Canada is one of the leading industrialized nations with strong policies aimed at protecting the environment and fighting climate change. Businesses in Canada are also required by law to adhere to certain “green” policies. Not only that, but Canadian consumers are also highly environmentally conscious. Therefore, if you are starting a business in Canada, it’s in the best interest of business and the public to make it eco-friendly.
If you are thinking about starting an eco-friendly business in Canada, here are several tips:
Learn the Local Laws
First of all, you need to know the national laws as well as the local laws in your business area that relate to eco-friendly businesses. Canada implements a strong verification program for all environmentally-friendly claims. So, if you promote your company as eco-friendly, it really should be. You might be required to meet certain standards to label your business as “eco-friendly” legally. If you don’t, you could face legal penalties or lose your business license, not to mention your company’s reputation.
Consult with Environmental Experts
Before you start, it will help to consult with several environmental experts. They will be able to tell you how you can realistically adopt eco-friendly principles. Environmental experts can also help you comply with regulatory requirements.
More importantly, an expert will be able to tell you if your eco-friendly idea is a good one. It’s worthwhile to consider if the industry you are in requires businesses to be eco friendly. For example, if you are selling a digital product, like downloadable software, does it make sense to label your business as “eco-friendly”? On the other hand, if this business has plans in the immediate future to switch completely to clean energy, like wind-powered server farms, then a label like that would make sense.
So, before you label your company green, ask the experts if you should, and if you do, how to comply, click here to learn more.
Develop a Realistic Framework for Adopting Green Tech Solutions
Once you have decided for sure to become an eco-friendly company, it’s time to actually adopt green tech solutions. While noble in principle, this tech is quite expensive. You need to have the means to finance your eco-friendly label. Here are several suggestions:
Borrow Money
In addition to taking out loans for your business, you might want to consider borrowing money to purchase green tech solutions. You can ask friends, family, banks or other lending institutions. Even if you have bad credit, people will be more likely to lend you money for eco-friendly ventures. If you already have debts, debt consolidation will help your application, click here.
Contact the Government Department Relevant to Your Industry
The Canadian government has a limited number of initiatives to financially assist companies that want to be more environmentally friendly. For example, freight transportation companies can request funding for adopting less harmful practices. Check and see if similar incentives are available for your industry.
Partner with Green Tech Companies
Your business will be able to contain costs and purchase tech for bargain rates if you partner with green tech companies. Such a partnership will be mutually beneficial.
Get Certified or Licensed
Your business’s claims of eco friendliness will be received with more trust if you get licenses or certifications to prove it. For example, if your products are more energy efficient, you can apply for an energy star rating. Don’t say something is more eco-friendly unless you can back up your claims.
Keep Up with Green Trends
Last but not least, don’t forget to keep up with the latest developments in the clean energy and pro-environment field. Your business will be able to adopt changes in a timely manner.
Being an eco-friendly business is not easy. Therefore, carefully consider the above points as a rough guideline.