Building Back Better with a Green Power Wave: Roundtable #2 CorporateKnights 2026-09-23 | Building Back Better with a Green Power Wave: Roundtable #2
Ken Dryden Opening Remarks - Corporate Knights 2025 Gala CorporateKnights 2025-06-26 | Opening remarks of Ken Dryden winner of Corporate Knights 2025 Lifetime Award of Distinction.
Tom Mulcair receives the 2024 Corporate Knights Lifetime Award of Distinction CorporateKnights 2024-06-28 | Corporate Knights honours Tom Mulcair with the 2024 Lifetime Award of Distinction in June at the Old Toronto Stock Exchange, now Design Exchange. Past recipients include former Ontario premier Dalton McGuinty, former B.C. premier Gordon Campbell and Adèle Hurley, co-founder of the Canadian Coalition on Acid Rain.
The essential ESG investor data that everyone needs but nobody has: until now CorporateKnights 2023-12-15 | Sustainable Economy Intelligence follows the money to find the companies that are leading the transition to the low-carbon economy through their SDG-aligned product/service offerings and investments (CapEx, R&D and acquisitions). This critical research offers actionable trend analysis covering companies’ revenues and investments. Learn more at www.corporateknights.com/sustainable-economy-intelligence
How sustainable is your city? CorporateKnights 2023-04-24 | Many of the most populous cities in the world are located near coastlines, rivers, and floodplains, exposing millions to the vulnerabilities of climate change impacts. Unfortunately, the poorest and most marginalized populations are disproportionately affected by climate change impacts, and do not have the financial resources to mitigate risk or build resilience to increasingly frequent and severe climate disasters. The sustainable development of urban areas in planning, design, and investment in mitigation of climate change impacts is imperative to the wellbeing of millions of urban-dwellers worldwide.Corporate Knights has developed a quantitative, indictors-based index to assess the sustainable development of global cities. The index focuses on the environmental aspects of sustainability and has introduced the Corporate Knights Socio-Economic Adjustment Factor to account for socio-economic differences that impact the sustainability of environmental factors. The universe of cities assessed this year increased from 50 to 70. SPEAKERS:Adria Vasil, Managing Editor, Corporate Knights (Host) Nadia Morson, Research Analyst, Corporate Knights Eddie Andrews, Deputy Mayor, Cape Town Tyrone Jue, Director of the Department of the Environment, San Francisco David Symons, Director of Sustainability, WSPSponsor: WSP
Are Canadian pensions invested in a sustainable future? CorporateKnights 2023-03-24 | On March 22, Corporate Knights in collaboration with Smart Prosperity Institute, with support from the Trottier Family Foundation, released the 2nd Canadian Pensions Dashboard for Responsible Investing, a navigational tool to increase ambition for a sustainable, inclusive future. The report accompanying the dashboard outlines several developments.In this panel discussion, we discuss:-What % of total pension fund assets evaluated are committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050?-Did sustainable investments increase compared to last year?-Was there any improvement in portfolio carbon intensity?-How did the cumulative return of the sustainable solutions-focused companies compare to the broad market?-How to effectively engage to speed up the transition.-How to measure and optimize portfolio carbon efficiency.Host & ModeratorToby HeapsCEO, Corporate KnightsWelcome RemarksEric St. PierreExecutive Director, Trottier Family FoundationSummary FindingsMatthew MalinskyResearch Manager, Corporate KnightsRegulatory Landscape and Sustainable Finance DevelopmentsDerek EatonDirector of Industrial Policy, Transition AcceleratorExpert PanelErin FlanaganDirector of Climate Advisory, Sustainability and Climate Innovation Group,PSP InvestmentsKaren LockridgeDirector ESG Investing,Canada PostCarmen VelasquezDirector Responsible Investment,AIMCo
Which companies are walking the talk on sustainability? CorporateKnights 2023-03-03 | Unveiling the first global dataset of sustainable CapEx across 2500+ major companies*In this roundtable for sustainable investors, we will unpack our sustainable economy intelligence and explore the relationship between sustainable investment, CapEx and financial performance. *including the S&P 500, MSCI ACWI, Transition Pathway Initiative companies, and the world's 100 largest GHG emittersSpeakers & AgendaRalph TorrieDirector of Research, Corporate KnightsSustainable CapEx | Which sectors are investing in a sustainable future?Sean KidneyCEO, Climate Bonds InitiativeWhat does sustainable mean? | The emerging lexicon from EU to Corporate KnightsOlaf WeberResearch Chair in Sustainable Finance, University of WaterlooDoes sustainability pay? | What the data shows about the financial performance of companies who invest more in sustainabilityFate SaghirSVP & Head of Sustainability, Mackenzie InvestmentsHow can sustainable economy data provide an edge for mainstream global equity strategies?----------------------------------------------------------SUBSCRIBE TO OUR WEEKLY ROUNDUP NEWSLETTER:www.corporateknights.com/subscribe
Canadas earthiest MBA programs are adding green to their schools colours CorporateKnights 2022-11-29 | On average, compared to their global peers, Canadian MBAs have more SDG-dedicated institutes and core courses, a greater percentage of non-male and racially diverse faculty and more recent alumni working for impact organizations.This diverse panel discusses how schools can evolve their curriculums to meet the demands of a changing world, with a special focus on Canadian business schools and their performance in the 2022 ranking.Hosted byToby HeapsCEO, Corporate KnightsWelcome RemarksAdrian ThomasCountry President, Schneider Electric CanadaDr. Rumina DhallaDirector, Institute for Sustainable Commerce and Associate Professor, Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics,University of GuelphMaxime LakatCo-Executive Director, Re_Generation
