News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
GreenStep EcoFund Verified Program Assists TOTA Stakeholders to Reduce the Costs of Switching to RNG
TOTA continues its commitment to destination stewardship and sustainability through a partnership with GreenStep and its EcoFund program. Tourism businesses that join the EcoFund program, collect an EcoFee that helps their businesses to cut down on the consumption of energy, waste and water, by investing in more efficient technologies and renewable energy.
TOTA continues its commitment to destination stewardship and sustainability through a partnership with GreenStep and its EcoFund program. GreenStep is an industry leader in guiding businesses to reduce environmental impacts and in turn the region’s carbon footprint. Tourism businesses that join the EcoFund program, collect an EcoFee that helps their businesses to cut down on the consumption of energy, waste and water, by investing in more efficient technologies and renewable energy. The EcoFund is managed by GreenStep and is applied to measurable carbon reduction projects at the participating business.
Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) is part of that energy solution and businesses that are GreenStep Verified are now able to use 10% of their EcoFund towards incorporating RNG into their energy portfolio. RNG is a practical way to help mitigate future climate crises and transform BC's energy future by reducing BC's greenhouse gas emissions. Supporting both personal and professional climate goals, this is an important action to aid the Province’s path toward a ‘CleanBC Roadmap to 2030.’ Switching to FortisBC’s renewable natural gas option does not require any new equipment, upgrades, or installations. Customers have the option of replacing 5% to 100% of their natural gas consumption with RNG.
Improving tourism business value is a goal of TOTA and GreenStep. Through the GreenStep EcoFund program businesses access a comprehensive energy and carbon management funding program, and receive the EcoFund Verified seal, marketing assets, and annual summary reports to help communicate the positive impacts they have made. These materials help share the participation in the program, and reflect your dedication and progress towards improving sustainability within the region. If understanding your business's energy consumption or carbon footprint is a commitment for your business, then TOTA’s dedicated Energy Analyst, Harshit Srivastava, can provide a free audit. Harshit specializes in energy and can offer local tourism businesses opportunities for cost-saving options to reduce their carbon footprints. For energy efficiency solutions and to learn more about the benefits of making this simple switch, schedule an Energy Audit with Harshit, or book a free EcoFund opportunity analysis with GreenStep. Projects identified can then be funded in whole or in part through the GreenStep EcoFund program.
About GreenStep Solutions Inc.: GreenStep was founded in 2008 to help small to medium-sized enterprises measure and improve their sustainability performance. To date, the organization has worked with thousands of businesses and organizations of all sizes, in a variety of industries such as tourism and hospitality, retail, professional services, and manufacturing. For more information, visit www.greenstep.ca.
Okanagan Crush Pad Switches to 100% Renewable Natural Gas
Okanagan Crush Pad Group of Wineries Transition to 100% Renewable Natural Gas
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association Initiative Significantly Reduces Industry Carbon Footprint
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association Initiative Significantly Reduces Industry Carbon Footprint
Kelowna, B.C. - In an industry leading shift towards a more sustainable future, Summerland’s Okanagan Crush Pad Winery, parent company to Haywire and Garnet Valley Ranch Winery, has joined forces with the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and FortisBC to transition to 100% Renewable Natural Gas (RNG). This partnership underlines an ongoing and unwavering commitment to sustainability, adding another chapter to its legacy of responsible winemaking.
Owned by Christine Coletta and Steve Lornie, Okanagan Crush Pad’s group of wineries have long been a beacon of sustainability and land stewardship. Okanagan Crush Pad has been an organic winemaking facility since 2011 and was the first Canadian winery to join International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA) in 2022. By partnering with TOTA and FortisBC, the wineries are taking their commitment to sustainability further by integrating RNG into all aspects of their business.
“TOTA’s RNG initiative takes meaningful and measurable steps to reduce the region's carbon footprint. It enables stakeholders like Okanagan Crush Pad to make an immediate change to a more sustainable fuel source, and is a practical step towards a cleaner future for British Columbia,” said Ellen Walker-Matthews, TOTA CEO. “In the face of escalating climate crises, RNG is a vital tool that businesses and individuals can adopt today to lessen their current carbon footprints.”
By embracing RNG, Okanagan Crush Pad is putting their climate change goals into measurable action. And in this one move alone, they are drastically reducing their C02 emissions from 30,000 kilograms to 100 kilograms.
This huge reduction in CO2 emissions also contributes to the province’s commitment to the CleanBC Roadmap to 2030. With results like this, the team at Okanagan Crush Pad seeks to inspire industry leadership and actively encourage the entire region to reduce their harmful emissions.
