The deal will see MTD lawnmowers using catalytic technology to cut down on harmful emissions by up to 35 per cent. MTD Ultra Low Emissions Gas Lawnmower brand of greener mowers will be launched into Canadian Tire Stores throughout Canada this spring http://www.mtdbrand.ca/mtd/low_emissions.asp.

We are proud to be associated with this significant Canadian breakthrough in lawn care for homeowners that also protects the environment, said Eric Latino, President of GESi.

According to Latino, the catalytic converter improves performance, burns cleaner, and eliminates odour on the MTD Ultra Low Emissions Gas Lawnmower. Through the use of a catalytic converter and secondary air injection, the new exhaust emissions are reduced by up to 65 per cent of the allowable national standard.*

The product launch with Canadian Tire provides an opportunity to determine whether there is a demand for lawnmowers, based on their emissions levels. GESi plans to analyze the mowers sales carefully, to determine whether further investment in research and development will help drive more programs between GESi and MTD.

Future ventures could include decreased emissions from lawnmowers utilizing a GESi catalyst muffler.

About Global Emissions Systems Inc:
GESi technology has been tested and verified by Canadian home and business owners; from small gas powered lawnmower engines, to large natural gas co generation plants.
They offer technological answers to cutting down the harmful emissions from small engines, vehicles, material handling equipment and cogeneration equipment. www.gesi.ca

 

About MTD Products Limited:
Since 1932, MTD has enjoyed a heritage of dedicated people who have shared a common mission of providing their customers quality, dependability and value.

*Based on the CARB Tier III standard of 10.0 g/kW hr of HC+NOx exhaust emissions as compared to an Environment Canada and US EPA Phase 2 standard of 16.1.

 

Under the Transaction, Multiplied will acquire all of the outstanding common shares of UnoMobi from the holders thereof for the purchase price of $6.175 million, being satisfied through the issuance of 95,000,000 shares of Multiplied (\"Multiplied Share\") at the deemed price of $0.065 per Multiplied Share. The Transaction is being carried out by way of statutory merger of UnoMobi with a newly formed wholly owned subsidiary of Multiplied. Concurrent with closing of the Transaction, Marvin Igelman, Chief Executive Officer of UnoMobi, will be appointed as Chief Strategy Officer for Multiplied and to the board of directors of the Company.

The Transaction is an arm\´s length transaction and has been conditionally approved by the TSX Venture Exchange (\"TSXV\"). The Transaction is expected to close shortly after satisfaction of all outstanding conditions under the Agreement, which closing date is expected to be on or about February 11, 2010. Conditions to closing of the Transaction include: (i) approval of the holders of common shares of UnoMobi which shareholder approval is being secured by way of written unanimous resolution and is expected to be secured in the next four business days; (ii) receipt of all necessary regulatory and TSXV approvals; (iii) the confirmation of the representations and warranties of each party to the Agreement; (iv) the absence of any material adverse effect on the financial and operational condition or the assets of each of the parties; (v) the delivery of standard completion documentation; and (vi) other conditions precedent customary for a transaction such as the Transaction.

Concurrent with closing of the Transaction, Multiplied Media will issue warrants to purchase 5,000,000 Multiplied Media Shares at an exercise price of $0.20 per Multiplied Media to an arm\´s length third party advisor and its associated entities as a finder\´s fee. The warrants will be exercisable for a period of five years and will be non transferable. If the Transaction is not completed, then the warrants will not be issued.

\"The combination of our two companies strengthens the position of Poynt in the mobile local search space by providing the ability to distribute a non smartphone version of Poynt to the vast cell phone market as well as provide value added offerings directly to the mobile user,\" said Andrew Osis, Chief Executive Officer, Multiplied Media. \"We are very pleased to welcome UnoMobi into the Multiplied family.\"

\"We are excited to integrate our technology into the Poynt mobile local search application,\" said Mr. Igelman \"We expect that our combined development strength and mutual focus on the mobile space will create even more opportunities for our customers.\"

UnoMobi brings with it two distinct offerings: first, a patent portfolio including two patents concerning pushing of commercial offers to users of GPS equipped portable wireless devices and second, an Email to SMS patent pending technology that provides push email service to basic mobile phones.

Integration of technology covered by UnoMobi\´s patent portfolio into the Company\´s technology will provide greater value to Poynt users who wish to receive location and profile centric offers. For example, a user who has searched for and found \´Restaurant X\´ may be presented with an option to be notified when Restaurant X has an offer available and the business is within a specified location radius. The UnoMobi technology may be used for sending coupons, offers, or other transaction based messages to mobile users based on their profiles. The mobile user can be connected with a mobile device such as an in car navigation system, smartphone or netbook.

UnoMobi\´s Email to SMS application provides push email services to basic mobile handsets, through telco grade software that can handle rich media and make it available for low bandwidth, low capability devices. The clientless service provides users with full email functionality to compose, reply and forward as well as real time access to attachments including images, documents, audio and video. The application is supported on any standard POP/IMAP email system. The technology also provides the ability to handle rich media such as ads, coupons and video trailers with very low bandwidth on any device.

The Email to SMS application works with existing carrier infrastructure and is commencing technical trials with several major carriers around the world.

UnoMobi\´s technology will enable distribution of the Poynt application to basic mobile phones, increasing user counts and associated revenues, while the UnoMobi patent portfolio provides greater revenue opportunities from businesses wishing to take advantage of communicating directly with consumers who have indicated a predisposition for products or services of that business.

Integration of the UnoMobi staff and assets is expected to be complete within a few weeks of closing of the Transaction.

 

    About Multiplied Media Corporation
   
Multiplied Media (www.multiplied.com) has developed the award winning application Poynt (www.mypoynt.com), the mobile local search service available over BlackBerry smartphones. Through agreements with directory and vertical content providers in Canada, the United States and Europe, Poynt simplifies finding and connecting with businesses, retailers and events wherever and whenever it is most convenient for the consumer. Headquartered in Calgary, AB, Canada, Multiplied Media trades on the TSXV under the symbol MMC.

 

    Forward looking statements
   
This news release and related disclosure contains forward looking statements relating to the Transaction and other statements that are not historical facts, including statements regarding potential benefits of the acquisition (such as the integration of technology covered by UnoMobi\´s patent portfolio into the Company\´s technology, including timing of integration, the anticipated uses of such combined technology, the anticipated increases in the distribution of the Poynt application, user counts and associated revenues and greater revenue opportunities associated with the acquisition of the UnoMobi patent portfolio), timing of completion of the Transaction, conditions precedent to completion of the Transaction and receipt of all regulatory approvals. Such forward looking statements are subject to important risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The results or events predicated in these forward looking statements may differ materially from actual results or events. As a result, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward looking statements.

These forward looking statements are based on certain key assumptions regarding, among other things: the ability of the Company to integrate the technology covered by UnoMobi\´s patent portfolio into the Company\´s technology, receipt of all regulatory approvals, including approval of the TSXV, ability of each of the parties to the Agreement to satisfy the conditions precedent and market interest in the combined technology. Material risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward looking information include, but are not limited to: risks that the anticipated benefits of the acquisition will not be achieved; risks that the technology cannot be combined as anticipated or that the combined technology will function as expected, risks that the usage of the combined technology will not result in anticipated revenues; risks that the integration will take longer, cost more or result in more management distraction than anticipated; risks that future resale of the shares issued in the acquisition will have an adverse impact on the trading price of the Company\´s common shares; the deteriorating economic and market conditions that could lead to reduced spending on information technology products; competition in our target markets; potential capital needs; management of future growth and expansion; the development, implementation and execution of the Company\´s strategic vision; risk of third party claims of infringement; protection of proprietary information; customer acceptance of the Company\´s existing and newly introduced products and fee structures; and the success of the Company\´s brand development efforts; risks associated with strategic alliances; reliance on distribution channels; product concentration; need to develop new and enhanced products; potential product defects; the ability to hire and retain qualified employees and key management personnel; failure to obtain all required regulatory approvals; failure to meet all conditions required to complete the Transaction; and risks associated with changes in domestic and international market conditions and the entry into and development of new for the Company\´s products.

