The Net-Zero Advantage:
How SME Manufacturers Can Lead Canada’s Green Transition
What will it take to help SME manufacturers lead Canada’s transition to net-zero?
Small and medium-sized manufacturers across Canada are facing a defining moment. As larger organizations look to green their supply chains, and governments tighten regulations, manufacturers proactively embracing decarbonization will position themselves as leaders in the new green economy; cutting costs, staying competitive, and future-proofing their businesses.
SMEs contribute between 30% – 40% of Canada’s total emissions, but their unique needs, challenges, and opportunities have been largely overlooked by policymakers.
The good news is that SME manufacturers are uniquely positioned to lead the charge towards a vibrant and inclusive net-zero future. Unlike larger corporations with complex decision-making structures, SME manufacturers can pivot faster, implement changes more efficiently, and integrate sustainability in a way that makes immediate business sense.
Green Economy Canada is excited to release our new report that demonstrates how small and medium manufacturers in Atlantic Canada can lead the transition to the net-zero economy.
Green Economy Canada, along with our technical partners, the Pembina Institute and CBCL Limited, completed a study to understand the pathways to net-zero for small and medium-sized manufacturers in Atlantic Canada, and the opportunities and barriers they face in making the net-zero transition. We recruited one participant from each Atlantic province to complete net-zero technical studies, conducted a scan of policies and programs that could impact the net-zero transition for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and interviewed service providers in Atlantic Canada to understand the local capacity to support the transition.
The Fast Forward: Enabling the Net-Zero Transition for SME Manufacturers in Atlantic Canada project was made possible thanks to the generous support from the Atlantic Canadian Opportunities Agency.
With the right support designed and delivered for SME manufacturers, we can unlock this tremendous potential to hit our climate goals, drive economic growth, increase industry competitiveness, and position Canada as a leader in green economic transformation globally.
If you are an SME manufacturer in Atlantic Canada, or other parts of the country, this report is for you. It’s an opportunity to get ahead of market demands, reduce costs, and build resilience now.
If you are a policymaker or industry leader, these reports are a call to action; it’s time to rethink how we engage SME manufacturers in Atlantic Canada’s net-zero journey, ensuring they get the support they need to succeed.
