http://bv02delphi.com/ en kszacki@delphi.ca Copyright 2012 2012-02-08T16:58:14+00:00 http://delphi.ca/news/delphi_top_choice_for_queens_climate_action_plan/ http://delphi.ca/news/delphi_top_choice_for_queens_climate_action_plan/#When:16:58:14Z The Delphi Group was chosen over five firms in a public bid to aid Queen’s University with its Climate Action Plan to reduce carbon emissions. Click here for more… The Delphi Group was chosen over five firms in a public bid to aid Queen’s University with its Climate Action Plan to reduce carbon emissions. Delphi’s extensive experience helping organizations assess, understand and manage the risks and opportunities presented by climate change made the firm the clear choice to partner with in order to complete the Action Plan, to be released this upcoming fall. Queen’s University has recognized climate change as an urgent and serious social issue and has taken a major step towards concerted effort by becoming a signatory to the University and College President’s Climate Change Statement of Action for Canada. Queen’s is the second post-secondary school in Ontario to sign the pledge, and Principal Daniel Woolf has committed the University to reducing the greenhouse gases (GHGs) associated with the operation of the institution beginning with the creation of a Carbon Action Plan.  News 2012-02-08T16:58:14+00:00 http://delphi.ca/news/the_rise_of_the_socially_responsible_b_corp/ http://delphi.ca/news/the_rise_of_the_socially_responsible_b_corp/#When:15:09:41Z On the heels of highly-publicized B Corp certifications in the US and Canada a new class of businesses -the Certified Benefit Corporations (B Corps) – is quickly gaining momentum in North America. Click here to read more… On the heels of highly-publicized B Corp certifications in the US and Canada a new class of businesses -the Certified Benefit Corporations (B Corps) – is quickly gaining momentum in North America. The classification offers the potential for increased profits and investment and press coverage, while preserving corporations’ missions and generating a push for impact investing. B Corps expand on the for-profit fiduciary duty to maximize financial returns to shareholders, while extending their legal business responsibilities to stakeholders, institutionalizing social and environmental considerations. Certifications are up by more than 75 % from 2009 to 2010, representing 370 B Corps. In Canada, the MaRS Centre for Impact Investing serves as the local hub for the 28 Canadian Certified B Corps, three of which have well surpassed B Corp’s benchmark for certification, achieving top Composite B Scores: The Sustainability Advantage, Better The World, and Enviro-Stewards Inc. While no current Canadian federal or provincial legislation proposes or redefines incorporation to levels of B compliance, it is a legislative possibility as momentum increases. By Kaitlin Szacki, kszacki@delphi.ca News 2012-02-08T15:09:41+00:00 http://delphi.ca/news/durban_an_agreement_to_agree_and_more/ http://delphi.ca/news/durban_an_agreement_to_agree_and_more/#When:14:52:43Z Though negotiations extended into the 11th hour in Durban, South Africa, the United Nations COP 17’s results far exceeded expectations as negotiators came to an agreement shaping the next steps for international legally binding greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets. Some of the major outcomes include…Click here to read more… Though negotiations extended into the 11th hour in Durban, South Africa, the United Nations COP 17’s results far exceeded expectations as negotiators came to an agreement shaping the next steps for international legally binding greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets. Some of the major outcomes include: Durban Platform: The Durban Platform for Enhanced Action is a commitment by developing and developed nations to create and enter into a binding agreement before 2015 to reduce GHGs, to come into force before 2020. The Platform, which will replace the Kyoto Protocol, is a roadmap for future, binding international action to reduce absolute GHG emissions. To design this agreement, an ad hoc working group will be established and will begin planning in the first half of 2012. Green Climate Fund: A significant secondary result is the continued development of the Green Climate Fund. The Fund was a product of 2009’s COP 15 in Copenhagen; however, delegates in Durban approved the Fund’s organizational structure, to be established in the spring of 2012. The Fund’s associated Transitional Committee will have a 24-member Board, consisting of 12 representatives each from developing and developed countries. The Board will determine where money will be allocated. CCS and CDM: A lesser-noted outcome from Durban was the design of procedures for including carbon capture and storage (CCS) as a potential offset type under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). This is a major accomplishment which may lead to CCS being leveraged under other carbon markets. Durban’s inclusion of developing counties means it captures major emitters like India and China. China’s willingness to accept binding targets by 2020 is also notable, as previous expectations did not have the world’s top GHG emitter accepting such targets until closer to 2030. Post-Durban, key opportunities emerge for the private sector and other stakeholders, including the potential to contribute perspectives, solutions and concerns into the Platform development process and to anticipate, prepare for and inform ensuing legislation. By Cheryl Johnson, cjohnson@delphi.ca and Kaitlin Szacki, kszacki@delphi.ca News 2012-02-06T14:52:43+00:00 http://delphi.ca/news/us_advances_air_pollution_rules_canada_soon_to_follow/ http://delphi.ca/news/us_advances_air_pollution_rules_canada_soon_to_follow/#When:14:33:15Z US regulators are driving significant action on air pollution from the country’s power sector. Click here for more… US regulators are driving significant action on air pollution from the country’s power sector. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is advancing standards to limit heavy metals, acid gases and other pollution from power plants with Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS), complementing the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR, see January 2012 Climate Change Policy and Sustainability Update). MATS are an umbrella description for Maximum Available Control Technology (MACT) Rules for certain types of air pollution, known as Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs). MACT standards aim to reduce emissions to the most minimal level while still considering the cost of those reductions. For MATS, coal- and oil-fired power plants with capacity over 25 MW must limit their HAP emissions by January 2015. The EPA released the final MACT rule in December 2011, largely unchanged from the initial proposal. From the over 900,000 public comments received on the draft, the key (though limited) changes include adjustment of some emissions limits and improved monitoring provisions. Speculation on the rule’s impact has been extremely varied, from limited to game-changing for power plant operators. Affecting approximately 600 power plants, the standards are projected to prevent 90% of mercury from coal burned in power plants from being emitted, 88% of acid gas emissions, and just over 40% of sulphur dioxide emissions over and above CSAPR. Some observers believe that power producer-owned coal plants that are over 30 years old, not scrubbed and with nameplate capacity less than or equal to 350 MW will become candidates for retirement. The EPA and Department of Energy suggest 4.7 GW of the over 1,000 GW of US generating capacity (i.e. less than 0.5%) will be shut down by 2020 due to the rules. The EPA’s air pollution standards are arriving at the same time as Canadian federal and provincial governments are designing CAMS, the Comprehensive Air Management System. Similar to the MATS umbrella over MACT rules, CAMS acts as an overarching policy for Base Level Industrial Emission Requirements (BLIERs): qualitative or quantitative air pollution emission standards for particular processes, facilities or pieces of equipment at industrial Canadian emitters. BLIERs development is ongoing. Working groups have been established for eligible sectors (e.g. electricity, upstream oil & gas), allowing regulators and private sector representatives to collaborate in establishing standards. Regulatory development efforts were recently extended however the activity is expected to wrap-up in 2012. By Cheryl Johnson, cjohnson@delphi.ca News 2012-02-02T14:33:15+00:00 http://delphi.ca/news/steven_pacifico_as_guest_lecturer_at_ryerson_university/ http://delphi.ca/news/steven_pacifico_as_guest_lecturer_at_ryerson_university/#When:22:14:42Z Steven Pacifico, Delphi’s Manager of Sustainability and Stakeholder Engagement, will be lecturing at Ryerson University this February. Click here for more… Steven Pacifico, Delphi’s Manager of Sustainability and Stakeholder Engagement, will be guest lecturing this February 2012 at Ryerson University on the subjects of Stakeholder Engagement for their International Marketing and Management Program and Climate Change for their Sustainable Tourism Program.  For more information please contact spacifico@delphi.ca .  News 2012-02-01T22:14:42+00:00 http://delphi.ca/news/january12_climate_change_policy_and_sustainability_update/ http://delphi.ca/news/january12_climate_change_policy_and_sustainability_update/#When:18:43:22Z Delphi’s Climate Change Policy and Sustainability Update aims to provide clients, associates and partners with an overview of recent technical, political, regulatory and market developments related to climate change in North America. Click here for more… Delphi's Climate Change Policy and Sustainability Update aims to provide clients, associates and partners with an overview of recent technical, political, regulatory and market developments related to climate change in North America. Delphi’s Climate Change Policy and Sustainability Update has been developed in response to a growing need in our client base and network and the aim of this - and future Climate Change Policy and Sustainability Updates - is to provide an ongoing overview of issues related to climate change policy and regulation that will or could have an impact on the business community in North America. This month's edition includes: US Advances Air Pollution Rules; Canada Soon to Follow; The Rise of the Socially Responsible B Corp; Durban: An Agreement to Agree… and More; US Air Quality Rule Stayed; Scrutiny Continues Toward Fossil Fuel Subsidies; 2011 Finds Record US Energy Efficiency Investments; and Sustainability and Innovation. You can read all of our previous updates here. We hope you find this and future Updates useful and of course we welcome your feedback at: feedback@delphi.ca News 2012-01-31T18:43:22+00:00 http://delphi.ca/news/the_canadian_youth_environmental_leadership_scholarship_-_deadline_extended/ http://delphi.ca/news/the_canadian_youth_environmental_leadership_scholarship_-_deadline_extended/#When:17:17:45Z The Canadian Youth Environmental Leadership Scholarship has extended its deadline to February 7th! Click here for application details… The Canadian Youth Environmental Leadership Scholarship will contribute to the advancement of new ideas and new ways of thinking when it comes to protecting the environment by supporting students who demonstrate a commitment to leadership and the environment. The Scholarship will be awarded to two Canadian students currently enrolled in their second or third year of an undergraduate program who best combine academic achievement and public environmental service. Scholarship Details Each scholarship recipient will be awarded $5,000 Paid summer employment at either Cenovus Energy, The Delphi Group, ARC Resources Ltd., or other sponsoring organizations for first and second place finalists Mentorship opportunities Invitations (and possible stipends) to annual gatherings, networking opportunities and events such as the 2012 Globe Conference in Vancouver, March 14–16, 2012 Application Process Submit your application and nomination form by February 7, 2012 by mail or email to Canadian Youth Environmental Leadership Scholarship (details on application and nomination forms) Application form: Click here. Nomination form: Click here. Provide a short 500 word essay outlining your passion for the environment, activities regarding environmental leadership, protection, and learning, as well as your future career plans Include a brief resume, outlining your involvement in environmental protection, conservation and advocacy activities Include the nomination letter from your dean, another faculty representative or community leader Nominators Complete the nomination form Provide an explanation of the leadership and/or innovation the student has shown in their studies or community work with regard to environmental knowledge and protection Selection Process Qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview by a committee of employees from participating sponsor companies The committee will select the first and second place finalists based on the best combination of academic success and public environmental service – action, advocacy, and volunteer activities Scholarship recipients will be announced and presented with the scholarship at the 2012 Globe Conference in Vancouver, March 14-16, 2012 Qualifications Applicants must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents or landed immigrants studying at a Canadian university or college Applicants must be in their second or third year of an undergraduate program with a minimum GPA of 2.0 Applicants must demonstrate dedication and leadership in the community and a commitment to tackle environmental issues To submit an application or nomination form, please click on the following: Application form: Click here. Nomination form: Click here. If you have any questions, please email scholarship@hrbenefits.ca The Canadian Youth Environmental Leadership Scholarship is supported by:                                               News 2012-01-26T17:17:45+00:00 http://delphi.ca/news/webinar-prep_for_sustainability_reporting_season/ http://delphi.ca/news/webinar-prep_for_sustainability_reporting_season/#When:14:25:11Z The Delphi Group wants to help you fall in love with sustainability reporting this Valentine’s Day. In order to support our clients with these processes we are offering a free webinar which will help you more effectively and efficiently achieve your reporting goals. For more information on the topics and speakers please continue.     The Delphi Group wants to help you fall in love with sustainability reporting this Valentine’s Day. We also recognize that this is reporting season for many of our clients, this means they are focused on sustainability reporting broadly, or issue specific disclosure, such as carbon or water. In order to support our clients with these processes we are offering a free webinar which will cover a number of related topics that will offer important insight and ideas that can help you more effectively and efficiently achieve your reporting goals. Topics: Benchmarking Public Disclosure best practices from the Delphi Group Trends in reporting and future direction from the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) Cutting edge research on aligning strategy with reporting options Delphi has a very active Benchmarking services business, and every year we analyze over 100 publically disclosed data points related to sustainability across a variety of sectors, including oil and gas, energy utilities, mining, telecommunications, and insurance. For the webinar, Delphi will present some highlights of the benchmarking results, including data around disclosure of carbon information in financial reports; corporate strategies on water, energy and waste; and stakeholder engagement. Dr. Blair Feltmate, Director of Sustainability Practice at the Faculty of Environment, University of Waterloo, and his students have been doing some cutting edge research into the various reporting and evaluation frameworks for sustainability. He will provide a presentation on this research entitled: Comparative Analysis of Corporate Sustainability Guidance (ISO 26000, GRI) vs. Performance Frameworks (DJSI, FTSE4Good, Jantzi Social Index): Do they Align? Stephen Donofrio, Project Manager - North America, Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), will provide a presentation titled “Capital Markets & CDP: Trends and lessons from carbon and water disclosure at CDP”. This presentation will provide a summary of what the CDP results and trends from 2011 reporting season were, plus insight into where the CDP is going in 2012 and beyond. About Us: The Delphi Group is a Canadian strategic consultancy and solution provider specializing in the areas of climate change and corporate sustainability. Delphi offers a number of free webinars to our network during the year, to promote improved performance in our specialty areas: sustainability and carbon management. Date: February 14th, 2012 Time: 15:00 EST / 13:00 MST / 12:00 PST Location: Online, delivered through your web browser Duration: 60 minutes   To register, please fill out the following form:     News 2012-01-25T14:25:11+00:00 http://delphi.ca/news/the_next_gen_entrepreneur_award/ http://delphi.ca/news/the_next_gen_entrepreneur_award/#When:20:52:29Z A call to the next generation of sustainability leaders- apply for ‘The Next Gen Entrepreneur Award’ now! This award will be presented at the GLOBE Awards to a post-secondary student (undergraduate, graduate, college student, trades) or a recent graduate who is within the first 5 years of their career (under 30 years of age), who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, dedication, commitment, innovation, and entrepreneurship with regards to the principles of sustainability (environmental stewardship, social responsibility, economic excellence). The award will recognize either a body of work that has been completed, the implementation of a program or initiative, a technical innovation, and/or the formation of a business/social enterprise that is effectively tackling an environmental challenge, while at the same time demonstrating improved environmental, social, and economic performance. Apply Now! News 2012-01-17T20:52:29+00:00 http://delphi.ca/news/funds_for_the_future_challenge/ http://delphi.ca/news/funds_for_the_future_challenge/#When:18:48:40Z Are you an aspiring sustainability entrepreneur looking to lead change in your community? If so, prepare to contend in the Leading Change 2012 Funds for the Future! Click here for more… Are you an aspiring sustainability entrepreneur looking to lead change in your community? If so, prepare to contend in the Leading Change 2012 Funds for the Future! In this challenge, a subset of aspiring entrepreneurs will be selected from participants of Leading Change 2012 to develop and pitch their proposals for sustainability-related projects to a panel of expert judges. The forum provides participants with an opportunity to learn from leading experts in the sustainability field, while connecting them with other highly-driven and successful entrepreneurs on issues that are important to you and your community. In keeping with Leading Change’s theme of continued action, the Forum will serve as the launching point for the Funding Competition- an avenue to seed change and foster its growth! 1. BRING IDEAS TO THE FORUM Arrive ready to brainstorm. We will connect you with a team of entrepreneurs in your region, who will serve as your teammates for creating change throughout the year. You and your team will work together to develop and present a business plan for the projects you would like to undertake in your communities. 2. FOSTER YOUR IDEAS Teams will showcase their ideas online in interactive formats, encouraging feedback and fostering collaboration. We encourage teams to get creative. Final business plans will be presented in 5 minute pitches, recorded and shared online. Online voting polls will be opened up to interested parties across the nation, encouraging teams to leverage social media tools in circulating and promoting their ideas, engaging the wider public. Once the polls have closed, the successful top 5 teams with solid, well thought through business plans will be invited to pitch their plan in front of our expert panel of judges, successful groups receiving funding for implementation from a pool of sponsorship dollars. In order to ensure implementation of the plans, only a portion of the funding will be allocated to winning teams immediately. Additional funding will be presented at subsequent connection points throughout 2012 and 2013 based on ongoing work of the project team or the successful transition of the work to a new project team. 3. ENSURE CONTINUED ACTION This is not a one-time gathering- it is a movement. We will take care of the logistics of where and how participants can connect again, but we encourage you to facilitate ongoing dialogue and engagement within your own communities. The Funding Competition is only the launching point for your project- bring your ideas home with you and ignite the movement within your own communities. We invite you to broaden your network by creating green teams, bringing together your peers, coworkers and other involved parties as you invite them to join your movement. Seed funding will help get your projects off the ground, but it is up to you and your movement to continue the momentum. Leverage your network and expand it by seeking additional funding sources such as grants, sponsorship, and donations. Nurture your seed fund and you, your community and the environment will reap the benefits. For more information please contact the Funding Competition Director: kaitlin@leadingchange2012.ca Ready? Seed, Grow, Nurture. News 2012-01-16T18:48:40+00:00