The forward looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additionally, the Company undertakes no obligation to comment on expectations of, or statements made by, third parties in respect of the proposed Transaction.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Despite a lacklustre economy, 25 British Columbia technology companies with an average revenue growth of 75 per cent were named to this years Ready to Rocket list.

The eighth annual list released by Rocket Builders includes 19 companies named in previous years, with six newcomers.

Collectively, the 25 companies employ 500 people and their employment numbers grew on average by 11 per cent over the past year.

Its a good news story for B.C., said Reg Nordman, founder and managing partner of the Vancouver based Rocket Builders.

We noticed at the beginning of the year the folks who are doing well have products that are a must have for their customers as opposed to a nice to have and that continued for them throughout the year.

Software as a service emerged as a success story for several of the companies that made the list.

These folks are very well focused on vertical markets, they are very well targeted and they have been able to grow, said Nordman.

Nordman said the list, which has a global following, was instrumental in convincing British Columbians who had moved elsewhere to return to the province. He said tracking the success of B.C. companies and sharing it helped attract people back.

We were able to repatriate some extremely qualified people back to B.C.; we were able to reverse the brain drain a bit, he said.

While the average growth for the year among the companies was 75 per cent, Nordman said some companies doubled revenues over the year. However, the success was not without stumbles.

Some said they had their worst quarters and their best quarters in the year; it wasnt a smooth ride, said Nordman. But they were able to grow their companies through it.

This is actually one of the best growth records since we started doing the list.

Las Vegas January 6, 2010 Today, Clickfree, the inventors of effortless computer backup, launched Network and Ultra Portable Backup solutions at the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show. Clickfrees award winning solutions have set the standard for simple backup, making powerful features accessible to the mass market who just dont have the time or technical savvy to perform backup.
With Clickfrees new BackupLink technology featured in the new C2N backup drive series backing up multiple computers across your home or office network is now completely automatic. Connect the C2N by USB, only one time, to each computer on the network, leave it connected to one of the computers and C2N will automatically backup all of the computers. Clickfree delivers another industry first by completely automating the set up of a backup device for multiple computers in the home or office its truly click free. No IT or computer knowledge is required, the C2N follows the same degree of simplicity found in all Clickfree products no set up, configuration or reading is required to perform backup.
Our C2N brings a new level of simplicity to network backup for the home or office. To take away any set up or configuration requirements to perform multiple computer backup on a network is truly a breakthrough, said Bryan McLeod, CEO Clickfree Automatic Backup. Imagine your mother, sister or brother now able to set up a home network backup by simply plugging in our device once into each of the computers. We believe this takes convenience to a whole new level.
Also unveiled was the Transformer Network Edition Adapter with BackupLink technology. Owners of any external USB hard drive coupled with the Transformer NE can have the same backup experience, features and automatic network set up function that are in the C2N.
The C2N and Transformer Network Edition will be available in February at www.clickfree.com and other major retailers. Available in 250GB ($159.99), 320GB ($179.99), 500GB ($199.99), 640GB ($219.99) The Transformer Network Edition will retail for $99.99
In Addition Clickfree Introduces Ultra Portable Backup Solutions for the Business Professional
Clickfree introduced the new Traveler Micro SD for Blackberry, which turns your Smartphone into an easy way to backup important files from your computer. Simply insert the Clickfree Traveler Micro SD Card into the Blackberry Micro SD slot, connect the phone to your computer and backup begins with one touch of a button. You also get an extra layer of security with the Traveler for Blackberry as it comes with encryption technology.
Also being unveiled is the Traveler SD which puts Clickfree`s backup technology inside a tiny SD card. It is made to work with the SD card slot found in most computers.
Like all Clickfree products, backup is truly effortless. Once inserted into a computer, Clickfree technology does all the hard work for you. It searches, organizes, and backs up your precious data and stores it onto the Traveler SD Card. You only need to insert the card once and backup will launch automatically. It is also pre set and programmable to backup on schedule.
The Clickfree Traveler for Blackberry will be available in February in 16GB ($89.99) and 32 GB ($149.99). The Traveler SD will also be available in February in 16GB ($89.99) and 32GB ($149.99).
Since its launch in 2008, Clickfree has simplified the lives of millions of consumers with its award winning backup solutions, now available in 25 countries with a network of 42 distributors and hundreds of resellers.
Our focus is clear; provide the best possible backup experience for consumers across all media types. This is the primary reason for our explosive growth. said McLeod
Clickfrees innovative new products are on exhibit during CES at the Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall booth # 31553.
Additional information available on www.clickfree.com
About Clickfree:
Storage Appliance Corporation, operating under the Clickfree brand, makes technology easy for consumers. As the inventors of effortless consumer backup, the Clickfree software makes backing up a PC or Mac as easy as plugging it in to the USB port no software to install or configure. Clickfree is dedicated to offering consumers the Ultimate Backup Experience. Recognized as the market leader in consumer backup, Clickfree has received numerous awards from CNET , PCMag and Laptop magazine. Clickfree\´s software is not just easier it\´s smarter. With 23 patents pending, this exclusive technology is only available to Clickfree customers. Visit www.Clickfree.com for additional information.
(TM)2010 Storage Appliance Corp. Trademarks used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Storage Appliance Corp. in Canada and other countries. Other product or service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners. For service, support and warranty information visit www.clickfree.com.

John Furlong, chief executive officer for the 2010 Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC), called it \"a crucial step forward to meeting our goal to make the 2010 Winter Games as environmentally responsible as possible.

\"In March, we announced to the world our target to neutralize up to 300,000 tonnes of CO2 from the Games. Today, we\´re delighted to say a British Columbian company with a growing national reputation as a leader in this field will be supporting our efforts to offset our carbon footprint from the Games through clean technology projects using B.C. know how.\"

Under the agreement, Offsetters will provide VANOC with a portfolio of offset projects created through local expertise in new, clean energy technologies. The projects will reduce a minimum of 110,000 tonnes of carbon emissions into the atmosphere, thereby offsetting direct emissions from the Games by the same amount.

Vanoc and Offsetters will also work together with interested Games partners, sponsors and participants to offset an additional estimated 190,000 tonnes of indirect carbon emissions caused by activities such as air travel to the Games.

In turn, Offsetters will receive sponsorship rights in the carbon offsets Official Supplier category for the 2010 Winter Games and for the Canadian Olympic Team competing at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games and the London 2012 Olympic Summer Games.

\"Working with leading B.C. clean technology companies including Nexterra, Sempa Power, Lignol Innovations, Ballard Power and Powertech we will create and verify a portfolio of clean technology offset projects that will neutralize direct emissions from the Games and contribute towards offsetting indirect emissions from air travel,\" explained Dr. James Tansey, president of Offsetters.

Some of the proposed offset projects include fuel cell technology in transit buses, energy efficiency systems, as well as biomass gasification and hydrogen fuelling stations to reduce industrial use of gasoline and electricity.

All projects in the 2010 portfolio will be high quality offsets consistent with the standards applied by new B.C. provincial greenhouse gas regulations, and have been designed to meet or exceed the highest international standard for carbon accounting and offsetting.

\"This unique sponsorship will allow the Games to obtain emission offsets while demonstrating innovation on climate solutions that generate jobs and other economic opportunities as a lasting legacy,\" said B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell.

\"VANOC\´s actions demonstrate what forward looking organizations can do to help reach B.C.\´s target of a 33 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020.\"

Offsetters was co founded in 2005 by Dr. James Tansey, an associate professor at the Sauder School of Business, University of British Columbia. The company works with businesses and organizations to calculate, track, reduce, and finally offset their greenhouse gas emissions.

About Multiplied Media Corporation

    Multiplied Media (www.multiplied.com) has developed the award winning application Poynt (www.mypoynt.com), the mobile local search service available over BlackBerry smartphones. Through agreements with directory and vertical content providers in Canada, the United States and Europe, Poynt simplifies finding and connecting with businesses, people, retailers, restaurants and events wherever and whenever it is most convenient for the
consumer. Headquartered in Calgary, AB, Canada, Multiplied Media trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol MMC.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Students, faculty, friends,

Its a pleasure to be back in Quebec.

