http://bv02delphi.com/ en kszacki@delphi.ca Copyright 2012 2012-05-11T16:51:09+00:00 http://delphi.ca/news/delphi_toronto_supports_ecochase/ http://delphi.ca/news/delphi_toronto_supports_ecochase/#When:16:51:09Z Delphi’s Toronto office is supporting Eco Chase, a race where teams search scour and strategize to discover Toronto’s most sustainable features. Click for more… Delphi's Toronto office is supporting Eco Chase, a race where teams of 4 search scour and strategize, all while learning about some of Toronto's most sustainable hot spots. Teams will need to work together, and make quick decisions to get from hot spot to hot spot, complete challenges and score tons of bonus points along the way! Spots along the way include, green buildings and spaces, renewable energy, charitable organizations doing great work, eco-businesses and restaurants and much more!  Date: June 2nd, 2012 Time: 11am-4pm Location:  YMCA Central (20 Grosvenor St) Cost: $30/ Person Click here for more information. News 2012-05-11T16:51:09+00:00 http://delphi.ca/news/delphi_accepts_shaws_2012_fill_the_foodbanks_challenge/ http://delphi.ca/news/delphi_accepts_shaws_2012_fill_the_foodbanks_challenge/#When:17:11:22Z In 2010 Shaw launched its first ever food bank drive with a goal to collect 1 million pounds of food. By working together with its communities, Shaw raised an astounding 2.6 million pounds. This year, Shaw’s Fill the Food Banks 2012 aims to raise 5 million pounds of food nationwide and The Delphi Group is helping them to meet this goal. Click to read more… In 2010 Shaw launched its first ever food bank drive with a goal to collect 1 million pounds of food. By working together with its communities, Shaw raised an astounding 2.6 million pounds. This year, Shaw’s Fill the Food Banks 2012 aims to raise 5 million pounds of food nationwide. Delphi has accepted the challenge and is working with Shaw Communications to be a part of their 2012 Fill the Foodbanks campaign.  I would encourage you all to bring in a donation on or before May 11, 2012. You can drop off your contributions at the Delphi Ottawa Office (428 Gilmour Street) between 10 am and 3 pm weekdays. Together we can help keep cupboards full! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Nancy Greene. News 2012-05-07T17:11:22+00:00 http://delphi.ca/news/delphi_to_partner_with_the_carbon_disclosure_project_cdp/ http://delphi.ca/news/delphi_to_partner_with_the_carbon_disclosure_project_cdp/#When:20:22:32Z The Delphi Group is proud to announce that it is in the process of becoming a Canadian consulting partner to the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). Delphi will be the only such partner in Canada. The CDP invites a limited number of leading consultancy partners who demonstrate a commitment to working to encourage high quality disclosure of climate change related data from global corporations. Click to read more… The Delphi Group is proud to announce that it is in the process of becoming a Canadian consulting partner to the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). Delphi will be the only such partner in Canada. The CDP invites a limited number of leading consultancy partners who demonstrate a commitment to working to encourage high quality disclosure of climate change related data from global corporations. The Delphi Group has been helping companies prepare CDP submissions for many years and we are consistently chosen year after year by some of the top Canadian companies based on our reputation of excellence. The CDP is an annual Information Request designed to find out how the world's leading companies are taking action in response to climate change. In partnering with CDP, Delphi is working to improve our clients’ capacity to report on greenhouse gas emissions and sustainable water use. Through this strategic partnership Delphi will have privileged access to: CDP’s global system to measure, disclose, manage and share environmental information; CDP analytics and reports, and will receive tailored guidance and training on the CDP framework, allowing us to expertly and efficiently assist our clients in responding to the CDP.  Currently, Delphi is working with one of Canada's principal telecommunications providers, a recognized oil and gas company, and a leading foodservice company to prepare their CDP submissions.  If you would like more information about how The Delphi Group can help you prepare your CDP submission or assist you with other public reporting needs, please do not hesitate to contact either Evelyn Walker at ewalker@delphi.ca, who serves our Western clients, or Bruce Dudley at bdudley@delphi.ca, who serves our Eastern clients. News 2012-04-27T20:22:32+00:00 http://delphi.ca/news/corporate_sustainability_-_the_elusive_new_and_improved_sustainability_bran/ http://delphi.ca/news/corporate_sustainability_-_the_elusive_new_and_improved_sustainability_bran/#When:14:57:29Z Translating sustainability into tangible business value has been a focus of many sustainability practitioners and at the heart of that discussion has been the corporate brand. Practical benefits that contribute to the bottom line, such as increased market share or enhanced shareholder value, have been important objectives to aspire to because they place sustainability within reach of core business objectives. Click to read more… Translating sustainability into tangible business value has been a focus of many sustainability practitioners since the seminal 1992 United Nations Rio Summit. At the heart of that discussion has been the corporate brand. Practical benefits that contribute to the bottom line, such as increased market share or enhanced shareholder value, have been important objectives to aspire to because they place sustainability within reach of core business objectives. In the buildings sector there is evidence of both the hard financial measures as well as what some might describe as the softer, more intangible benefits. The presence of both suggests that sustainability-savvy brands will be an area of innovation in this sector that will be worth watching.   