To support Saanich’s efforts on climate action in the community, we want to help Saanich businesses reduce their environmental impacts and carbon footprint while saving money at the same time. See what’s possible by joining one of our two new Sustainable Business Programs. Which one is your business ready for?

25 Saanich businesses to receive $1,000 sponsorship for training to cut costs by cutting their carbon footprint

Businesses will be accepted upon a first-come first-served basis. Go to the Climate Smart website for further details and to register to be one of the 25 Saanich businesses in this program.

The ClimateSmart program teaches businesses how to measure their carbon footprint, identify ways to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, and learn about becoming carbon neutral.  Marketing and communications are also included in the three half-day workshops and participants are provided access to an online tool to calculate and manage their carbon footprint, as well as one-on-one technical advice.

25 businesses from both Saanich and Victoria will be eligible for the $1,000 subsidy that is being offered through this funding, bringing the cost of the training down to $250 for a micro-business (1-10FTE), $500 for a small business (11-50 FTE), $750 for a medium business (51-200 FTE) and $1,000 for a large business (201-500). 

Half of each $1,000 subsidy will come from the CRD and with the municipalities covering the other half for their respective businesses.

"By working across our municipal boundaries we are looking to help promote ClimateSmart businesses on a more regional level- so whether you are a paving company in Saanich or a hotel in Victoria, local businesses will have the support needed to reduce their costs and carbon footprint" said Saanich Mayor Frank Leonard.

Local ClimateSmart Businesses

Accent Inns, Rogers Chocolates and Capital City Paving are three examples of businesses that have recently completed the ClimateSmart program.  "For our team at Accent Inns, mapping out our energy use and seeing where we had opportunities to reduce our environmental impacts and maximize our cost savings was a powerful process.  Making real changes like installing energy efficient lights and occupancy sensors for heating rooms hearing our guests acknowledge those efforts, has made our team even prouder of what we do.  It's really a win-win for everyone," noted CEO of Accent Inns Mandy Farmer.

Businesses in the capital region - Get Paid to Save Money on Your Energy Bills

With the LiveSmart BC: Small Business Program your business can:

• Receive a free energy assessment with a business energy advisor
• Learn about upgrades that improve your work environment and deliver quick payback through energy savings
• Receive utility and provincial grants for upgrading lighting, heating and cooling systems, refrigeration systems and more

If you are a business owner in the capital region, contact us today to schedule your free visit with a City Green business energy advisor.

Start Saving Today

250-478-1130

The LiveSmart BC: Small Business Program delivery in the capital region is a partnership between the Westshore Chamber of Commerce, Capital Regional District and City Green Solutions.  For more information on the program and delivery in regions outside of the capital region check the LiveSmart BC website.