And its a special pleasure to be here at Lavalthe oldest francophone university in the Americasa university that has produced so many Canadians who have shaped our country.

I quite like universities. Stephen Harper sometimes holds that against me.

But so far as Im concerned, universities are where you find the people and ideas that point the way to a better future.

Today, I want to talk to you about the environment and economic growth.

Because, more than ever, the two go hand in hand.

For youfor your generationthat seems obvious.

But its not obvious to Stephen Harper.

Stephen Harper doesnt understand the economy:

    He has spent more than any government in Canadian history, but instead of investing in the opportunities of tomorrow, he spent our tax dollars on his own political purposes.

    He failed to protect Canadian jobsand especially jobs for young people. Weve lost more than half a million jobs in the last year.

    He abandoned Canadian champions and made in Canada leadership in high tech fields like nuclear medicine.

    And he cut scientific research.

Stephen Harper doesnt understand the environment, either:

    Hes turned Canada into a veritable saboteur of international climate change negotiations. It really isnt all that surprisingremember, it was Stephen Harper who called climate change a socialist plot. Im not kidding. He really said that!

    And now, after four years and three Ministers of the Environment, Canada still doesnt have a plan, only excuses and pretexts for inaction.

    Stephen Harper put an end to the Canadas most important national energy efficiency program.

    And, as we speak, Stephen Harper is missing the opportunity of the century:  the development of a clean, renewable energy economy.

Global investment in renewable energy reached $150 billion last year.

And this year, China alone announced $250 billion in clean energy investment.

Germany has already created more than 250,000 clean energy jobs.

And in the U.S., the Obama administration is investing six times more per capita in clean energy research and development than we are.

In Canada, only one percent of our energy comes from wind and solar.

How have we fallen so far?

A week ago, a new consortium came together to try and force the Harper government to finally invest in renewable energy and clean technology.

Not a group of ecologists. Not left wing fringe groups or socialists, like Stephen Harper likes to call them.

Its a consortium of banks, venture capitalists, accounting firms, and, yes, oil companies.

In the words of Albert Behr, a new technology consultant whos part of the consortium: Canada is falling gravely behind.

Think about it. Even Canadas oil producers want the Harper government to do more for the environment. Thats where we stand.

***

A few days from now, the world will come together in Copenhagen.

I would like to see Canada fighting for a firm international agreement to reduce carbon pollution, based on scientific facts. And the science tells us that we have to contain global warming to within two degrees Celsius to prevent the worst.

Lets be clear. In Copenhagen, I would have supported an agreement by all countries on the planet in favour of measurable, verifiable, and binding targets to reduce carbon pollution.

But we must also understand that developing countries will be reluctant to move towards such binding targets.

I would have wanted Canada to be engaged in playing an important and imaginative role in helping emerging economies set differentiated yet significant targetstargets that are ultimately predictable and binding.

I would have hoped to see Canada accept our own responsibility to reduce carbon pollution, in line with other developed countries.

At Copenhagen, I would have also wanted Canada to seek recognition for the major role that sub federal jurisdictions like Quebec play in the fight against climate change.

Quebec leads North America in the fight against climate change. Premier Charest wants these efforts to be recognized on the world stage.

I fully support Mr. Charest in this desire for recognition.

Unfortunately, Canada will do none of that in Copenhagen.

***

Never before has the world so urgently needed new solutions to develop:

    clean technologies,
    energy efficient vehicles, and
    sustainable transportation.

And we need new technologies:
 
    to reduce waste,
    to make biomass more profitable,
    to clean up our waterways, and
    to make our air cleaner.

We need a new approach:

    to protect our forests,
    to preserve our biodiversity, and
    to protect endangered species.

We can turn Canada into a world leader in the new sustainable economy.

We can do itbecause right across this country, Canadians have already begun.

Look at how weve changed our own habits in recent years:

We recycle paper.

We sort our trash.

Weve started community composts in our municipalities.

Weve replaced incandescent bulbs with energy efficient lighting.

Weve installed new programmable thermostats to reduce energy consumption.

In a few short months across Canada, people started using reusable shopping bags.

And Quebecers, meanwhile, are North Americas fuel efficiency champions. More hybrid and fuel efficient vehicles are sold here than anywhere else in North America.

This is how far Canadians have come. And we want to go further.

This is how far our inventors and entrepreneurs have come. And they also want to go further.

This is how far our cities and communities have come. And they also want to do more.

***

When it comes to the environment, theres a chasm between what Canadians are ready to do and what our federal government is ready to do.

Theres an alternative to the fossil that is the Harper government.

A Liberal government will fight for ambitious targets to reduce carbon pollution.  We would set 1990 as our base year, not 2006, so we dont end up punishing provinces that have already taken the lead, like Quebec and Manitoba.

We will quickly put in place a cap and trade system. Ideally, such a system would become global. It must be verifiable. It must be binding. And it must lead to absolute reductions in the amount of carbon pollution we spew into the atmosphere.

This cap and trade system will put a price on carbon.

You pollute, you pay.

You go green and clean, you get paidor receive credits.
    
Even the petroleum sector is in favour of putting in place such a system in Canada.

We need this system to respect certain broad principles:

    The Canadian system must be equitable across all regions of the country.

    It must not penalize those who have already taken the lead.

    It must cover all of Canadas industries, with no exceptions.

    It must also be compatible with an eventual cap and trade system in the United States.  But that does not meanand this is keythat we have to wait for Washington before we move forward.

    It must harmonize with systems in place elsewhere in the world. This will allow for carbon pollution credits to be auctioned off, and their value set by market forces. It will also allow for the buying and selling of credits in an international market.

This trade will be the engine of our system. We will harness the force of business to protect our planet.

***

In order to fight climate change, a Liberal government would make the most significant investment in clean energy, renewables, new energy sources, and energy efficiency this country has ever seen.

Because we need to recognize that at the heart of everything affecting climate change is the question of energy: the energy we produce, the energy we save, and the energy well need.

Our goal would be to quadruple the proportion of renewable energy we use as a country by 2017. Theres something real we can do to celebrate our countrys 150th birthday!

Heres how well do it: well develop solar, wind, geothermal, and hydrogen.  We will invest in making biomass profitable, so our farmers and foresters can profit from the opportunities created by a sustainable economy.

Well also invest in energy efficiency, because the cleanest energy is the energy we dont use in the first place.

Well promote green construction and put in place new transit systems to reduce pollutionlike high speed rail.  Well use new energy saving technologies like smart meters for our homes and businesses, and smart electrical grids to reduce wasted energy.

Canadian workers know that saving energy saves jobs. Energy efficient businesses are more profitable and more competitive.

But energy efficiency is also a whole industry unto itself. All you have to do is look at building construction to see that a veritable revolution will soon transform the sector. To meet tough international energy efficiency standards, well need new building materials, new construction techniques, and new architectural concepts.

If we wait too long, the billions of dollars that will be invested in the energy efficient buildings of tomorrow will use products made elsewhere, with technologies created elsewhere. Were talking about jobs herejobs in R&D and in the lab, and jobs on the factory floor.

There are other examples.

10 or 15 years from now, our cities and our streets will be lit by LED lighting. A company in Nova Scotia is building its own niche in this new market. But they need a government that supports their technologies, assures them a profitable future, and promotes the jobs that come with it.

The development of renewable energies and energy efficiency means investing in innovation. It means hundreds of new businesses and thousands of good jobs for our workersand for you, too, the engineers, architects, and urban planners of tomorrow.

The jobs of tomorrow are being created today. And we must act now if we dont want to miss the boat.

***

Climate change is a crucial issue in itself.  But its importance also comes from the fact that it will only worsen the other environmental problems that we face.

We need to put air pollution back on the agenda.

We will adopt the toughest vehicle emissions standards in North America.

We will clean up everything we shoot up the stacknot just carbon pollution, but the other forms of pollution that harm our health and cause asthma, other respiratory problems, and swallow our city skylines in smog.

A Liberal government would adopt a new Clean Energy Act as a framework for our clean and green economy.

Such legislation would improve coordination between the various laws that govern energy and the environment in this country.

This single law would mean less paperwork, reduced delays, and simpler, stronger, more effective environmental assessments.