The purpose of corporate branding is no different for the buildings sector or for sustainability than it is for other areas of the economy. The brand is an effort to build a connection between your business and your market (customers). In essence, your brand is the identity with which your prospective customers must come to associate with your product, service or company. However, sustainability, unlike other more classic branding efforts, is a more challenging communication effort. If we start with the areas of potential benefit that a corporation may hope to achieve, there are traditional economic benefits, but there are a host of other potential benefits unique to the sector: Shareholder value: a function of the success of the corporation compared with its competition in the marketplace. This could relate more to the ethical position a company takes relative to its peers making them a more attractive investment. However, buildings are increasingly being considered for innovative technologies thus innovation may become an attraction for investors; Increased market share or protection of market share: a function of the ability of a corporation to attract and retain tenants by appealing to a more conscientious market or tenants looking for better performing buildings; Enhanced environmental performance: more successful implementation of energy conservation programs accruing from tenants concerned with their ecological footprint; Enhanced financial performance: resulting from energy savings as well as the potential for increased revenue (price premiums) for higher performing buildings (LEED certified buildings). These benefits do not compare easily with the more traditional branding efforts associated with products such as “new and improved, stronger, faster-acting and cleaner.” Most would agree that sustainability as a principal - and values-based leadership effort is a bit more complex, although some might suggest “new and improved” has a nice ring to it. The communication focus for the sustainability brand can revolve around the ethics of a corporation, its philanthropy (social good), or the organization’s management of its environmental footprint – or a subset of these options, or some additional consideration. Current sustainability communication seems largely related to corporate social responsibility and ethical obligations, and is expanding into material environmental and economic outcomes. Importantly, in this new application of sustainability brand for the buildings sector perhaps the most important factor that tenants will associate with are safety, comfort and livability. These are attributes or amenities of their living space or workspace that can translate into improved health or productivity. In addition to what elements of sustainability a company focuses on, comes the method of sharing those responsible initiatives – through an outside program, or under the company banner? CSR leaders like Bentall Kennedy and the Oxford Property Group have elected for named initiatives that are incorporated throughout the organization – “Responsible Property Investing” and “Sustainable Intelligence”, respectively. On the other hand, companies like First Capital Realty, GWL Realty Advisors and Brookfield Asset Management have folded their sustainability initiatives into the general brand. As companies in the building sector continue to experiment with their respective brands and position, and the attention of their customers and investors, they may find real estate will offer a lucrative brand association. In the meantime expect to see both experimentation and increased measurement and dialogue among leading companies who will ultimately define the new and improved brand for sustainability in the future.   By Bruce Dudley, bdudley@delphi.ca   This article previously appeared in Building Strategies & Sustainability. It has been reprinted here with the appreciated permission of the editor News 2012-04-25T14:57:29+00:00 http://delphi.ca/news/delphi_expands_to_the_west_coast/ http://delphi.ca/news/delphi_expands_to_the_west_coast/#When:15:19:10Z The Delphi Group is expanding its presence in Canada.  In April 2012, we finalized a strategic partnership with Pinna Sustainability Inc., which will help us to grow our current market and better service our existing west coast customers, such as Teck, GWL Reality, BC Hydro, Pacific Carbon Trust and the BC Government to name a few. Click for more… The Delphi Group is expanding its presence in Canada.  In April 2012, we finalized a strategic partnership with Pinna Sustainability Inc., which will help us to grow our current market and better service our existing west coast customers, such as Teck, GWL Reality, BC Hydro, Pacific Carbon Trust and the BC Government to name a few. It is with great enthusiasm that Delphi welcomes our two newest Vancouver Associates: Cariad Garratt, cgarratt@delphi.ca.  Cariad has over ten years of experience as a project manager, facilitator and analyst assisting clients in achieving their sustainability goals. Her experience encompasses community-scale and corporate-scale energy and climate change strategic planning, air quality management planning, water and wastewater planning and policy development, and sustainability indicator definition and reporting. Gillian Aubie Vines, gaubievines@delphi.ca. Gillian is an engagement specialist, focusing on public process, organizational learning, stakeholder engagement and strategic planning with significant local and international experience with government, non-governmental organizations, and academia.  