Top 30 Under 30 Sustainability Leaders bend the arc of history toward a more sustainable future CorporateKnights 2022-11-18 | One thing the Top 30 Under 30 have in common is that they’re channelling their energies (including climate anxieties) into inspiring, needle-moving solutions, whether that’s fighting for Indigenous rights, building greener buildings and cleaner power, closing the loop on waste, or boosting corporate and government sustainability. Ultimately, they’re standing up for the well-being of all life on this planet – and they’re showing us all how it’s done.Hear what this year's Top 30 Youth Sustainability Leaders had to say about the work they do and how they stay healthy in the fight for a better future.Opening remarks: Jay-Ann Gilfoy, CEO of MeridianHost: Adria Vasil, Managing Editor at Corporate KnightsSpecial thanks to Meridian for supporting the 2022 30 Under 30
Big business puts its industry associations on notice: No more blocking climate policy CorporateKnights 2022-11-10 | On November 8th, at COP27 in Egypt, 57 global companies that are leaders in sustainability endorsed an Action Declaration to Paris-align their climate policy engagement activities. The Action Declaration outlines how industry leaders in the movement to decarbonize the economy will support ambitious action to close the say–do gap on countries’ emission reductions.SPEAKERSFiona MacklinRace to Zero Campaign Manager, Climate Champions Morten DyrholmGroup SVP, MarCom, Sustainability & Public Affairs, Vestas & Chairman, Global Wind Energy CouncilGwenaelle Avice-HuetChief Sustainability & Strategy Officer, Schneider ElectricMads NipperGroup President & CEO, ØrstedHakan BulgurluCEO, Arçelik AS & President, AppliaHon. Steven GuilbeaultMinister of Environment and Climate Change, CanadaToby HeapsCEO, Corporate Knights Inc.Learn more at corporateknights.com/action-declaration
By Hook or by Crook: The Carbon Reduction 20 Launch CorporateKnights 2022-10-19 | A discussion led by journalist and regular Corporate Knights contributor Naomi Buck, with an introduction to the Carbon Reduction 20 from Corporate Knights’ CEO Toby Heaps, and an inside look at Enel’s transformation story from Enel Green Power CEO Salvatore Bernabei.The trio explores how going all in on the energy transition makes it possible for massive companies to rapidly decarbonize faster than almost anyone thought possible, while boosting market value and taking care of employees.
Corporate Knights releases inaugural Sustainable Cities Index CorporateKnights 2022-06-20 | corporateknights.com/subscribeTo meet the needs of a warming planet, cities must continue to evolve by planning and investing more innovatively than ever before. You have a key role to play in responding to climate change; to change our climate trajectory, urban areas must become more sustainable. On a mission to assess global cities’ environmental sustainability performance, Corporate Knights developed the Sustainable Cities Index, a new quantitative, indicators-based rating of environmental sustainability that ranks 50 large and mid-sized cities on six continents. The inaugural Sustainable Cities Index is exclusively sponsored by WSP, will launch tomorrow at 9:30AM EDT / 3:30PM CET. FEATURING:Don Iveson | How the Index can help cities speed up progressCorporate Knights | Presentation of Index concept + rank of inaugural 50 citiesAndré-Martin Bouchard | Best practices for sustainable cities worldwideCity Leaders Panel | How cities are taking sustainability to the next levelSPEAKERS:-Eddie Andrews (Deputy Mayor, Cape Town)-André-Martin Bouchard (Global Director Earth & Environment, Global Executive Director ESG, WSP)-Don Iveson (Former Mayor of Edmonton, Sustainable Cities Guest Editor)-Katarina Luhr (Deputy Mayor, Stockholm)-Jennifer McKelvie (Councillor and Chair, Infrastructure and Environment Committee, Toronto)-Alessandra Reis (Innovation Coordinator at the Curitiba Agency of Innovation)FROM CORPORATE KNIGHTS-Toby Heaps, CEO-Ralph Torrie, Director of Research-Nadia Morson, Research Analyst
Critical Emissions 3/3: Building net-zero CorporateKnights 2022-06-10 | Subscribe to our weekly newsletter at corporateknights.com/subscribe--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------In 2019, the building sector accounted for 8% of total G20 emissions. Emissions in this sector increased when they needed to decrease in order to be on pace to achieve 2030 targets. Switching buildings to zero-emission electricity is therefore an important part of our decarbonization efforts. Joined once more by moderator Diana Fox Carney, and Corporate Knights' Director of Research, Ralph Torrie, this final event in our Critical Emissions series focuses on opportunities to decarbonize the building sector in G20 countries by 2030.Hear from our expert panel:Prabh K. Banga, Director of Sustainability, AeconTom-Pierre Frappé-Sénéclauze, Program Director, Buildingsm, Pembina InstituteVictoria Burrows, Director of Advancing Net Zero, World Green Building CouncilMatt Zipchen, President, Efficiency Capital
Critical Emissions 2/3: Navigating net-zero CorporateKnights 2022-05-26 | With Diana Fox Carney, Ralph Torrie, Christina Bu and Mike Doucleff, this is the second event in our Critical Emissions series.Electric vehicle sales have been on a long-term exponential growth curve and have continued to accelerate since 2019. As the internal combustion engine is phased out for passenger and commercial ground transportation, this sector will contribute to a significant new source of electricity demand and is set to undergo significant transformation in the coming years. Transitioning the transportation sector to net-zero is obviously a complex endeavour - hear what our panel suggests to accelerate this transition.
Critical Emissions 1/3: Powering net-zero CorporateKnights 2022-05-06 | The G20 received an EARTH INDEX score of 5% for the power sector, indicating a slight decline in emissions and movement in the right direction. However, for this sector to meet its aggregate G20 emissions reduction targets, the pace of reductions will need to be 20 times higher than in 2019.In Powering Net-Zero, leading climate specialists take a deeper look at what EARTH INDEX results tell us about our efforts to decarbonize the power sector in G20 countries by 2030.Joined by Diana Fox Carney, Pavan Sukhdev, Ralph Torrie, Julia Frayer and Filip Engel, our Critical Emissions event series kicks off with how the power sector can help close the gap between emissions reduction targets G20 leaders have committed to and the actions they're taking to deliver on them.