And as part of our legislation, well require the federal government to report annually to Canadians on the state of our environment.

***

A Liberal government will also implement measures that will help us adapt to the effects of climate change and protect our environment.

Climate change only accelerates degradation and slows restoration in ecosystems that have already been weakened by excessive resource extraction and pollution. We must, therefore, act on multiple fronts.

To begin with, we need a national freshwater strategy. Our water is a national treasure. Its also a national responsibility.

Well start by cleaning up the waterway that stands at the centre of our country and our historyfrom the Great Lakes down the St. Lawrence. And well begin the work of cleaning up Lake Winnipeg, one of the most important sources of freshwater in the West.

Well create new maritime protected areas off our Atlantic and Pacific coasts, to ensure the survival of both our marine ecosystems and our fisheries.

And well take action to protect the boreal forestthe lungs of our planet, more powerful than the Amazon. We need to help Quebec and Ontario reach their goal of protecting 50 percent of the boreal forest.

In addition, we will adopt a special environmental plan for the North.

Our Northern strategy will have three objectives:

First, we will work with Inuit and local populations to help them adapt to climate change.

Second, we will defend Canadian sovereignty over the Northwest Passage in all the councils of the world, especially as it becomes a more viable shortcut between Europe and Asia. We need to set the rules for using the Northwest Passage, in agreements that account not only for its fragile environment, but also for the many dangers faced by those who navigate it.

Finallybecause the Arctic, one of the planets most fragile ecosystems, is sure to get busierwe will establish clear rules about what can and cannot be done in the Arctic, where, by whom, and how.  Eventually, we will need an international treaty to assure the protection of the whole Arctic, a treaty that respects national sovereignty, and protects the entire region.

***

A Liberal government will lead by example.

We would set mandatory clean energy procurement standards.

Government vehicles will be cleaner and government buildings will be energy efficient.

The federal government will make environmental performance a selection criterion for businesses seeking government contractsa criterion they will have to respect when providing services.

And because the developing countries who can least afford the cost of climate change will feel its effects the most, a Liberal government will put climate change adaptation at the centre of our international development policy.

***

These are the steps we can take right nowto change course, to restore Canadas international reputation, and to build a cleaner, more prosperous new economy that will create the jobs of tomorrow and improve our quality of life.

But to take this step forward, we need a government that looks forward, not backward.

That is the government I want to lead.

As Canadians, we have all we need in terms of knowledge, creativity, resources, research and development infrastructure to be champions in this new era.

Its time to set ourselves a new national projectone that brings together our economy, our environment and our best ideas to create the jobs and prosperity of tomorrow.

Thank you.

 

 

There was a time when charging money for a remote control was a recipe for failure. Why would consumers actually pay for a remote? After all, every new TV, VCR, DVD player and cable box came with a free one. In fact, the average home had too many remotes precisely what a couple of software engineers figured would be the reason people would pay to simplify things.

 

In 2001, Intrigue Technologies launched the Harmony Universal Remote, a device that promised to render obsolete the three or four other controllers cluttering the coffee table. It retailed for a whopping $299. And consumers bought it.

 

A little more than two years later computer peripheral device maker Logitech bought the company for $80 million. Today, Bryan McLeod, Intrigue Technologies\´ former CEO, says the Harmony line of universal remotes account for ninety per cent of remote revenue in the North American market.

.
There was no value in the product any more; retailers weren\´t making any money. Manufacturers weren\´t making any money, said Mr. McLeod in and interview with The Globe and Mail.

 

What we did was take a totally commoditized category and turned it into a value proposition that totally changed the market.

 

Today, Mr. McLeod is looking to do the same thing with PC storage and backup devices.

 

The problem with a lot of big companies is they\´ll develop a product or technology looking for a problem the wrong way to do it, said Mr. McLeod. You say, what\´s a problem that needs solving?\´ and then you continue to look at ways where it may fall down.

 

While external storage is a booming market, it has become increasingly irrelevant as the size of internal hard drives increases and the prices for them decrease. Most new desktop computers come with 500 Gigabyte or even 1 or 2 Terabyte drives, much more than many users will ever need.

However, backing up internal hard drives to protect data in case of a computer crash is a neglected chore that consumers have not gravitated toward, says Mr. McLeod hence a market that has potential. The company\´s research indicates that only 10 per cent of consumers and small business have attempted to backup their data and even fewer do so regularly.

 

And it\´s a perception Clickfree is hoping to change.

The company\´s philosophy is based around the idea that backing up data should be as simple and efficient as possible. Since 2008, Clickfree has offered a range of backup devices, from desktop drives to credit card sized portable drives all of which organize and store a user\´s files automatically.

Lets face it backing up data is a hassle. Hard drives have become messier than a university dorm, and nearly as hard to organize. We store more movies and music than ever before, and its not always easy to keep everything in check. Perhaps thats the reason why Clickfrees latest backup drive works so well you simply plug it in, and wait. The drives software, which is both Mac and PC compatible, automatically searches your computer for everything from music and movies to documents and databases. Nothing remains untouched, as files are collected from the deepest regions of your drive, and neatly backed up for later use. Files are even organized by type, making it easy to find long lost or misplaced files lurking on your drive. But most importantly, the task is completed without any user input, and only modified files are updated on subsequent backups. And fear not, power users the most obscure of file types are probably already included, and even those that arent can be added yourself. Just dont expect the drive to play nice with both Mac and PC systems. A format is required if you plan on moving from one to the next. 

By making the backup process accessible to less computer savvy consumers, Mr. McLeod believes his company is poised for dominance, especially when up against traditional storage giants such as Seagate or Western Digital.

 

The reason we\´ll be so successful is we\´re a software company competing against hardware companies, he explains. Hardware companies develop a commodity called a hard drive. They don\´t develop innovative product marketing ideas in software.

 

And much like with Harmony, Mr. McLeod considers innovation to be the key that will made Clickfree successful. Last month, Clickfree released its latest portable backup drive, the C2. The device took an already streamlined automated backup process and refined it further. At the Consumer Electronics Show in January, Clickfree plans to release new products.

 

McLeod hints at a few of these upcoming devices, ranging from zero configuration wireless backup to network assisted solutions. Clickfree also hopes to take its popular Transformer product a device that easily turns an iPod into a backup drive and apply that methodology to additional consumer devices such as phones.

 

It doesn\´t end with a simple automatic backup drive, Mr. McLeod says of Clickfree\´s future. It\´s new features, [and] new functionality. We\´re always analyzing what the use case is for the user, and how we can make it easier and simpler for them.

 

 

Called CleanTech North, the consortium includes such prominent Canadian companies as Royal Bank of Canada, law firm Gowling Lafleur Henderson, and the venture capital firm GrowthWorks, with $1 billion under management. Other partners include global accounting giant PricewaterhouseCoopers and U.S. law firm Cooley Godward Kronish, which specializes in advising technology firms.

The consortium, which launches Friday in Toronto, will offer a range of services to promising clean tech companies, including advice on how to raise funding, patent intellectual property and pursue business opportunities in Canada and abroad.

"Its an attempt to gather together a group of experts and service providers and consultants from all kinds of areas to help clean tech companies and support them in a way that I havent seen before," said Gowling partner David Pamenter, national leader of the firms technology industry group. "What were really trying to do is get a bunch of CEOs in a room, who in some cases, if theyre (running) first time or emerging companies, really dont know what they dont know."

While some consortium partners are careful not to criticize the government one of the partners, the MaRS Discovery District, receives federal funding others say Ottawa should be doing much more to position Canada as an industry leader.

"Were being badly outdistanced right now," said Albert Behr, chief executive of Behr & Associates, a technology consulting firm based in Toronto. "Were the Toronto Maple Leafs of the clean tech community."

In recent years, billions of dollars of private investment have flowed into the clean tech sector, spurred partly by high oil prices and expectations of global climate change regulations. Since the financial crisis, much of that capital has dried up, but some national governments have stepped into the breach, investing significant portions of their stimulus packages into renewable power, public transit infrastructure and other measures.

But Behr pointed to a study submitted to last spring\s G20 summit in London that shows that Canada ranks well down the list of G20 countries in clean technology investment.