News 2012-04-24T15:19:10+00:00 http://delphi.ca/news/bi-annual_energy_sector_sustainability_study_2012_how_do_you_compare/ http://delphi.ca/news/bi-annual_energy_sector_sustainability_study_2012_how_do_you_compare/#When:19:26:56Z In 2010 Delphi performed groundbreaking research for a multi-client project that summarized how 45 energy sector companies were reporting and performing on over 75 key sustainability and carbon performance indicators. This year, Delphi will be updating the study, and breaking new ground into emerging areas of interest to companies, including climate change adaptation and sustainability information in financial reports, and would like for your company to participate. Click for more… In 2010 Delphi performed groundbreaking research for a multi-client project that summarized how 45 energy sector companies were reporting and performing on over 75 key sustainability and carbon performance indicators. This year, Delphi will be updating the study, and breaking new ground into emerging areas of interest to companies, including climate change adaptation and sustainability information in financial reports. The marketing of the study is being done through to June 2012 and all results are set to be delivered to clients in October 2012. Delphi’s Energy Sector Sustainability Study provides our clients with company-specific performance analysis, highlighting key areas of differentiation and improvement. Key benchmarks, trends, and scores for all performance indicators are summarized and are visually provided for effortless insertion into executive briefing presentations or reports. Clients have full access to information at ease with web-based results, supplemented with qualitative and quantitative data sheets, allowing for expanded research and simple validation. All results of this bi-annual study are confidential and multi-year trending analysis is available. Delphi is committed to working with our clients to ensure the study results can be leveraged for internal improvement.  In this regard we offer customized client specific workshops to discuss results more comprehensively and their implications for corporate practices. Our unique partnership with the CDP will also bolster our energy sector sustainability services, as Delphi will have access to high quality disclosure data from global corporations. The value proposition is clear; Delphi provides robust, clear, tailored and accessible information of the highest quality to our clients, providing a wealth of competitive insight. Delphi’s extensive experience with energy sector sustainability has made us the trusted name in the industry. By signing up to the study before July clients have the opportunity to customize certain aspects of the research and analysis. To participate in this innovative research or for more information on Delphi’s sustainability services please contact Evelyn Walker, VP Western Canada, ewalker@delphi.ca or Ted Ferguson, Vice President, tferguson@delphi.ca.  News 2012-04-23T19:26:56+00:00 http://delphi.ca/news/delphite_on_national_judging_panel_this_earth_day/ http://delphi.ca/news/delphite_on_national_judging_panel_this_earth_day/#When:13:25:19Z Steven Pacifico will be on the National Judging Panel for Earth Day Canada’s 2012 Hometown Heroes Award Program. Click to read more… Steven Pacifico will be on the National Judging Panel for Earth Day Canada’s 2012 Hometown Heroes Award Program.   Established in 2004, the Hometown Heroes Award Program recognizes and celebrates individual, group and small business environmental leaders, who foster meaningful, long-term community awareness and action. News 2012-04-20T13:25:19+00:00 http://delphi.ca/news/international_saga_continues_for_ontarios_green_energy_act/ http://delphi.ca/news/international_saga_continues_for_ontarios_green_energy_act/#When:14:33:20Z After significant delays, a date has been set for the World Trade Organization (WTO) to hear two disputes against Ontario’s Green Energy Act feed-in tariff (FIT) program for its domestic content requirements (DCRs). Click to read more… After significant delays, a date has been set for the World Trade Organization (WTO) to hear two disputes against Ontario’s Green Energy Act feed-in tariff (FIT) program for its domestic content requirements (DCRs). The FIT program provides guaranteed prices with long-term contracts for renewable electricity production, and includes minimums on the amount of goods and services that must originate in Ontario. Japan and the EU have identical complaints that the DCRs violate WTO provisions prohibiting supplying subsidies for domestic products and discriminatory treatment between domestic and imported goods. The WTO challenges offer an interesting example of sustainability-focused policies coming into conflict with international trade commitments. DCRs are tools that entrenched trade policies aim to prevent and eliminate; however, the capacity of national or sub-national governments to pursue locally sustainable energy systems benefit from such initiatives. The relationship between trade commitments and governments’ sovereignty regarding innovative policy choices may be an emerging issue in international trade relations as sustainable energy and environmental policies become increasing common. In addition to Japan’s references, the challenges to Ontario’s DCRs will also depend on how the dispute panel considers exemptions under GATT (the General Agreements on Tariffs and Trade) for some government procurement activities, as well as Canada’s constitutional distribution of mandates between the federal and provincial governments. The two complaints have been joined and will be heard by the same WTO officials at one dispute panel. The hearing will take place in July, with a final ruling by September. If Canada loses the dispute it will have to harmonize its policy with WTO recommendations. In addition, a serious question related to the future of existing contracts under the FIT program is raised if the WTO deems Canada responsible for changing the program design to satisfy trade-related obligations.   