What's The Future of Cleantech Investment in Canada? Business Forum To Address The Economy's Biggest Game Changer

Apr 11, 2012 9:45 PM ET
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Posted by Meirav Even Har

In recent years Canada's economic prowess has received the spotlight globally as one of the only countries to come out of the downturn with a smile and some advice. Then again, Canada has an abundance of natural resources like oil and potash that have no shortage of eager customers. As Western Canada booms, selling crude to an oil thirsty world, something else is afoot: a new world where investing in green innovation is finally beginning to see flight.

As part of the 2012 Green Living Show in Toronto, business will be gathering to explore the future of investing in green technologies. An expert panel to discuss that theme will include GE Canada, Enbridge Inc., Corporate Knights, and Waste Management Inc., among others. There will also be a CEO-led tour to explore new technological advancements. An innovation show and tell has never been so critical.

Just how big is the green market?
According to the 2012 Green Transition Scoreboard® (GTS) report, private sector investments adds up to more than $3.3 trillion since 2007.[1] "Our new total of $3,306,051,439,680 confirms our view that this transition is on track to reach the $10 trillion we project by 2020," writes Hazel Henderson of Ethical Markets Media, in an overview document about the 2012 GTS.[2] The Cleantech Group has also released some impressive numbers in terms of corporate investment in clean technology. "Investment totalled US$8.99 billion in 2011, up 13 per cent from the previous year. North America captured 76 per cent of the investments."[3]

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Meirav Even-Har is a Justmeans staff blogger. She reports on Canadian CSR issues. Meirav is an independent sustainability consultant and writer working in Toronto, Canada.