4-minute read
Written by Casey Clair, Energy and Climate Advocate
According to the Canadian Survey on Business Conditions (CSBC), a sizable portion of business owners (27%) think a lack of financial resources is a barrier between current and more sustainable practices. Efficiency Manitoba has a variety of resources available to reduce expenditures related to purchasing and fitting energy-efficient systems.
The CSBC Report (Q3 2022) states that small and medium-sized businesses perceive a greater barrier towards implementing sustainable practices compared to their larger counterparts.
One way small businesses can combat this barrier is by checking out our Small Business Programs, Business Lighting Program and Building Envelope Program.
1. Small Business Programs
It’s Small Business Week!
Photography by Mike Sudoma
To take your business to the next level of energy efficiency, see if you qualify for either of Efficiency Manitoba’s Small Business Programs.
If your Indigenous-owned business is under 15,000 square feet, has 10 or fewer locations, is not part of a national franchise and pays a commercial rate on energy bills you could qualify for free lighting and insulation assessments as well as free energy-efficient products and installation through the Indigenous Small Business Program.
Upgrades occur in two phases:
- Phase 1 includes a free energy assessment and free installation of A-line LEDs, faucet aerators, spray valves and showerheads.
- Phase 2 is a more comprehensive approach to energy saving and includes LED linear lamps, specialty LEDs, LED exit signs, lighting controls, smart thermostats, and pitched roof insulation.
If you’re non-Indigenous and have a small business that needs energy efficiency upgrades, check out Efficiency Manitoba’s Small Business Program for similar offers. This program covers 100% of the costs for Basic Upgrades and up to 70% of the total costs for Premium Upgrades.
Both programs use Ecofitt technicians to help assess your energy needs and install energy-efficient products at little to no cost.
2. Business Lighting Program
If your business is focused on upgrading its lighting, take a look at Efficiency Manitoba’s Business Lighting Program. This program is great for replacing outdated compact fluorescent (CFL), halogen, incandescent, fluorescent, and high-intensity discharge (HID) lighting technologies.
Additionally, there’s an exclusive bonus offer going on until March 31, 2023 for both customers and suppliers on top of the current incentives for LED lighting and lighting controls. The Business Lighting Program has a limited-time 25% bonus increase on current customer incentives. Suppliers can receive a bonus of $100 for every application they fill out on behalf of a customer.
LED lamps, fixtures, backlit signs and lighting controls are just a few of the options available for businesses looking to save money on longer-lasting, energy-efficient lighting.
3. Building Envelope Program
Winter is on its way!
Save money when the temperatures drop by properly insulating your business, agricultural facility, or multi-unit residential building. You can reduce associated heating costs and air leaks and receive rebates through Efficiency Manitoba’s Building Envelope Program.
If your business uses electric or natural gas heating systems and you haven’t started renovations yet you could be eligible for rebates towards roof and wall insulation, door upgrades, high-performance window replacement and curtain wall and storefront system replacement.
Time to get started!
Photography by Mike Sudoma
It can be costly to retrofit your workspace, but initiatives such as Efficiency Manitoba’s Small Business Programs, Business Lighting Program, and Building Envelope Program can help greatly reduce product and installation costs as well as save you money on monthly energy bills.
Stay tuned for more programs that can help your business adopt environmental practices.
For updates on Efficiency Manitoba programs please contact Casey at The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce by phone (204) 688-1304 or email [email protected].