“We are proud to make the switch to RNG and are especially excited to see an immediate positive impact that is very much in line with our commitment to reduce our greenhouse gas footprint,” said Craig Pingle, General Manager, Okanagan Crush Pad Winery, the parent company to Haywire Winery and Garnet Valley Ranch Winery. “This simple action supports our commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Making the move to RNG required no new infrastructure and yields an enormous drop in our annual emissions.”
To inspire action and raise awareness about this crucial climate action initiative, Okanagan Crush Pad is offering a two-night stay at the new Garnet Valley Ranch Winery. Learn more and enter to win.
Signing up for RNG is a straightforward process that does not require any new equipment, upgrades, or installations. Existing FortisBC customers can log in to their account, navigate to 'manage services,' and choose the percentage of natural gas to be switched to RNG (5%, 10%, 25%, 50%, or 100%).
Tourism businesses interested in learning more about the benefits of making the switch have been invited to schedule an energy audit with TOTA’s Energy Analyst, Harshit Srivastava at Harshit@TOTABC.com
Funding provided by Natural Resources Canada
Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN) is the department of the Government of Canada responsible for natural resources, energy, minerals and metals, forests, earth sciences, mapping, and remote sensing. NRCAN is committed to improving the quality of life for Canadians by ensuring the country’s abundant natural resources are developed sustainably, competitively, and inclusively. NRCAN develops policies and programs that enhance the contribution of the natural resources sector to the economy and conducts innovative science in facilities across Canada to generate ideas and transfer technologies. Natural Resources Canada has provided TOTA with funding to spread awareness about the benefits, availability, and accessibility of Renewable Natural Gas to regional tourism stakeholders.
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About Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is a not-for-profit society that represents a geographic area nestled in the Southern Interior of British Columbia, Canada. The region’s name is derived from two major geographic features: the Thompson River and Okanagan Lake. TOTA plays a support, leadership and growth role in the tourism industry for this region. It aims to stimulate ongoing sustainable growth by embracing the value of tourism through community engagement, innovative leadership in promoting authentic experiences, and inspiring creative collaboration. Key TOTA initiatives include: Biosphere Certified Gold Destination, 7 Generations Pledge, and Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism.
For more information about TOTA visit TOTABC.org, or visit the consumer facing website ThompsonOkanagan.com. Connect socially on Instagram at @Thompson_Okanagan
Media Contact:
Krista Lochhead
778.227.2396
Work Towards Climate Action Goals by Switching to RNG & Enter to Win a Two-night Stay at Garnet Valley Ranch Winery
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is leading an initiative that takes meaningful and measurable steps to reduce the region’s carbon footprint. The campaign seeks to increase awareness on the simplicity of switching to Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) to heat and power homes and tourism businesses - and to inspire action.
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association Initiative aids Province’s ‘CleanBC Roadmap to 2030’
Through a new partnership with Natural Resources Canada and FortisBC, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is working to take meaningful and measurable steps to reduce the carbon footprint in the Thompson Okanagan region. The partnership aims to increase awareness on the simplicity of switching to Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) to heat and power homes and tourism businesses - and to inspire businesses and residents to take action.
The partnership has launched a campaign inviting FortisBC customers to make an immediate change to RNG, a more sustainable fuel source than other natural gasses.
What is RNG and its environmental benefits?
Conventional natural gas and RNG are chemically identical and interchangeable within existing infrastructure, but RNG is created through renewable sources, meaning RNG is a low carbon alternative which will reduce emissions and align users with the CleanBC Roadmap to 2030.
RNG is a purified ‘biogas’ made from commonly found organic materials, plants, animal refuse, and waste. These materials are brought to a dedicated facility, such as the Glenmore Landfill in Kelowna and the Salmon Arm Landfill, where methane is processed and repurposed into the accessible fuel source.
FortisBC is the flagship utility company of British Columbia dealing in natural gas and Renewable Natural Gas.
For more information, visit TOTABC.org/RNG.
Make the switch to RNG
Switching to FortisBC’s RNG option does not require any new equipment, upgrades, or installations; or upgrades to existing appliances.
In just a few minutes, business and residential FortisBC customers can make an immediate move to reduce harmful climate change emissions and achieve sustainability goals.
The cost of RNG depends on the blend chosen. Customers can choose to switch to 5%, 10%, 25%, 50%, or 100% of their natural gas to RNG.
Simple Steps to Switch to RNG
Log in to your account at FortisBC.com.
Under the “Manage Services” menu, select “Renewable Natural Gas.”
Follow the instructions to enroll.
If you have any questions for your business, feel free to connect with TOTA’s Energy Analyst, Harshit Srivastava, at Energy@TOTABC.com or schedule a meeting for a free Energy Assessment.