According to the study, co authored by British economist Nicholas Stern, 8.3 per cent of Canadas stimulus package is being invested in "green" stimulus, well behind leaders South Korea, the European Union and China.

Behr thinks its time for some government action. \"If we wait, well have squandered the opportunity of a generation," he said.

Industry insiders have been calling on the government to recapitalize the ecoENERGY renewable power program, which funds wind, solar and other technologies, as well as Sustainability Development Technology Canada, an arms length fund that invests in clean tech startups. Both are running low on funds.

At a recent industry conference in Ottawa, Natural Resources Minister Lisa Raitt said the government wants to "take a breath" in its clean energy plans to consult with companies, NGOs and local communities through a series of roundtables.

The Canadian consortium is somewhat rare, in that many clean tech clusters around the world have included heavy involvement from some level of government. In Denmark, for example, Copenhagens regional development agency is collaborating with the University of Copenhagen and industry leaders to turn the city into a hub for clean technology.

"Government has a role to play," said Wendy Potomski, vice president at the climate change and sustainability practice of PricewaterhouseCoopers. "They need to set the right conditions and not be an impediment. They need to be an enabler."

Copyright (c) Canwest News Service

 

For years, the interest in the development of clean technologies in Canada has been hobbled by cost concerns and the unwillingness of Canadians to lead by example through the adoption of novel technologies. That was the consensus from participants at this years second annual Green Business / PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) roundtable. However, industry experts also offered strategies to harmonize the interests of environmental sustainability and economic growth in Ontario and the broader Canadian market. The key to that harmonization is government leadership through tax incentives, making an example of their facilities, and helping to educate the public.

 

The impetus for such a conversation was the passing of the Green Energy Act, 2009 (GEA) by the Ontario government in February. John Whitehead, Assistant Deputy Minister, Regulatory Affairs & Strategic Policy for the Government of Ontario, played the role of ambassador for the government and the GEA during the roundtable discussion.

 

We are interested in engaging broadly on the Act, explains Whitehead. We think it is a great opportunity on a number of levels. We hope this is a good business opportunity, but we also think it is important for the environment, for health, and for our Aboriginal communities. We have allocated a lot of money over the next few years $32.5 billion in capital spending and a good chunk of that is going to be, one way or another, green.

 

It is a balance for government, he continues. We have to demonstrate value for the taxpayers. We have to balance that against a lot of other competing demands that the government deals with. But this was a big, big consideration for us over the past year. We too are seized with the notion that what we are building, with respect to power generation particularly, is going to stand for the next 20 or 30 years, so what we build in the next few years needs to be carefully thought out.

 

According to Whitehead, governmental rule changes will be the most fundamental component for enabling a greener economy. He describes new feed in tariffs for the provinces electricity grid as being competitive with anyone in the world and says that when it comes to electricity distribution, current rules will be stood on their heads. With regards to buildings, the GEA has tried to make adjustments to the building code to make energy efficiency and renewable generation or renewable energy sources something that has to be taken into account.

All changes, says Whitehead, are meant to set the table for as much renewable energy sources as we can buy. That means the government is trusting that technologies like wind, solar and others are going to fill in the gap created by taking coal generated power off the grid by 2014. (Another step in the process of taking coal off the Ontario energy grid in early September when Ontario Power Generation announced it will close two of eight units at its Nanticoke station near Simcoe and two of four units at its Lambton plant near Sarnia by October 2010.)

Amidst the optimism, Whitehead acknowledges that the current economic climate is not ideal for radical changes in policy.

 

This is a very tenuous market, so how far can we push the green agenda? It\´s always a balance, he notes. You have seen our budgetwe have a little bit of digging to do to get out of deficit.

 

On the whole, the attendees lauded the governments efforts to stimulate a green economy. Albert Behr, President and CEO of Behr and Associates, describes the provincial governments efforts as very ungovernmental and predicts that there is going to be a huge interest from companies that want to participate in the new model green energy market. Other attendees see the GEA as establishing the governments commitment to energy efficiency and climate change mitigation and providing important opportunities for the cleantech industry.

 

From my perspective, I hope we are going to see a lot more activity in the alternative energy space, where it has been a little bit quiet waiting for the Act to be implemented, says Lana Paton, Partner with PwCs Corporate Tax group.

 

The announcement on September 24th of the new Feed in Tariff rules are likely to make that happen as they create the stability in the Ontario market that many renewable energy developers have been waiting for.

 

Tony Verrelli, CEO of Cleanfield, a small wind turbine developer, appreciates the governments effort in moving cleantech forward; however, when it comes to new regulations, he is not without reservations.

I think there are a lot of positive aspects about [the GEA] and I think the government is doing a great job, he says. However, with every great move forward, there are other concerns raised. In our case, there are new setback regulations being proposed that are affecting urban wind turbines, and it\´s related to noise concerns. We developed our wind turbine so that it would not generate noise. When you have to set a turbine back 550 metres from any residential facility, it really hurts the potential for small wind.

 

As Whitehead acknowledges, in terms of wind turbine regulations, the shift from around 400 municipal standards to one provincial standard is not without consequence. Nevertheless, he assures Verrelli that if Cleanfield can establish that its turbines produce noise under 40 decibels, there may be an opportunity for the devices to be located closer to residential facilities.

Verrelli also raises the issue of supporting local business in what he perceives to be an unjustified favouring of solar over wind. In terms of the feed in tariffs, you have solar, which receives substantially higher financial support than windan 80 cent tariff versus 13 cents for wind. Meanwhile the content of a solar installation is under 40 per cent Ontario made, including installation; whereas wind installations have about 90 per cent of their equipment made in Canada. So there are a lot more green jobs being created through wind than solar. Why such a huge difference in pricing?

 We have tried to strike a balance that we think will respond to where the market is right now, Whitehead responds. Obviously, over time that may shift. We have to watch the markets. We are for all forms and sizes of renewable sources. As long as we are not creating externalities that are intolerable to the neighbours, then we are for it.

 

The local content rules announced for renewables on September 24th seem to take into account Verrellis concerns about solar power receiving a better deal on price, but it maintains a fairly low threshold for wind. Developers will be required to have a certain percentage of their project costs come from Ontario goods and labour at the time they reach commercial operation.

    For wind, the requirement will start at 25 per cent and increase to 50 per cent on Jan. 1, 2012.
    For micro solar PV (10 kW or smaller), the requirement will start at 40 per cent and increase to 60 per cent on Jan. 1, 2011.
    For larger solar PV, the requirement will start at 50 per cent and increase to 60% on Jan. 1, 2011.

 

Local support
Behr believes that, beyond simply renewables, the provincial governments regulations could be refined to better support companies that are committed to operating locally.

 

I have got three companies right now that are building technologies that can assist building owners both commercial and industrial, Behr says. It is only because we are proud Canadians and Ontarians that we are building these technologies here. My costs are 20 per cent higher by doing so. If we were hardnosed businessmen, I dont think we would make that decision. For Ontario built products, built by Ontarians, there should be some sort of adjustment or benefit for us to sell at commercial levels in the province. That would offset the fact that I am losing 20 points on building the technology here, rather than stamping them out in Taipeiwhich was actually a consideration. That would help soften the financial blowit would not need to be a lot of money, but it sends the right message that you are serious about helping us.

 

Whitehead stressed that the Ontario government is very mindful of encouraging local production, noting the feed in tariff contracts requirement for local content.

However, other attendees suggested that government should be taking its commitment a step further by committing to being a key buyer.

 

The government should be the first customer because these small companies cant find other companies in Canada that will pick up their technologies, says Jacoline Loewen, Managing Partner with Loewen & Partners. If you can get the government to be the first customer even if they see it as a loss leader small, innovative Canadian companies will really benefit.

Philip Ling, VP of Technology at Powersmiths, would agree. It is the psychology of Im not going to be first, he notes. People talk about the Green Energy Act, but if it is that great, then why dont I see solar on any government buildings? Its on my house, but its not on any government buildings. We received an award from Queens Park for green leadership, but I havent got a call saying, We want to use your technology on our buildings. What does it take?

