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The article reports on the voluntary agreement of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association (CVMA), the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers of Canada and the Canadian government regarding reductions of greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions on April 5, 2005. It presents an action plan created by the CVMA to achieve the goals agreed upon by the concerned parties and a number of ways on how to address the matters on GHG emission reductions. Accordingly, the automobile industry aims to do its part in reducing GHG emissions to direct the matters on climate change, but according to a research by the University of California the agreement is a weak plan and it needs considerable thoughts. INSET: Automotive indoor air quality..

The article focuses on the latest developments in the environmental industry. Climate change was the most discussed environmental topic in 2001. Canada is now getting serious regarding the implementation of the Kyoto Protocol. The environmental industry needs to take care of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets. Reduction in GHG emissions may result in climatic changes, and Canada may face extreme weather events, like droughts, heat waves, and ice storms. There is a need to be prepared for any emergency that arises due to natural disasters, or man-made events. Power generation is also a very important topic for the environmental industry. In Ontario, coal-fired power generation stations are being closed, and alternative methods for generation power are being explored, which is creating environmental awareness. Considerable attention was given to brownfield remediation in Ontario. Although, there cannot be a perfection regarding brownfield remediation, some remediation is necessary for the protection of the environment. Also, there is need for companies to comply with the regulations regarding environment.

The article presents information on electronic waste in the current era of technological advancement. Each year millions of Information Technology (IT) equipment is sold worldwide, which, in time, produces waste electronics and electrical equipment (e-waste). In 1998, for example, six million tons of waste were generated world-wide. This waste stream is expected to grow by about four per cent per year. In 2010, therefore, 12 million tons of e-waste is expected. Currently, e-waste is usually landfilled, incinerated or recovered without any pre-treatment. Some components of e-waste contain hazardous substances such as lead, mercury and cadmium, which are harmful to both human health and the environment. The loss of valuable re-usable materials and the negative impacts e-waste has on the environment have caused all stakeholders, including consumers, industry and regulators, to look for e-recycling options. In 2000, the European Union tackled these issues head-on, and has placed the onus of e-recycling squarely on the shoulders of brand owners, first importers and manufacturers.

The article emphasizes on the need for companies to achieve business growth without causing an environmental impact. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a three-legged stool that incorporates economic, social and environmental impacts into business planning. Though most companies are well-versed in their economic impacts, realizing the benefits of minimizing their environmental impacts and improving their social impacts is a concept many companies have yet to grasp. Companies usually begin their CSR integration by addressing compliance issues, employee health and safety concerns, and other legislative requirements. Beyond reducing operating costs, effective CSR integration can include managing environmental risks and liability issues. Consumers are also well aware of environmental concerns such the depletion of natural resources and the importance of purchasing products containing recycled materials or that are easily recyclable. Addressing these concerns can enhance brand and image reputation, leading to increased sales and customer loyalty.

This article presents a discussion on the risk assessment in relation to the environmental industry. Contaminants lie buried in Canadian brown fields while property owners try to determine the extent of the pollution and how much it will cost to clean it up. Contractors building housing developments wonder if their work is mould-proof and, if not what problems may them in the future. And one large, hazardous material spill to the environment could bankrupt a small manufacturing company. According to Rick Dresher, vice-president of CDM Insurance Ltd., a brokerage based in Mississauga, the first step in managing a risk is to identify it. Using insurance to transfer risk to a third party is not a new concept for anyone who's owned a car, a house or a business, or even bought private dental coverage. But turning to environmental exposures, companies seem to believe that they must manage these risks on their own. The article also states that this year marks the 25th anniversary of environmental insurance and the industry has grown from a fledgling product that provided coverage for U.S.-based regulated industries to a mature market that provides both sides of the border with various products to limit environmental exposures.

Discusses issues concerning the Globally Harmonized System for the Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) endorsed by the United Nations to every country to be implemented by 2008. Background on the development of the GHS; Effects of the introduction of the GHS on the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System, the comprehensive labeling and classification system of Canada; Benefits of the implementation of the GHS for a country's environment, health and safety.

Discusses the significance of the sonic generator from Vancouver, British Columbia-based Sonic Environmental Inc. to the cleanup of soil contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls. Application of the generator; Company background; Challenges and opportunities facing Sonic's technology. INSET: PCBs 101.

This article offer tips and explains some of the biggest mistakes companies make when dealing with chemicals and spills. Peter Knaack of Fisher Scientific in Ottawa said that the most common mistake companies make in the workplace is that they under-protect. They haven't got the counter-measures in place for the scope of hazards they have, he says. Companies need to determine if the product is flammable, a health hazard and/or a reactive hazard. He explains that a material safety data sheet will give that information, but most companies will often miss one of those three elements. Most workplaces also don't have appropriate fire extinguishers. Or, they may not have fire extinguishers at all. They may be thinking they only have liquid hazards that they need to contain, but they don't realize that the liquid hazard could actually catch fire. The fire extinguisher also needs to have the taking out power to make sure that if a fire starts, it can be put away. After fire hazards, Knaack says the next most neglected area of protection when it comes to spills is respiratory protection. Companies don't typically have a breathing apparatus or an escape respirator on the wall. While companies may have filtering respirators in the workplace, they won't be sufficient in cases where a hazard is pushing the air out of the room.

The article evaluates the sustainability calculator software from Xerox Corp.

This article presents information on the importance of the right kind of absorbent for cleaning the chemical spills. Some products are designed for aggressive chemicals while others are designed for everyday oil spills. Companies need to educate workers to ensure the proper absorbent is chosen. Oil spill absorbents won't absorb aggressive pills. And while products for aggressive chemicals will absorb an oil spill, they generally cost, more, which is an added expense doesn't need to pay. Devcon Corp. offers absorbents made from a wood fiber cellulose, which turns liquids into solids on contact. The products do not leach and therefore, do not cause secondary spills. The waste is accepted in all types of disposal options, including landfill, incineration and bioremediation. Devcon also does on-site evaluation of what chemicals are used, proper placement of spills kits and training from the spill scenario through disposal. For acid and caustic spills, neutralizing the material avoids incineration costs and any potential hazardous leaching that sometimes occurs with traditional universal absorbents.