Pavan Sukhdev echoes Winston Churchill in clarion call for climate change action CorporateKnights 2022-05-04 | Watch Pavan Sukhdev's sobering remarks to kick off a live virtual roundtable held on May 4, 2022, called POWERING NET-ZERO. Sukhdev is the Founder and CEO of GIST, a sustainability data and analytics company, and former President of WWF International.This session was the first part of three sessions focusing on high-emitting sectors following our inaugural EARTH INDEX report, which measures the gap between 2030 emissions reductions targets and annual progress towards those targets in G20 member countries (the "say--do gap"). For more info, visit www.corporateknights.com/earth-index
Green MP Elizabeth May kicks off EARTH INDEX with perspective on 30 years of climate (in)action CorporateKnights 2022-04-22 | On April 20, Corporate Knights released its first annual EARTH INDEX report, revealing the say–do gap between G20 countries' 2030 GHG reduction targets, and actual progress towards those targets. The project was kicked off in a virtual roundtable with leading climate thinkers and influencers. In these opening remarks, veteran Green Party MP and Canadian climate activist Elizabeth May responds to the EARTH INDEX results, speaks about the past 30 years of inertia around climate action, and distills the urgency of the next 8 years. We must reach peak emissions by 2025, she says, then cut them in half. To read the full EARTH INDEX report and coverage, visit www.corporateknights.com/earth-index
EARTH INDEX : Charting the path to 2030 CorporateKnights 2022-04-22 | Are G20 countries meeting their emissions reductions targets?Our latest research reveals which countries and sectors are leading and lagging in the race to net-zero. These findings were released in the first annual EARTH INDEX report, covered in the spring issue of Corporate Knights.In this session, Corporate Knights thought leaders reveal which countries and sectors are leading and lagging in the race to net-zero. A panel of leaders from the front lines of the climate movement respond to our findings and share their insights on the tectonic shifts needed for G20 countries to deliver on 2030 commitments.Read the report here: www.corporateknights.com/earth-index
Sustainability Reporting: The next frontier in Canadian standard setting CorporateKnights 2022-04-08 | The Independent Review Committee on Standard Setting in Canada is recommending that a Canadian sustainability standards board is needed. In this conversation, held on April 6, 2022, Committee Chair Ed Waitzer, Committee member Michael Jantzi, and guest speaker John Godfrey discuss the future of sustainability reporting by entities in Canada and address questions, suggestions and comments from the CK community of stakeholders.--------------------------------------------------------------- Moderator:Toby HeapsCEO, Corporate KnightsSpeakers:Ed WaitzerChair, Independent Review Committee on Standard Setting in CanadaMichael JantziCEO, Sustainalytics and Member, Independent Review Committee on Standard Setting in CanadaSubscribe to Corporate Knights magazine and Weekly Roundup at www.corporateknights.com/subscribe
Taking it to the next level: Canadian pensions and sustainability CorporateKnights 2022-03-11 | In November 2021, The Natural Step Canada and Smart Prosperity Institute in partnership with Corporate Knights, with support from the Trottier Family Foundation, published the Canadian Pensions Dashboard for Responsible Investing, a navigational tool to increase ambition for a sustainable, inclusive future.The report accompanying the dashboard found that while there have been positive developments towards sustainability in the pension sector, there are still challenges. In this roundtable, we convened a panel of experts to reflect on the current state of Canadian pensions and discuss the path to making them greener, faster.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------ModeratorToby HeapsCEO, Corporate KnightsWelcome RemarksEric St. PierreExecutive Director, Trottier Family FoundationSummary FindingsDerek EatonDirector, Public Policy Research and Outreach,Smart Prosperity InstituteClosing RemarksDavid HughesPresident & CEO, The Natural StepMike WilsonExecutive Director, Smart Prosperity InstituteExpert PanelAlison LoatManaging Director, Sustainable Investing And Innovation,OPTrustEllen QuigleySenior Research Associate,Centre For The Study Of Existential Risk,University Of CambridgeRosalie VendetteSustainable Finance Expert,DecodESGKeith AmbachtsheerPresident,KPI Advisory ServicesAdam ScottDirector,Shift: Action for Pension Wealth and Planet Health
Mobilizing the Green Transition: How government-industry collaborations can move the climate dial CorporateKnights 2022-02-23 | Collaboration across sectors is crucial in the fight against climate change, especially between policymakers and industry. Governments and companies must work together to raise the level of climate action and ambition. This means that while global climate targets approach quickly, policymakers provide clear guidance, regulations, and support, while businesses bring constructive solutions that are sustainable as well as actionable in the near term.In this roundtable, co-hosted by the Embassy of the Kingdom of The Netherlands and Corporate Knights, representatives from both the Canadian and Dutch governments share their perspectives on cross-sector collaboration in their respective countries, as well as highlight the future roadmap for Canada and the Netherlands. Low-carbon initiatives and investments, key industry challenges, and ideas for future government-industry collaboration are shared by Dutch Sustainable Growth Coalition local representatives from Shell, KLM, and Philips. Finally, experiences of its members in pursuing low carbon initiatives are shared by the Business Council of Canada.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Moderator:Toby HeapsCEO, Corporate KnightsWelcome Remarks:H.E. Ines CoppoolseAmbassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to CanadaPanellists:H.R.H. Prince Jaime de Bourbon de ParmeClimate Envoy of The NetherlandsJeanne-Marie HuddlestonDirector General, Bilateral Affairs and Trade, Environment and Climate Change CanadaCatherine Guillemart-DiasGeneral Manager Canada, Air France-KLMSusannah PiercePresident and Country Chair, GM Renewables and Energy Solutions, Shell CanadaAfifa ScognamiglioDirector, North America Sales Readiness & Commercial Operations Liaison, PhilipsJohn DillonSVP Policy and Corporate Counsel, Business Council of Canada