Businesses Leading by Example + Contest
TOTA and FortisBC are pleased to partner with a Summerland-based business that takes their commitment to sustainability seriously: Okanagan Crush Pad and Garnet Valley Ranch Winery are adding Renewable Natural Gas into their energy portfolio, and also encouraging others in the region to take steps towards reducing climate-changing emissions by offering a two-night stay at the brand-new Garnet Valley Ranch Winery to bring awareness to this worthy climate action cause. Learn more and enter to win.
Funding provided by Natural Resources Canada
Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN) is the department of the Government of Canada responsible for natural resources, energy, minerals and metals, forests, earth sciences, mapping, and remote sensing. NRCAN is committed to improving the quality of life for Canadians by ensuring the country’s abundant natural resources are developed sustainably, competitively, and inclusively. NRCAN develops policies and programs that enhance the contribution of the natural resources sector to the economy and conducts innovative science in facilities across Canada to generate ideas and transfer technologies. Natural Resources Canada has provided TOTA with funding to spread awareness about the benefits, availability, and accessibility of Renewable Natural Gas to regional tourism stakeholders.
About Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is a not-for-profit society that represents a geographic area nestled in the Southern Interior of British Columbia, Canada. The region’s name is derived from two major geographic features: the Thompson River and Okanagan Lake. TOTA plays a support, leadership and growth role in the tourism industry for this region. It aims to stimulate ongoing sustainable growth by embracing the value of tourism through community engagement, innovative leadership in promoting authentic experiences, and inspiring creative collaboration. Key TOTA initiatives include: Biosphere Certified Gold Destination, 7 Generations Pledge, and Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism.
For more information about TOTA visit TOTABC.org, or visit the consumer facing website ThompsonOkanagan.com. Connect socially on Instagram at @Thompson_Okanagan.
Thompson Okanagan Organic Waste Survey | Share Feedback by November 18
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) Destination Stewardship team is conducting a survey of Thompson Okanagan tourism companies to understand the potential for Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) produced from organic waste in the region. Thompson Okanagan tourism company owners and senior managers are invited to submit the survey.
One survey submission per company will be entered into a draw for an opportunity to win one of two $100 Amazon Gift Cards (see Contest Rules).
Take the Survey by November 18 and Enter to Win a $100 Amazon Gift Card
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) Destination Stewardship team is conducting a survey of Thompson Okanagan tourism companies to understand the potential for Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) produced from organic waste in the region.
The survey should take about 15 minutes to complete. Aggregate survey data will be shared with Andion Global, a supplier of waste management solutions with operations in Vancouver, BC, and Europe (Italy and the Nordics).
Thompson Okanagan tourism company owners and senior managers are invited to submit the survey. One survey submission per company will be entered into a draw for an opportunity to win one of two $100 Amazon Gift Cards (see Contest Rules).
The survey will close on Friday, November 18, 2022 at 4 PM.
If you have any questions, please email Energy@TOTABC.com.
Thank you, we appreciate your time and input!
About Renewable Natural Gas (RNG)
As part of TOTA’s commitment to responsible tourism and sustainability, TOTA is seeking ways to improve access to clean energy for tourism companies in the region. One way of producing clean energy is by producing Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) from organic wastes. RNG can be used in the same way as conventional natural gas, but it has a much lower, and sometimes negative, carbon footprint. Using renewable natural gas means that businesses can reduce their carbon footprint without having to change equipment and infrastructure. Making renewable natural gas requires an organic waste stream, such as from production businesses. An understanding of the types of organic waste and how accessible they are, is required in order to evaluate the viability of a RNG facility within the region.
Energy Efficiency Tips: About Renewable Natural Gas (RNG)
Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) will play a significant role in decarbonising businesses by leveraging existing gas pipeline systems. Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) is made from organic waste produced by everyday activities. As organic matter such as food decomposes, it releases biogas which when cleaned produces methane, also known as Natural Gas. As this methane is produced through organic resources it is considered completely biogenic or carbon neutral.
FortisBC is offering renewable and low carbon gases to customers as part of the 30BY30 target to reduce its customers’ greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30 per cent by 2030 in support of the CleanBC Roadmap to 2030.
To learn more about renewable natural gas and other ways to reduce your business' carbon footprint, register for a free Energy Assessment or connect with TOTA’s Energy Analyst at Energy@TOTABC.com.
Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) will play a significant role in decarbonising businesses by leveraging existing gas pipeline systems.
Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) is made from organic waste produced by everyday activities. As organic matter such as food decomposes, it releases biogas which when cleaned produces methane, also known as Natural Gas. As this methane is produced through organic resources it is considered completely biogenic or carbon neutral.
FortisBC is offering renewable and low carbon gases to customers as part of the 30BY30 target to reduce its customers’ greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30 per cent by 2030 in support of the CleanBC Roadmap to 2030.
To learn more about renewable natural gas and other ways to reduce your business' carbon footprint, register for a free Energy Assessment or connect with TOTA’s Energy Analyst at Energy@TOTABC.com.