 

Wendy Potomski, VP, PwC\´s Climate Change and Sustainability PracticeMandating performance
Ling believes that the cost of being first compared to lifecycle cost has to be rethought, as noted in the first article of this series. Part of the solution is respecting technologies that are ahead of the curve not allowing specifications to be dumbed down because no one else can reach that same level of performance.

 

Wendy Potomski, Vice President in PwCs Climate Change and Sustainability Practice, has worked with government creating tendering processes, and she believes that in addition to ensuring that companies meet a certain minimum standard, the government could reward those that have proven themselves to be ahead of the curve. If you give more points in an evaluation of your technology because your technology is that much better, it could be a way to help mobilize and get technologies out in the public eye sooner.

 

In discussing the role of government, Whitehead raises the question of whether or not certain initiatives ought to be enforced by law. Seatbelts, for instance, have become ubiquitous largely because the government requires that they be installed in every car. Likewise, Whitehead asks, should the government mandate particular green initiatives or merely hope that the public will, on their own accord, take advantage of incentives?

 

Ling, an engineer and partner at Powersmiths, acknowledges that regulation may be necessary for certain energy saving measures. Part of the problem is that from a knowledge point of view, the average homeowner hasnt got a clue. The energy savings available for a house is very complicated. You are not selling an iPhone, you are selling insulation; it is stuff that has no appeal whatsoever. You are saying Im going to put this stuff somewhere youll never see and its going to save you some money over some time. That is not really interesting, so it is naturally more regulation oriented.

If Ling is right, the solution, as ever, is both mandating certain levels of performance and education. If the public were more green savvy and curious about what green technology can offer, such mandates may not be as necessary.

 

Education from all sides
Ling builds on that thought by offering up the idea of something similar to Californias grid neutral schools initiative as another effective approach Ontario could take. The California initiative mandates that all schools become grid neutral.

 

That is a state initiative, and it could be an Ontario initiative, Ling explains. You say, were not forcing you to buy a particular technology, its up to you to figure out how to do it. All of a sudden you have got a whole lot of people thinking about new technologies because they have to reach that goal.

 

Jacoline Loewen agrees that the public is by and large unaware of the cost saving incentives of green technology, and without the publics buy in it will be impossible to drive purchasing habits in a green direction. To remedy that, she proposes a Toronto based demonstration project and reality TV show supported by the government that would document the construction and maintenance of four different houses, each implemented with various green technologies. Viewers would then be able to see first hand the cost saving benefits of technology that, at the moment, they dont understand. By doing this, a demand from buyers could help boost the adoption of these new technologies.

There is a psychology of green, says Loewen. You want to get the Canadian public driven to ask, whats inside this house? I want to have Bullfrog Power. I want to have [innovative insulation products]. I want all those products. It is branding. It is attractive.

 

While the general public may not be aware of the specifics of what cleantech has to offer, green as a brand is nevertheless a compelling label. Loewen argues that companies that take on the green brand have a competitive advantage. However, its potential has not yet been fully realized and cannot be without a greater public awareness.

 

Investor support
While government at all levels can mandate performance and buy green products, other investors are still required to create a sustainable industry. One way that the government could stimulate the cleantech industry is by providing investors with tax credits. Albert Behr believes that such a program has been sorely missing from the cleantech space.

 

If the federal government were to offset the risk by giving you a 50 per cent credit on any investment, it would dramatically change the mindset of individual investors, says Behr. 

 

Currently, cleantech investors are risking 100 per cent losses if their investments are not successful. By offering tax credits, the government could reduce the risk of investment and thus motivate potential investors to reach for their checkbooks. Lana Paton cites the investment system of the Canadian mining industry as an instructive model.  

 

In the mining industry, she says, you can realize a 50 per cent tax savings on your investment in flow through shares. Flow through shares, a concept that the attendees say is not widely understood in the cleantech world, is a process by which companies can pass on governmental tax deductions to their shareholders. It is a common practice in the oil and mineral exploration sector, but it is, to varying degrees, also available for cleantech investments.  

 

As it stands, however, the system is imperfect. The problem is when you start listing out the kinds of expenditures that qualify for the potential use of flow through shares, Paton says. For a solar project, the deduction may only be one or two per cent and for a wind project it might be about ten per cent. That may be nice for some investors, but ultimately it is not going to have a broad application.

 

Were the tax credits more generous, argues Behr, you would have more enthusiasm from investors. It would encourage them to invest $100,000 instead of $50,000, which would really help these little cleantech companies that are desperate for that kind of funding.

 

Ontarios Green Energy Act creates an opportunity for the province to become a leader in cleantech development. The steps taken recently in firming up the rules for renewables, including requirements for local content, are an important step forward in the provinces journey and again demonstrate how innovative the Ontario government is becoming in this space.

 

With the adoption of some of the ideas shared at this years Green Business / PricewaterhouseCoopers executive roundtable, that market development could proceed even faster. At the provincial level, at the very least, there is a sense of urgency around the issue. It is hoped that we will see yet more information on the implementation of the Green Energy Act in the coming months. Check in at Green Business and on the PricewaterhouseCoopers website regularly for updates.

 

Robert Colman is Editor of Green Business. Lenny Talarico is an intern with CLB Media.

 

 

Choosing to incorporate clean technology into a business hasnt yet become an automatic consideration for business owners. Part of the challenge for them is the perceived cost premium that introducing such technologies includes. At this years Green Business / PricewaterhouseCoopers Executive Roundtable, one of the topics that industry experts discussed were strategies that could help Canadian cleantech companies reframe the cost benefit of introducing novel technologies, making clear the economically smart investment they are.

A central frustration facing cleantech companies is a customer base that is impatient for returns. Albert Behr, President and CEO of Behr and Associates, describes a typical customer as one that wants fast returns with minimal disruption.

This is what weve found theyre looking for, Behr explains. If you can knock 30 per cent off their costs, without tearing apart their building, putting up scaffolding or nonsense like that, they are listening. Ultimately, they say that any investment better have a payback period within two years.

Meeting such demands, however, may not be feasible. Rather than attempting to accommodate the desire for fast returns, Philip Ling, VP of Technology for Powersmiths, believes that customers have to be persuaded that a ten year return on investment (ROI) is more desirable than it may seem at first glance.
 
Some customers are looking for a one year payback as a threshold, says Ling. That is a 100 per cent ROI. But meanwhile they don\´t deliver that kind of return to their shareholders on an ongoing basis. Even a 5 year payback is an attractive 20 per cent return that is hard to beat on an ongoing basis. If customers are going to receive 40 years of savings from a technology, quarter after quarterthat is 160 quarters worth of embedded savings, yet they are going to make the decision based on whether it pays for itself in a year or two that is a barrier to making meaningful reductions on energy and environmental costs.\"
 
Ling stresses the importance of convincing customers to take the long view. Moving from upfront cost to lifecycle cost is huge, especially when talking about energy conservation technologies or lower carbon footprint technologies. You are making a decision that lowers operating cost and financial burden for what could be a generation.
 
It is not an easy case to make. People naturally place greater value on short term returns, even if long term returns plainly entail greater savings. Ling sums up the impatient attitude that cleantech companies, and the green movement generally, have to face: We reward based on what gets delivered in the next quarter or next year, even though we know the future will come and piper will eventually have to be paid.\"

But offering attractive monetary ROIs is not necessarily the only sales incentive for cleantech, argues Angella Hughes, CEO of wastewater treatment company Xogen Technologies. Recently, Hughes met with a Canadian food products producer who is strongly considering moving operations to the U.S. because of constraints on effluent discharge into the municipal sewer. Normally, says Hughes, she would advertise her wastewater technology by stressing an appealing financial ROI. In this case, however, she pinpoints a more attractive reason for the food products manufacturer to consider Xogen the cost of doing business.
 
I said to him, If you had no constraints on wastewater dischargebecause our technology would eliminate themthen what would be the impact on your business? He said, Well, we could produce more cheese. All of a sudden, we are having a different conversation. Now he is thinking he does not have to produce in the U.S., he could produce in Canada for the Canadian and international market. We are going to give him a different capability than he had before.