Earth Index 5/5: The Green Agriculture Wave CorporateKnights 2022-02-04 | The systems that generate our food, if all inputs are included, represent 25 to 30% of global GHG emissions. The agricultural sector generates 10% of Canada’s GHG emissions, with the majority traceable to beef production and the intensive use of nitrogen fertilizers. Building a more resilient regenerative farming ecosystem will result in a significant increase in ecological goods and services (EGS), including food, water, timber, and services such as water filtration, flood protection, wildlife habitat conservation and GHG sequestration. We can have a more nutritious, lower-carbon food supply and enhance biodiversity, while adding thousands of jobs to local communities. This session details a 30% reduction in agricultural emissions by 2030, and a 50% cut by 2050, through the implementation of existing practices and technologies and an investment equal to 0.1% of annual GDP, per the Build Back Better farming and forests model.Moderator:Toby HeapsCEO, Corporate KnightsPanellists:Terrylynn BrantFounder, Mohawk Seedkeeper GardensGary CsöffSenior Digital Agribusiness Consultant, IBMDoug FalckOrganic Program Manager, Nature’s Path Foods Inc.Gillian FliesPartner, The New Farm Inc.Adam NobleCEO, NoblegenDarrin QualmanDirector of Climate Crisis Policy and Action, National Farmers Union (Canada)Ralph TorrieDirector of Research, Corporate Knights
EARTH INDEX 4/5: The Green Renovation Wave CorporateKnights 2022-01-29 | Canada has 2.85 billion square metres of inefficient buildings that make up 13% of our national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Transitioning the buildings off fossil fuels will require ambitious energy retrofits on an unprecedented scale. A ten-year, phased-in program for thermally retrofitting and electrifying 60% of Canada’s homes would reduce GHG emissions by 45% and, at current rates, annual fuel and electricity costs by $12.7 billion annually. For commercial buildings stock, the combination of thermal retrofits and conversions to heat pumps will enable energy costs to drop by a third ($7.3 billion), and GHG emissions to drop by 50%, or 22 Mt CO2e. This session details the public investments and policy measures needed to decarbonize this sector on our ambitious timelineModerator:Toby HeapsCEO, Corporate KnightsOpening Remarks:The Honourable Ahmed HussenMinister of Housing and Diversity and InclusionPanelists:Jamie Gray-DonaldSVP Sustainability, QuadReal Property GroupLeona HumchittMember of the Heiltsuk Tribal CouncilJulia LangerCEO, The Atmospheric FundSteve MennillChief Climate Officer, Canada Mortgage and Housing CorporationReza NasseriFounder, Landmark HomesAkua SchatzVP Market Engagement and Advocacy, Canada Green Building CouncilKent TaylorGlobal Director of Workplace, Technology & Design, IBMCatherine ThornSenior Director, Community Energy Planning, EnwaveRalph TorrieDirector of Research, Corporate Knights
Professor Johan Rockström gives a five minute masterclass on the urgent science for climate action CorporateKnights 2022-01-21 | Johan Rockström is a professor in environmental science with emphasis on water resources and global sustainability. In this short presentation, delivered as opening remarks at the 2022 Global 100 Executive Roundtable, Professor Rockström reviews the science behind calls for urgent action on decarbonization.
2022 Global 100 Executive Roundtable CorporateKnights 2022-01-21 | Since 2005, the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World has been unveiled annually during the World Economic Forum in Davos with an in-person CEO roundtable. For the 2nd year, we opened up the event for the world to attend. Virtual Roundtable Agenda:-Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World unveiled -Introduction of EARTH INDEX (Toby Heaps)-Opening remarks: The Carbon Law And Importance of Following Through (Dr. Johan Rockström)-Executive Roundtable: Driving Global Decarbonization | How Global 100 Companies Can Change The Political Climate-Call to action from leadership panel-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Moderator:Toby HeapsCEO, Corporate Knights Inc.Opening Remarks:Dr. Johan RockstromDirector, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact ResearchLeadership Panel:Minna AilaSVP, Sustainability and Corporate Affairs, NesteHenrik AndersenCEO, Vestas Wind SystemsEsther AnChief Sustainability Officer, City Developments LimitedChristophe BeckCEO, EcolabHakan BulgurluCEO, ArcelikRoberto GuidettiCEO, VitasoyLawrence KurziusCEO, McCormick & Co.Mads NipperCEO, Ørsted A/SGeorge R. OliverCEO, Johnson ControlsJean-Pascal TricoireCEO, Schneider Electric
EARTH INDEX 3/5: The Green Industrial Wave CorporateKnights 2022-01-14 | Canada’s manufacturers generate more than 10% of total GDP, export more than $354 billion in goods each year and employ 1.7 million Canadians. Along with these benefits, manufacturing has a sizable footprint. “Heavy industry” consumes 80% of the sector’s energy and emits more than 85% of total manufacturing GHG emissions. To shrink these emissions on an ambitious schedule, the transition to a sustainable production system will be led by a shift from commodities to services, and includes dematerialization and lightweighting, reuse and recycling, the substitution of fossil fuels with renewable energy, the elimination of toxic by-products and pollutants, and a redoubling of efficiency. This session explores the smart, dynamic policies that can help us reduce manufacturing GHG emissions by 8 Mt per year by 2030, support 23,000 good new jobs and simultaneously make Canadian companies leaders in exportable low-carbon technology, as per the Corporate Knights Build Back Better model.Moderator:Toby HeapsCEO, Corporate KnightsOpening Remarks:The Hon. Jonathan WilkinsonMinister of Natural ResourcesContributors:Chris BatailleSenior Researcher, IDDRIWeixing ChenChief Technology Officer, Adven IndustriesJean Paul GladuFounder and Principal, MokwatehLaura KilcreaseCEO, Alberta InnovatesMurray SimpsonGlobal Director of Sustainability, IBMRalph TorrieDirector of Research, Corporate Knights
