The Climate Group's Web site.