Reduce Your Carbon Emissions
Reduce Your Carbon Emissions
Canada is moving towards its objective of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions to 30% below 2005 levels by 2030. It is easy to think that one person's choice has no effect on the climate, but with 37 million people living in Canada, our collective impact can add up. In order to fight against climate change, our consumption habits need to change personally, domestically and globally. This month, we will highlight businesses featuring work relative to SDG Seven: Affordable and Clean Energy. We also listed resources to calculate your carbon footprint and offset your impact.
Leaders in Biosphere
Highlights of businesses committed to the Biosphere Commitment Program
Best Western Plus Kamloops
The Best Western Plus Kamloops is committed to the use of sustainable energy, their Geothermal Heating/cooling system collects low-grade thermal energy from the earth and concentrates it inside the hotel to provide heating/cooling in all public areas during the year. The well-designed geothermal system provides heating for all public areas including the pool, lobby and breakfast room. In the summer, the process is reversed and the geothermal system inputs cool air into the hotel and removes the heat to be stored. The heat removed from the building can be used to efficiently heat swimming pools, hot water tanks, or other parts of the building that require heat during the evenings.
Poplar Grove Winery, Penticton
Poplar Grove Winery utilizes many sustainable practices in the vineyards, especially in reducing their carbon footprint. Solar arrays power all the winery facilities, while they also carry five electric vehicle charging stations available to staff and guests that are powered by the solar arrays. Their wines are all watered by drip line rather than overhead irrigation, which allows for a less wasteful targeted application that is applied only as needed.
Current Taxi, Kelowna
Current taxi doesn't see sustainability as solely environmental, they also view it from an economic and personal lens. They utilize 100% biodegradable cleaning products for inside the vehicles to promote earth and occupant well being. They offer amazing services that take customers to organic wineries, local restaurants or coffee shops, all without burning a drop of gas. Responsible use of energy is directly promoted through Current Taxi as a cornerstone of the company values. As the first all-electric taxi fleet in British Columbia, Current Taxi utilizes 100% electric vehicles in their fleet, providing the community emissions-free transportation.
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Global Biosphere Example
Spain is a leader in investing in renewable energy. Spain has managed to reduce its CO2 emissions by 4.3% in 2018. As the leader in the Biosphere Adhesion Program, more than 13 regions in Spain are certified as a Biosphere Destination. The decreasing cost of clean technologies, optimal geographical locations and climatic conditions as well as Spain's sustainable commitment as a whole, drives their commitment to clean energy. León as a Biosphere Certified Destination is generating more electricity from renewables than the total electricity demand within the region.
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SDG 7: Ensuring access to sustainable energy
Do you want to take some action on fighting against climate change and your organization's carbon footprint?
1. Take part in the Biosphere Adhesion Initiative
Participants of the Biosphere Adhesion Initiative will receive personalized Energy Assessments through the Eco-efficiency program. More information to come soon!
Biosphere Committed Businesses will also be provided with Carbon Footprint Measurement software.
2. Bookdifferent.com
You can search and book an Eco-friendly hotel or sustainable accommodations through bookdifferent.com. To eliminate green-washing, they assess each hotel's green credentials as part of their staygreencheck.
Bookdifferent today in sustainable destination Kelowna
BC Residents! Researchers from KPU’s Institute for Sustainable Food Systems are conducting a survey about local food in restaurants and want to hear from you.
Take the 10 minute online survey and be entered to win one of five $100 gift certificates to local restaurants! Survey closes Oct. 31st, midnight. Please click the link to begin!