Tony Verrelli, CEO, Cleanfield EnergyTony Verrelli, CEO of Cleanfield Energy, a small wind turbine developer, agrees with Hughes on the point that ROIs may be becoming a less significant measure of a technologys value.

We are moving away from a focus on return on investment and instead discussing the internal rate of return, Verrelli says. The internal rate of return (IRR) is a rate of return used in capital budgeting to measure and compare the profitability of investments. Usually, the higher a project\´s internal rate of return, the more likely it is that a company will want to pursue it.

By doing that, the numbers look really positive. Incorporating the value of carbon offsets has been useful as well; a lot of U.S. cleantech companies have been doing this, weve started to do the same, and the numbers look very positive. In 10 or 15 years, there may not be a big monetary ROI payback, but the internal rate of return in 15 years could be 12 15 per cent, so you start to see some good numbers. That is what a lot of people are starting to package. You see a lot of that on utility scale models.

Verrelli also points to the brand value of cleantech as an important selling point. There is a whole branding aspect to small wind that is very valuable. Having a little turbine on the rooftopcorporations will pay for that kind of exposure.

It is a challenge to change customer perceptions of what a product is and how it can benefit a company. However, as we move to a new era in which cleantech will play a pivotal role, it is the right time to determine how better to explain the value of clean tech to customers. The sales call, like so much else in this changing marketplace, is not necessarily going to the same as the one you had just a few short years ago.

 

In passing the Green Energy Act, 2009 earlier this year, the government of Ontario hoped to motivate a stronger and greener economy. In the process, there is a hope that growing cleantech companies will be able to thrive here at home. But in order for that to work, fundamental attitudes have to change within business, venture capital and government circles.

 

That assessment was the consensus among participants at this years second annual Green Business / PricewaterhouseCoopers Executive Roundtable, focused on Canadas cleantech future. The attendees seemed to concur on the point that Canadians need to approach cleantech with a more open mind and a willingness to accept risk. Entrepreneurs, investors and government all have a role to play.

The main problem that most attendees noted was that, while Canada is excellent at promoting early stage development, we are not as successful at commercializing technology.

 

Albert Behr, President and CEO of Behr & Associates, assesses the problem with characteristic bluntness: We are wimps! We are amazing at engineering; we are world class engineers. But we are completely risk averseFortune favours the brave. In other words, when it comes time to put money on the table to open a pilot plant or be the first to take on a new technology, Canadian investors are not there.

 

According to Behr, the bold risk taking ethic that characterizes U.S. investors has stimulated a boom in cleantech south of the border.  Every day we get a Request for Proposal (RFP) from cities like Cincinnati or Denver for $20 million, says Behr. And here is the thing that is amazing: they turn an RFP around in one month. Have you ever heard someone do that? One month! File it, submit it, deploy it in a month. It is amazing. Do you know what that does to companies? That is revenue. That is the lifeblood of companies.

 

Leadership lacking
Philip Ling, an electrical engineer and a Partner of Canadian cleantech company Powersmiths, identifies our countrys lack of leadership as a key roadblock to success. I think one of the barriers here is from a technology adoption point of view. We havent seen leadership. What is holding us back is the countrys psyche of not being a leader willing to say Im going to be first, now lets get on with it.

 

When we started in the mid 90s, we went straight for the U.S., Ling continues. There were no questions about us being Canadian or having a new technology. Our first project was with the U.S. government. They said, well try it, lets get on with it. We came back to Canada two years later and were still being asked, who else has bought it, who else is using it?

 

The hesitation to sink money into something new is understandable and it is certainly not a just a peculiarity of Canadian cleantech investors. The public at large is notoriously cautious when it comes to the unfamiliar. As Ling recognizes, most people want to see others get on board first.

 

On my street, I was the first and for a while the only guy that had solar electric and solar hot water, and now one of my neighbours has it, he explains. Most people are not going to do something like that first, but the minute its on my house, its okay for it to be on their house. It is the psychology of Im not going to be first. As opposed to Im going to be first. Im going to try it. And Im going to get a bloody nose every now and then, but I will be first.

 

John Gocek, COO of Sofame Technologies, has also faced skepticism from his potential clientele. Our customer base hails from old and established engineering traditions, and todays leaders do not want to change much, he notes. Power generation using water as the heat transfer medium has gone on for centuries the same way. Most engineers do not question the textbooks, where some central engineering tables are based on practices established in the 1860s. The resistance to change is enormous.

 

Getting those early adopters on board is a challenge. Jacoline Loewen, Managing Partner at Loewen & Partners Inc., draws a useful analogy that might shed light on why people are so hesitant to be first. Its like the new iPhone: everyone knows the early adopters paid $500 for them and now you can buy them for much less. Everyone knew that was bound to happen, yet there were still early adopters willing to pay that premium. But where are the early adopters for cleantech? As it stands now in Canada, there arent any.

 

Systemic barriers
Embracing a more competitive and risk taking spirit is critical, but while that psychological shift would be great to witness, there are basic economic challenges also blocking the way. One is the nature of the current government funding model in Canada.

Angella Hughes, President and CEO of Xogen Technologies Inc., appreciates the support that government offers companies like hers.

 

If it wasnt for these sources of funding, we would be completely dead in the water in Canada as they are the only sources of reliable funding available to companies like us,\" says Hughes. \"Without a revenue stream we cant tap into the traditional funding that is available to revenue generating companies. The government understands this and that is why funds like the Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) and MRI IDF exist, as well as SR&ED tax credits.\"

That being said, the challenges of many of these programs is that they require matching funding.

 

The biggest difficulty that we have encountered with the government programs is that they all require matching funds. What they cover is one third or less. Getting that matching funding is very difficult. I would actually say that if you do not have your technology already commercializedwith sales coming init is very difficult to get those matching funds in Canada. One of the things Albert Behr does is take companies to the U.S. to get that funding, because they are more apt to make that risky investment.

 

Getting the required matching funds from private industry has proven to be a serious challenge for companies that have been granted funds, suggests Hughes. Getting buy in with investors can be a challenge.

 

Investor expectations

Private investors are indeed asking a lot from cleantech companies. Albert Behr believes that promising long term return on investments (ROIs) is often a deal breaker. Xogen, for example, has patented unique wastewater treatment technology and is looking to commercialize it. If Hughes wants to attract private investment, argues Behr, she must promise a short term ROI.

 

They say ROIs must be three years, but it is actually less than two years. If Angella goes in selling a ten year payback, she would be dead in the water. If she goes in and says her product is 20 per cent the price of a municipal wastewater facility, she does it in five minutes, not 30 days, she doesnt have to tear apart the facility, can put five times the footprint on the same space and by the way, it is a green technology that doesnt generate methane then she is in the game. I think that is just something we really have to come to terms with.

 

But such short term ROIs are simply not realistic, according to Philip Ling. He believes that investors have to be persuaded that a ten year payback is more lucrative than it sounds. A six month ROI is actually a 200 per cent ROI. I dont think any company out there has ever had that ROI in their stock. Our company offers benefits for 40 years, quarter after quarter thats 160 quarters worth of savings embedded but people are going to make the decision based on whether their investment pays for itself in six months? Thats insanity. That is the problem. A ten year payback seems like forever, but it is still better than the stock market. Its really a mindset issue, because a 40 year investment that pays for itself in ten shouldnt be a problem.

 

According to Ling, the craving for fast returns is unsustainable. He considers such greed to be a cause of last years economic collapse in the United States. We reward based on unsustainability. Look at the financial markets in the U.S. Its an unsustainable thing, but that didnt stop the downturn from happening, and its not going to stop it from happening again. People dont think about sustainability. They only think about making money in the next three months.

 

Education is clearly an important concern in the cleantech space. Many potential investors dont truly understand the nature of the payback and what to expect, as Jacoline Loewen notes.

 

In the private equity business, I dont look at companies that dont have $10 million or more in revenue, Loewen explains. I try to help companies that are coming from start up to $10 million, but there is no money in that space. The government has to realize that there is zero cash in that area. There are no tax benefits. People dont feel that they get rewarded.

The reason there is no money in the space, from Loewens perspective, is that the many people that were burnt during the tech bubble in the 1990s dont yet understand the cleantech industry and what to expect from it.