EARTH INDEX 2/5: The Green Mobility Wave CorporateKnights 2021-12-13 | An ambitious schedule of vehicle electrification with 2030 zero-emissions-vehicles (ZEV) sales tracking to 100% for passenger vehicles and 75-80% for trucks would reduce GHG emissions by 63 Mt per year and save drivers $23 billion annually at the pump. To achieve this, we require supportive demand and supply side policies, suitable financial structures, and sufficient charging infrastructure. This session considers the current state of affairs including the % of fleet and most recent year’s sales that are zero-emissions vehicles (ZEV) for passenger, buses and trucks, progress made in the past year, and what is required in terms of strengthened policies, capital mobilization, and charging infrastructure roll-out to electrify a significant portion of Canada’s fleet while putting us on track for nearly all new vehicle sales to be ZEV by 2030—as per the Corporate Knights Build Back Better Synthesis Report.----------------------------------------------------------------------Moderator:Toby HeapsCEO, Corporate KnightsOpening Remarks:The Hon. Mona FortierPresident of the Treasury Board of CanadaContributors:Nino Di CaraPresident, Electric Autonomy CanadaBrett HillhouseGlobal Head, Automotive and Electronics Industry, IBMJoanna KyriazisSenior Policy Advisor, Clean Energy CanadaChief Clarence LouieCEO, Osoyoos Indian BandPaul SoubryPresident and CEO, NFI GroupRalph TorrieDirector of Research, Corporate KnightsStephanie WallcraftPresident, Automobile Journalists Association of Canada
EARTH INDEX 1/5: The Green Power Wave CorporateKnights 2021-12-02 | A green grid to enable carbon-free energy within the next decade is within our grasp. It will require smart policies and financial structures to build out the requisite clean power generation, transmission capacity, and crucially, storage. This session considers the current state of affairs including the carbon intensity of the grid, progress made in the past year, and what is required in terms of strengthened policies, capital mobilization, and infrastructure roll-out (storage, generation, and transmission) to put us on track to a resilient carbon-free grid by 2030—as per the Corporate Knights Build Back Better Model Scenario.------------------------------------------------------------Moderator:Toby HeapsCEO, Corporate KnightsWelcome Remarks:The Hon. Steven GuilbeaultMinister of Environment and Climate ChangeContributors:Anne-Raphaëlle AudouinCEO, WaterPower CanadaEhren CoryCEO, Canada Infrastructure BankSevern Cullis-SuzukiExecutive Director, David Suzuki FoundationMatt JamiesonCEO, Six Nations of the Grand River Development CorporationPhil SpringExecutive Partner and Vice President Energy and Sustainability, IBM Consulting - EuropeRalph TorrieDirector of Research, Corporate Knights
OUR ZERO CARBON FUTURE: Making the transition just // Part Three CorporateKnights 2021-11-29 | Building on the foundation of the preceding two sessions, panelists reflect on the COP outcomes from a climate justice perspective and share their thoughts on the relationship between measures to ensure a just transition and our collective ability to achieve the Paris climate goals.There are two sides to just transition. Globally, there is the question of who will foot the bill for required changes (both mitigation and climate adaptation) in developing countries as well as whether there will be any money available to compensate for climate damage. Domestically, to what extent do Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) seek to address issues of climate justice, without which there is likely to be significant backlash from affected communities?Moderator:Diana Fox CarneyFellow, Balsillie School of International Affairs Welcome:Gerhard Schlaudraff Embassy of Germany in CanadaFrank MarchettiEmbassy of France in CanadaSpeakers:The Honourable Seamus O’ReganMinister of Labour, Government of CanadaRegional Chief Kluane AdamekAssembly of First Nations Regional Chief, Yukon Region and Lead on Climate Change and the EnvironmentThomas Losse-MüllerFormer State Secretary, Lead Candidate, SPD Schleswig-Holstein, GermanyEmmanuelle WargonMinister Delegate to the Minister of Ecological Transition, incharge of Housing, France
OUR ZERO CARBON FUTURE: Making the transition just // Part Two CorporateKnights 2021-11-09 | The transition to clean energy as the primary source of energy in Canada will impact both consumers and suppliers. On the supply side, there are different impacts for different players that must be understood and planned for if a just transition is to be achieved. This session explores:-The policies/ policy ideas and actions to support displaced workers from the traditional energy sector, as well as engage people currently excluded from the labour market in emerging clean energy workforce opportunities-Energy producers and suppliers, considering the policies and actions needed to support the growth of new and emerging producers/suppliers of clean energy.-Disruptors with the potential to develop and drive the adoption of new technologies to enable and force change among the small, medium and large energy producers and suppliers (including oil and gas)Welcome:Kareen RispalAmbassador of France in CanadaModerator:Diana Fox CarneyFellow, Balsillie School of International AffairsPanelists:Thoren AlbrechtDirector of Policy, IG Metall VorstandCatherine BertramGeneral Manager, Mission Basin MinierMatt JamiesonPresident & Chief Executive Officer, Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation
ZERO CARBON FUTURE: Making the transition just // Part One CorporateKnights 2021-10-26 | Across Canada and in other OECD countries, many consumers and communities experience energy poverty wherein they don’t have access to reliable and affordable energy sources for the basic necessities of life, like heating, cooling, and transportation. This session explores the concept of energy poverty in the context of driving a just transition – what it is, where it happens, who experiences it, how the transition to clean energy can solve energy poverty – and offers examples of policies and actions that help to alleviate, reduce, and ultimately end energy poverty for individuals and communities, while pushing us toward a zero-carbon future.This series is a partnership of Corporate Knights with the German and French Embassies in Canada, as part of the Ottawa Climate Talks.Welcome:Gerhard SchlaudraffDeputy Head of Mission, German EmbassyModerator:Diana Fox CarneyFellow, Balsillie School of International AffairsOpening Address:Dana Tizya-TrammChief of Vuntut Gwich’in First NationPanelists:Allison AshcroftManaging Director, CUSPVeit BürgerDeputy Head of Energy & Climate Division, Öko-InstitutHélène DeniseAdvocacy Officer, Fondation Abbé Pierre
