Provincial forum provides businesses with conservation solutions
VANCOUVER – More than 800 business owners and operators from throughout B.C. will gather in Vancouver in October to learn about incorporating energy-efficiency into their business practices during tough economic times.
The 2009 Power Smart Forum will feature close to 50 free sessions and workshops for professionals from B.C.’s industrial, commercial, government and information technology sectors.
“With the help of our customers, we have made significant progress towards our B.C. Energy Plan goal of meeting 50% of all new electricity needs through conservation,” said Blair Lekstrom, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. “However, we still have work to do and must keep up the momentum. In today’s economic climate, it is important to remember that an investment in energy efficiency is an investment in your business.”
In addition to the workshops, the annual forum will also feature an interactive panel with chief executive officers from B.C.’s leading organizations in energy efficiency: Dr. David Ostrow of Vancouver Coastal Health, Steve Van Der Leest of the Overwaitea Food Group and Greg Stewart of the Sinclar Group. Sue Paish of Pharmasave will moderate the session. A tradeshow with more than 60 exhibitors will feature new and innovative energy efficiency technologies.
“Investing in energy efficiency makes good business sense - it reduces your operational costs and maintenance requirements,” said Bev Van Ruyven, executive vice-president of Customer Care and Conservation, BC Hydro. “We have invited world-leading experts to demonstrate how B.C. businesses can be conservation leaders, while helping their bottom line.”
Recognizing Canada’s rapidly growing electricity demand from information technology systems, experts with Natural Resources Canada and the U.S.A.’s Environmental Protection Agency will host sessions on managing the inevitable growth.
The three-day forum takes place from Oct. 13 to 15. Online registration closes on Oct. 7. For more information visit www.bchydro.com/forum.
Simi Heer, Media Relations, BC Hydro
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