By Cheryl Johnson, cjohnson@delphi.ca News 2012-04-18T14:33:20+00:00 http://delphi.ca/news/when_policies_dont_work_together/ http://delphi.ca/news/when_policies_dont_work_together/#When:14:48:12Z Sustainable development is shaping a new form of urban planning in Canadian cities. The emerging urban development theory is largely one of intensification as a critical component of sustainable, liveable cities. However, the tool of intensification can be directly at odds with truly sustainable communities. Click to read more… Municipal governments, intensification and sustainability Sustainable development is shaping a new form of urban planning in Canadian cities. The emerging urban development theory is largely one of intensification as a critical component of sustainable, liveable cities. However, the tool of intensification can be directly at odds with truly sustainable communities. This antagonism emerges in a variety of policy arenas, including public and private transportation, land use and built environment design, service provision, and social cohesion. Intensification Most simply, intensification is development at a higher density than current levels. However, it is more than increasing population density. Intensification is also a combination of changing a city’s built form and the activities taking place within it. It is in effect acknowledging how the physical and social parts of a city, and the intensity of their use, affect sustainability and citizens’ quality of life (For further analysis, please see K. Williams’ article in Vol. 16 of Land Use Policy). Policy Tensions in Practice The tenets of intensification can be in direct tension with balancing the three pillars of sustainable development. This strain can exist in contradictions in objectives, but also through the inherently complexity of both models which can easily obscure policy goals from their associated implementation tools. Transportation offers a prime example of intensifying at odds with sustainability. While public transportation is generally accepted as a critical component of liveable cities, it also enables populations and services to spread further apart while maintaining reliable transportation corridors. Social equity considerations also emerge with intensification. Housing costs can increase steeply, making it difficult for some populations (e.g. young families, immigrants) to own homes. A less obvious element of the sustainability/intensification relationship is access to sunlight. Canadian cities do not have apparent policies for ensuring passive sunlight access for their citizens – a positive contributor to quality of life. Energy is another element. Ontario’s FIT program offers contracts with business and homeowners to supply solar-powered electricity to the province with solar panels. However, there is no precedent for ensuring access to the sunlight on a given building or piece of land after the contracts are signed. With intensification, physical barriers from increased infrastructure density may reduce effectiveness of this sustainable energy program. Conclusion Many municipalities are using intensification as a tool to pursue sustainability. To reduce tension between these complementary ideas, local governments should communicate with regional, provincial, and federal bodies whose decisions may affect city development. Engagement should also be focus on the community, engaging frequently and legitimately with different types of citizens and stakeholders across the urban area.   By Cheryl Johnson, cjohnson@delphi.ca News 2012-04-17T14:48:12+00:00 http://delphi.ca/news/toronto_greens_roofs_with_award_winning_strategy/ http://delphi.ca/news/toronto_greens_roofs_with_award_winning_strategy/#When:14:21:08Z Toronto recently became the first city in North America to mandate green roofs, with a Bylaw to require and govern the construction of green roofs on new development. Click to read more… Toronto recently became the first city in North America to mandate green roofs, with a Bylaw to require and govern the construction of green roofs on new developments. The Bylaw applies to new building permit applications for residential, commercial and institutional development made after January 31, 2010 and will apply to new industrial development as of April 30, 2012. The green roof coverage requirement is graduated, depending on the size of the building, requirements ranging from 20-60 per cent of available roof space. A green roof is an extension of an existing roof, and involving a high quality water proofing and root repellant system, a drainage system, filter cloth, and a lightweight growing medium that allows vegetation to grow. The environmental benefits of green roofs in an urban setting are well documented, and include: Reduction in stormwater runoff that affects quality of local water resources which supply drinking water, are used for swimming, and serve as fish and wildlife habitat Reduction in energy consumption Reduction in the urban heat island effect and associated cooling costs Beautification of the City Creation of more natural green spaces Opportunities for local food production Increased local biodiversity Toronto’s Green Roof Strategy has won the city the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' FCM-CH2MHill Sustainable Community Award, which recognizes municipal leadership in sustainable community development and environmental excellence and innovation in service delivery. Currently, the City of Toronto boasts 135 built green roofs, providing more than 36,517 of green roof area. For more information click here.   By Kaitlin Szacki, kszacki@delphi.ca News 2012-04-16T14:21:08+00:00