Leadership & the Climate Crisis: Why business leaders must accelerate the Race to Zero CorporateKnights 2021-10-26 | The pandemic has dominated nearly every part of our lives. Yet, the fight against climate change remains a constant threat to the health, safety, and sustainability of our world. Fortunately, Canada is making strides to address climate change; pledging ambitious commitments to cut our greenhouse gas emissions by 40 to 45% over the next nine years to accelerate our path for a safe and prosperous net-zero future. But achieving a net-zero future requires every sector of the economy to act. Business leaders have a big role to play, and this is evident considering 81% of employees expect their company to act on climate change.In the third and final roundtable of this series, we focus on the important role of executive leadership in the race to net zero. With a panel of Canadian business leaders, we hear how they are transitioning to low carbon, prosperous business models, while looking closely at setting targets, cleaning up supply chains, and the question of linking executive compensation to ESG performance.-------------------------------------------------------------Moderated by:Toby HeapsCEO, Corporate KnightsPanelists:Adrian ThomasPresident, Schneider Electric CanadaFrances EdmondsHead of Sustainable Impact, HP CanadaGord HicksCEO, BGISRob SimpsonDirector, Sustainability, Ivanhoé Cambridge
TIME TO ACT - Canadian businesses race to zero CorporateKnights 2021-10-13 | Presented by Corporate Knights in partnership with the British High Commission. Around the world and in Canada, companies are seizing the opportunity to lead on the net zero transition. In this roundtable, leading Canadian companies from a range of sectors will share their net zero journeys – why they made bold 1.5C aligned commitments, the challenges they faced, and how they overcame them. Our panelists cover four themes: capital mobilization, clean energy transition, non-financial disclosures, and SMEs.Video welcome:Nigel Topping, United Nations High-Level Champion for Climate ActionKeynote Speaker:Sir Chris Hohn, Co-founder and Chair, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation and Founder and Managing Director, TCI Fund ManagementModerator:Diana Fox Carney, Fellow, Balsillie School of International AffairsPanelists:Kerry Adler, Founder, President and CEO, SkyPower GlobalMarc-André Blanchard, Executive Vice-President and Head of CDPQ GlobalTheresa Jang, EVP and Chief Financial Officer, StantecJacqueline Prehogan, Co-founder and Chief Brand Officer, Open Farm Inc.
Smart & Sustainable Homes of the Future CorporateKnights 2021-10-04 | COVID-19 is affecting everything, including energy usage. Work-from-home practices driven by the pandemic are dramatically increasing energy demand and consumption in our homes, and many of these changes are here to stay. To resist the worst climate impacts, we must limit temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels by halving GHG emissions by 2030 and hitting net-zero emissions by 2050. Moving forward, homes are expected to be the single largest consumer of electricity and one of the biggest contributors to carbon-dioxide emissions. Our homes must not only be more energy efficient, but also have more personalized spaces with uninterrupted power. Measuring home energy consumption in real time is no longer a nice to have, it is a need to have. Smart home systems bring sustainability, privacy, security, flexibility, energy efficiency and comfort to all living spaces. Get a glimpse of what the net-zero homes of the future look like.This the 2nd in a 3-part series called “Acting for a Net Zero Future – Now” about the role of technology, innovation, collaboration and the need for ambitious leadership in the race to zero emissions. Series sponsored by Schneider Electric.-------------------------------------------------Moderated by:Toby HeapsCEO, Corporate KnightsPanelists:David O'ReillyVP Secure Power and Home & Distribution Divisions, Schneider ElectricSonja Winkelmann, EPDirector, Net Zero Energy Housing, Canadian Home Builders’ AssociationJennifer WeatherstonVP Operations, Doug Tarry Homes
Transforming Canadas Water Systems with Smart Solutions CorporateKnights 2021-09-20 | With a population boom anticipated across municipalities in Canada, key infrastructure like water treatment plants will be under increased pressure. Knowing that only 0.3% of global water resources can be used as clean drinking water, technologies like IoT will play a critical role in replacing outdated systems and meeting the need for clean water sources. Hear from industry experts about who is currently using IoT for wastewater management, how public services can modernize for the future, and why the adoption of IoT solutions is essential for Canada’s ambitions to be a leader in the fight against climate change.This virtual roundtable is the first in a 3-part series, called “Acting for a Net Zero Future – Now” about the role of technology, innovation, collaboration and the need for ambitious leadership in the race to zero emissions. Series sponsored by Schneider Electric.Moderated by:Toby HeapsCEO, Corporate KnightsPanelists:Matthieu BureauVP Power Systems, Schneider Electric CanadaBernadette ConantCEO, Canadian Water NetworkCraig BonnevilleManager, Epcor Gold Bar Waste Water Treatment PlantExpert Commentator:Josalyn RadcliffeChair, Ontario Nurses for the Environment Interest Group
The Era of Action: 2021 Best 50 Virtual Gala & Executive Roundtable CorporateKnights 2021-07-08 | In 2002, Corporate Knights published its first list of Canada's Best 50 Corporate Citizens. To celebrate the release of our 20th instalment and reflect on the path to a net-zero Canada, we assembled a special virtual gala.Host & Moderator:Karim Bardeesy (Ryerson University / Corporate Knights)Welcome Remarks:Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos (President, Treasury Board of Canada)Executive Roundtable:-Nez Aquino (Chief Risk Officer, Vancity)-David Murray (Chief Innovation Officer and Executive Vice President – Generation, Health, Safety and Environment, Hydro-Quebec)-Kim Hallwood (Head of Corporate Sustainability, HSBC Bank Canada)-Ave Lethbridge (Executive Vice-President and Chief Human Resources and Safety Officer, Toronto Hydro)-Apala Mukherjee (CEO, BASF Canada)-Marcia M. Smith (Senior Vice President, Sustainability and External Affairs, Teck Resources)-Tom Dowdall, Business Ambition for 1.5C Campaign Lead at Carbon Disclosure Project
The Era of Action: Reflecting on 20 Years of Canadas Best 50 Corporate Citizens CorporateKnights 2021-07-07 | Corporate Knights CEO and co-founder Toby Heaps reflects on the 20th year ranking Canada's Best 50 Corporate Citizens, what's happened in sustainability in the new millennium, and what needs to happen in the next 20 years to prevent the worst effects of climate change.