 

People ask what the industry is what indices are you going to use? What growth can you expect? How is it going to play out? I think people have a lot of fear, Loewen notes.

 

And there is no question that, right now, many investors are being cautious. The answer, for companies like Sofame, is in sales.

 

We raised money two years ago and it was very exciting and very straight forward, recalls Gocek. Today, everyone is tapped out. Its very serious. Purchase orders are the way to go we need sales. Maybe Canada is a little too good at investing in research we develop a lot of stuff that nobody buys. We should be putting a lot more money into commercialization as a business in itself.

The experts at the roundtable were virtually unanimous on the point that Canadian cleantech businesses must be given more support to grow. What might that look like? In part two of our roundtable report, attendees discuss the Green Energy Act and propose solutions to the challenges facing cleantech in Canada.

 

Robert Colman is the Editor of Green Business. Lenny Talarico is an intern with CLB Media.

\"The Deloitte Technology Green 15 Award recognizes those Canadian companies that offer solutions to global environmental challenges by creating intellectual property and technology that reduce society\´s environmental impact,\" said John Ruffolo, National Leader, Technology, Media & Telecommunications Industry Group, Deloitte. \"Companies such as Sempa Power are creating technology solutions that have a significant environmental impact and demonstrate a compelling return on investment, despite being in a recession. In doing so, they are helping position Canada as a global leader in the development of commercially viable green technology.\"

 

Sempa Power\´s CEO Ron Dizy credits his team\´s tenacity and passion for green technology as a key differentiator in enabling the company to achieve success. Dizy said, \"In a tough year Sempa made considerable progress in product and market development. The team\´s enthusiasm for enabling customers with intelligent energy solutions allowed our value proposition to remain relevant during the economic slowdown. We have always had great technology, this year it was the team that made the difference\"

About the Deloitte Technology Green 15(TM) The Technology Green 15(TM) recognizes Canada\´s leading GreenTech companies. GreenTech, the industry term for \"green technologies\", is taking on greater importance in the world in general, and the world of business in particular. It includes any technology that promotes a more efficient use and re use of the earth\´s resources in industrial production and consumption. GreenTech products and services are designed to reduce or eliminate environmental impacts and improve operational performance, productivity, or efficiency while reducing costs, inputs, energy consumption, waste, or pollution. Although many companies within GreenTech industry sectors are very different, they share a common trait: all use new, innovative technology to create products and services that compete with existing products and services on price and performance while reducing impact on the environment.

About the Deloitte Technology Fast 50(TM) The Deloitte Technology Fast 50(TM) program is Canada\´s pre eminent technology awards program. Celebrating business growth, innovation and entrepreneurship, the program features four distinct categories including the Technology Fast 50(TM) Ranking, Companies to Watch Awards (early stage Canadian tech companies in business less than five years, with the potential to be a future Deloitte Technology Fast 50(TM) candidate,) Leadership Awards (companies that demonstrate technological leadership in four industry subcategories: hardware/semiconductor, software, telecommunications and emerging technologies) and the Deloitte Technology Green 15(TM) Awards (Canada\´s leading GreenTech companies that promote a more efficient use and re use of the earth\´s resources in industrial production and consumption.) Program sponsors include Deloitte, Gowlings, GrowthWorks, RBC, Wellington Financial, Stonewood Group, HKMB Hub, CATAAlliance, CleanTech Group, IGLOO, ITAC, MaRS and Microsoft. For further information, visit www.fast50.ca.

About Sempa Power

Sempa Power is a leading Canadian \"green\" company providing Smart Grid energy solutions such as the patent pending Sempa Hybrid Heating System(TM). Sempa provides turnkey design and implementation services to help building owners, operators and administrators to dramatically lower energy costs, significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and cut energy consumption. For further information pleasevisist www.sempapower.com.

For further information: Chris Witney, Director Sales & Marketing, Sempa Power, cwitney@sempapower.com

 

 

September 24th, 2009 Orangeville, Ontario Xogen Technologies Inc. (www.xogen.ca) took a major step towards commercialization of its pioneering wastewater treatment and renewable energy technology with the announcement on September 10 from Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) that a project led by the company has been awarded funding to design, build and demonstrate a pilot project at the Water Pollution Control Plant in Orangeville, Ontario.

The patented Xogen technology treats raw wastewater using an electrolytic process that not only eliminates biosolids but also requires a much smaller footprint than conventional treatment approaches, thereby lowering capital costs. As a by product, the process produces a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen gas that can be used to generate energy through combustion or a fuel cell energy that can be sold back to the grid or re used to help further reduce costs.

Design and construction of the pilot project is expected to be completed in 2010. Once operational, the Xogen pilot plant will divert a small portion of raw sewage through its
reactor on a continuous flow basis in order to demonstrate its viability for municipal wastewater treatment. The treated wastewater will be returned to Orangevilles Water Pollution Control Plant for ultimate discharge to the receiving stream. An objective third party will evaluate the results. With data obtained from the pilot, Xogen will be able to refine the technology for commercial use in both Canadian and international markets.

"This is a major step forward for our commercialization plans," said Angella Hughes, CEO of Xogen. "Our patented technology has huge potential both here and internationally to revolutionize the wastewater treatment industry. This pilot plant will help us take development to the next level and demonstrate the efficacy of the technology".  Xogen has assembled a multi disciplinary team of leading researchers and specialized
technology companies to assist with the design, build and testing of the pilot plant, including University of Toronto for research and product development, the Town of Orangeville as pilot plant host, Orangeville Hydro for electricity metering and monitoring, Linde Canada Limited for hydrogen oxygen gas handling, recovery and monetization and Newalta as channel partner. SDTC, an arms length, not for profit Corporation created by the Government of Canada, will provide up to $2M for the project.

 

About Xogen
Based in Orangeville, Ontario, Xogen Technologies Inc. (www.xogen.ca) is a privately held developer of pioneering wastewater treatment and renewable energy technology. The patented Xogen technology treats wastewater using an electrolytic process that also produces a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen gas. The hydrogen oxygen gas may be used to generate energy through combustion or a fuel cell energy that can be sold back to the grid or re used to help further reduce costs. At the heart of Xogens technology is a patented reactor that is able to rapidly treat raw wastewater in fewer steps, thereby eliminating many unit processes used with conventional approaches. The resulting treatment train requires a much smaller footprint, thereby lowering capital costs. Together with the ability to reuse the byproduct oxygen hydrogen gas, the Xogen process improves significantly on the overall economics of wastewater treatment. Since 2005, Xogen has invested over $5 million to develop its technology.

About SDTC
Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) is an arms length foundation created by the Government of Canada which has received $1.05 billion as part of the
Governments commitment to create a healthy environment and a high quality of life for all Canadians. SDTC operates two funds aimed at the development and demonstration of innovative technological solutions. The $550 million SD Tech Fund supports projects that
address climate change, air quality, clean water, and clean soil. The $500 million NextGen Biofuels Fund supports the establishment of first of kind large demonstration scale facilities for the production of next generation renewable fuels. SDTC operates as a not for profit corporation and has been working with the public and private sector including industry, academia, non governmental organizations (NGOs), the financial community and all levels of government to achieve this mandate.

\"The increase we have seen in average monthly searches per user reinforces our decision to add people and restaurant search to Poynt. With the continued adoption of our latest release by the existing user base and the anticipation of our previously announced version for iPhone, we expect continued user growth, and as a result, growth in average searches per user which in turn contributes to revenue generation\", he added.

Poynt is a free local search application that delivers business, people, movie and restaurant listings by keyword and location. The application is available for the BlackBerry Pearl and BlackBerry Curve series smartphones, as well as the BlackBerry Bold, BlackBerry Storm and BlackBerry Tour smartphones and takes advantage of capabilities including locates by GPS and cell site, click to call, click to map and click to browse website. Poynt is available to BlackBerry smartphone owners in Canada, the United States, Germany and the United Kingdom. The latest version of Poynt is available for download on BlackBerry App World (www.blackberry.com/appworld) or by visiting http://m.mypoynt.com from your BlackBerry Browser.

 

Source: [Multiplied Media Corporationhttp://www.multiplied.com]