How can Canadian industries lead on Natural Climate Solutions? CorporateKnights 2021-06-14 | Corporate Knights, in partnership with Nature United and Metcalf Foundation, present a virtual event focused on new landmark science on the mitigation potential of Natural Climate Solutions in Canada.For more than two years, 38 experts explored and quantified the mitigation potential of protecting, managing and restoring nature across Canada. In this panel, Nature United and corporate leaders have an in-depth look at the science and outline how to prioritize investments in Natural Climate Solutions that will have maximum benefit for people and nature.Amanda ReedDirector of Strategic Partnerships,Nature UnitedTim FaveriVP Sustainability and Shared Value,Maple Leaf FoodsKate LindsaySenior Vice President,Forest Products Association of CanadaBill MorrisRetired CEO,Accenture CanadaModerated by:Ralph TorrieDirector of Research, Corporate Knights
How future-friendly are Canadian provinces? CorporateKnights 2021-05-25 | We recently published a net-zero provincial report card, prepared by veteran climate reporter Shawn McCarthy, that grades Canadian provinces and territories on climate performance.There is no doubt that meeting Canada’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 will require robust GHG mitigation efforts from provinces, and we plan to continue monitoring this closely.To unpack the findings of this report and discuss the path forward for building a coalition of net-zero committed provinces, we assembled a panel from the front lines of policy and climate research to highlight what provinces and territories can learn from each other, and to map out the big opportunities to unify Canada on climate action.Featuring:Hon. Keith IrivingMinister of Environment and Climate ChangeNova ScotiaHon. Shannon PhillipsMLA for Lethbridge-WestAlbertaDale BeuginResearch and Analysis Vice PresidentCanadian Institute for Climate ChoicesHost:Toby HeapsCEO, Corporate Knights Inc.Moderator:Shawn McCarthyAuthor, Net-zero Provincial Report CardOpening Remarks:Bruce LouriePresident, Ivey Foundation
Why are racialized and Indigenous women still absent from corporate boardrooms? CorporateKnights 2021-03-15 | Racialized and Indigenous women have been leaning infor decades. Why are they still largely absent fromcorporate board rooms?In this roundtable, we discuss:-Why progress is slow for women of colour-What levers can we pull on to create change-Impactful allyship and corporate actionModerator:Shilpa Tiwari (Her Climb)Panel:Narinder Dhami (Marigold Capital)Leen Li (Wealthsimple)Nadia Theodore (Maple Leaf Foods)Event co-hosted by Corporate Knights and Her Climb.
2021 Global 100 Launch and CEO Roundtable with Remarks from His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales CorporateKnights 2021-01-27 | Since 2005, The Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World has been unveiled annually during the World Economic Forum in Davos with an in-person CEO roundtable. This year, we went virtual. Learn how the Global 100 are leading the Race to Zero while delivering superior financial performance.Special message:His Royal Highness The Prince of WalesOpening remarks:Sanda Ojiambo (UN Global Compact)Moderator:Diana Fox CarneyCEO Roundtable:Lawrence Kurzius (McCormick & Co.)Robert Marques (Natura &Co.)Mads Nipper (Ørsted)Jean-Pascal Tricoire (Schneider Electric)
Corporate Knights presents Fireside Stories for the Climate CorporateKnights 2020-12-11 | Featuring:-Margaret Atwood (Novelist, Poet, Literary Critic, Environmental Activist)-David Suzuki (Scientist, Broadcaster, Author, Co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation)-Sheila Watt-Cloutier (Nobel Peace Prize Nominee, UN Environmental Champion, Inuit activist)Introductory Remarks:Toby Heaps (CEO and Editor-in-chief, Corporate Knights)Co-Hosts:Adria Vasil (Managing Editor, Corporate Knights)Adam Radwanski (Feature Climate Change Writer, Globe and Mail)-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Paris Agreement turns 5 on December 12th, 2020.In 2015, 196 nations came together under the Paris Agreement to set the world on a course towards sustainable development, aiming at limiting warming to 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Five years on, we know how to address climate change. Put simply, we need to decarbonize the economy and preserve nature’s lungs.As we celebrate the 5th Anniversary of the Paris Agreement and prepare for the next round of negotiations, to take place in Glasgow in 2021, we must critically reflect on one central question – what will it take to move the masses to act for the climate before it is too late?This event brings globally recognized Canadian voices together to tackle this question. This virtual fireside conversation was in partnership with the British High Commission and the Embassies of France and Germany.
David Suzuki on why he believes humanity can rise to the climate challenge CorporateKnights 2020-12-11 | In this clip from Fireside Stories for the Climate, David Suzuki, in discussion with Margaret Atwood, explains why he believes humanity can rise to the climate challenge. Visit www.corporateknights.com/paristoglasgow for more information.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------This event was in partnership with the Embassies of Germany and France and the British High Commission.
High Commissioner Susan le Jeune d’Allegeershecque introduces Paris to Glasgow event CorporateKnights 2020-12-07 | Registration at: www.corporateknights.com/paristoglasgowThis event brings globally recognized Canadian voices together to tackle this question. Join us for a unique and compelling opportunity to hear from a cultural icon, a financial influencer, a renowned climate activist, and an Indigenous trailblazer.This virtual fireside conversation is in partnership with the British High Commission and the Embassies of France and Germany.
High Commissioner Susan le Jeune d’Allegeershecque introduces Paris to Glasgow event CorporateKnights 2020-12-07 | Registration at: www.corporateknights.com/paristoglasgowThis event brings globally recognized Canadian voices together to tackle this question. Join us for a unique and compelling opportunity to hear from a cultural icon, a financial influencer, a renowned climate activist, and an Indigenous trailblazer.This virtual fireside conversation is in partnership with the British High Commission and the Embassies of France and Germany.
Ambassador Sabine Sparwasser (Germany) introduces Paris to Glasgow: from knowledge to action CorporateKnights 2020-11-29 | Registration at: www.corporateknights.com/paristoglasgowThis event brings globally recognized Canadian voices together to tackle this question. Join us for a unique and compelling opportunity to hear from a cultural icon, a financial influencer, a renowned climate activist, and an Indigenous trailblazer.This virtual fireside conversation is in partnership with the British High Commission and the Embassies of France and Germany.
Financing the Green Building Wave CorporateKnights 2020-11-27 | IN THIS VIRTUAL ROUNDTABLE:An examination of how net-zero new builds and deep retrofits for residential and commercial builders are financed in Germany and other parts of the EU, and what Canada can learn to launch a green building wave here.Moderator:Diana Fox CarneyHost:Ambassador Sabine Sparwasser (Germany)Panel:-Frederic Bettez (Managing Director—Investments, Canadian Infrastructure Bank)-Brendan Haley (Efficiency Canada)-Stefanie Kerlein (Project Manager, IBA27--International Building Exhibition 2027)-Julia Langer (CEO, The Atmospheric Fund)-Sabrina Schulz (Policy Fellow, Das Progressive Zentrum)-Andrea DelZotto (Executive and Director, Tridel)--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ABOUT THIS SERIESBuilding Back Better Together – Canada and Europe, a virtual series under the banner of Ottawa Climate Talks and in partnership with the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Canada.In the spirit of globalizing a green recovery, Building Back Better Together explores key insights for how the international community can build back better together post-COVID. The Roundtables bring together Canadian, German and other European experts, policy makers and business leaders to exchange insights from the current crisis and to reflect on climate action post-COVID in order to avoid a longer term catastrophe by sparking a global green recovery.
Ambassador Kareen Rispal introduces Paris to Glasgow: from knowledge to action CorporateKnights 2020-11-19 | Register at tinyurl.com/paristoglasgow------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Paris Agreement turns 5 on December 12th.In 2015, 196 nations came together under the Paris Agreement to set the world on a course towards sustainable development, aiming at limiting warming to 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Five years on, we know how to address climate change. Put simply, we need to decarbonize the economy and preserve nature’s lungs. As we celebrate the 5th Anniversary of the Paris Agreement and prepare for the next round of negotiations, to take place in Glasgow in 2021, we must critically reflect on one central question – what will it take to move the masses to act for the climate before it is too late? This event brings globally recognized Canadian voices together to tackle this question. Join us for a unique and compelling opportunity to hear from a cultural icon, a renowned climate activist, and an Indigenous trailblazer.Featuring:Margaret AtwoodDavid SuzukiSheila Watt-CloutierThis virtual fireside conversation is in partnership with the British High Commission and the Embassies of France and Germany.
Green Hydrogen: Time to Seize the Moment CorporateKnights 2020-11-16 | In the spirit of globalizing a green recovery, Building Back Better Together explores key insights for how the international community can build back better together post-COVID. The Roundtables bring together Canadian, German and other European experts, policy makers and business leaders to exchange insights from the current crisis and to reflect on climate action post-COVID in order to avoid a longer term catastrophe by sparking a global green recovery.IN THIS VIRTUAL ROUNDTABLE:A deep-dive discussion on the potential of hydrogen for enhancing and completing the transition to clean energy and the opportunities for and barriers to – including technologies, generation, storage, infrastructure and use – realizing that potential. See our recent coverage on hydrogen’s big moment for a taste of the discussion to come.PART ONEIntroductory Remarks:Honourable Minister of Natural Resources, Seamus O’ReganHost:Ambassador Sabine Sparwasser (Germany)Moderator:Diana Fox CarneyPanel:-Stefan Kaufmann (Commissioner, Federal Republic of Germany Green Hydrogen Strategy)-Raffaele Piria (Senior Project Manager, Adelphi)-Beaver Paul (Founder, SEN’TI Innovations)-Sarah Petrevan (Policy Director, Clean Energy Canada)PART TWOEmcee: Frederik Bohn, Director of Corporate Partnerships, Plug and PlayIntroduction to Plug and Play: Farzin Shadpour, VP, Plug and Play Supply ChainSession Moderator: Marcelo Lu, President of BASF CanadaPresenters:Hydrogenious Technologies (Germany)Hydrogen in Motion (Canada)Keyou (Germany)Proof-Energy (USA)Closing Remarks: Saeed Amidi, Plug and Play CEO
Corporate Knights Ranking Methodology and Data Platform Orientation CorporateKnights 2020-11-05 | Corporate Knights has moved data verification to a Digital Data Portal. This portal has been designed to make your data and KPI submission as easy as possible, with enhanced controls and efficiency.This informative webinar is an opportunity for us to introduce you to this exciting new development in our research capabilities.Topics covered will include:-Company profile set-up-KPI's, Data Points, and Weights-Data Downloads-User Management
Carbon Fibres: Bitumen for Good CorporateKnights 2020-10-30 | An exploration of the more lucrative non-combustion uses for bitumen and how they could fit into the EU supply chain for lightweight vehicles (e.g. the German automotive industry), building materials and aircraft, among other possible uses and the opportunities this presents for Canada.Moderator:Diana Fox CarneyHost:Ambassador Sabine Sparwasser (Germany)Panel:-Wolfgang Seeliger (CEO, Leichtbau-BW GmbH)-Marcelo Lu (President, BASF Canada)-Carrie Fanai (Program Lead – Bitumen Value Chain Optimization, Enterprise Technology,Suncor Energy Inc.)-John Zhou (Vice President, Clean Resources, Alberta Innovates)---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Building Back Better Together – Canada and Europe, a virtual series under the banner of Ottawa Climate Talks and in partnership with the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Canada.In the spirit of globalizing a green recovery, Building Back Better Together explores key insights for how the international community can build back better together post-COVID. The Roundtables bring together Canadian, German and other European experts, policy makers and business leaders to exchange insights from the current crisis and to reflect on climate action post-COVID in order to avoid a longer term catastrophe by sparking a global green recovery.
