Climate Change & Sustainability

Your Business & Climate Change
Think Global. React Local.

The Nelson & District Chamber of Commerce is focused on building climate resiliency and tackling issues of sustainability in our local community.

With the recent launch of the Business & Climate Advisor program, we’re taking concrete steps towards providing our local businesses with the knowledge, tools and funding opportunities that they need to take action towards the goals outlined in the Nelson Next Community Climate Plan.

Find out How Climate Action Can Benefit Your Business.

We want to support our Business Community in implementing cost effective and impactful climate initiatives. But first we need your input! We created a short Survey to find out where you are at and how we can best support you.

Take the Survey

Do you have any questions or need support?

Contact our Business & Climate Advisor | grace@discovernelson.com

The Chamber’s Climate & Sustainability Program

Mitigation

Mitigation involves those actions focused on reducing the flow of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, either by reducing the use of fossil fuels for electricity, heat or transport, or by enhancing carbon sinks that absorb and store greenhouse gases.

The Chamber’s Climate Mitigation program is structured around four pillars:

Energy Efficiency

Reduce your energy consumption and your utility bills, and access rebates and incentive programs that help you fund investments that make your business more energy efficient.

Learn more

Waste

Rethink. Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. Resources and programs that help you reduce and divert waste from landfills.

Learn more

Transportation

Personal transportation accounts for the largest share of Nelson’s greenhouse gas emissions. Access information about active transportation networks and programs, and resources on how your business can contribute to reducing transportation related emissions.

Learn more

Education & Outreach

Learn about how local businesses are tackling issues of sustainability and climate change here in our own community, and about the ways in which climate change is impacting our way of life here in the Kootenays.

Learn more

Adaptation

Climate Adaptation involves adjusting to our actual or expected future climate. The goal is to reduce our vulnerability to the harmful effects of climate change, like forest fires or floods, while also making the most of any potential beneficial opportunities associated with climate change, like longer growing seasons or increased crop yields in some regions.

Emergency Preparedness & business continuity Plans

The Nelson & District Chamber of Commerce recommends that businesses put in place emergency preparedness and business continuity plans, so that they are prepared in case their business is impacted by flood or wildfire.

Though it is impossible to predict when or what will happen, it is possible for you to take important steps to reduce the negative impacts to you and your business. Community Futures Central Kootenays has held emergency preparedness workshops to help businesses devise disaster plans and provide a free-to-use guide to help you through the process.

Should you wish to have someone guide you through this process, please contact the Chamber’s Business & Climate Advisor.

How can my business adapt to climate change?

If your business is currently being adversely affected by climate change and you’re worried about the feasibility of your business in the years to come, please contact the Business & Climate Advisor.

Every business is different. The Business & Climate Advisor will take a deep dive into your business and work with you to devise a plan on how to adjust your operations or pivot in order to build climate resiliency and protect your livelihood.

Local Sustainability Stories

Finding Better Waste Solutions for the F&B Sector

Prepare Your Business for Emergencies with AI

BC Gov Seeking Input on Reducing Packaging Waste

July 11, 2024

New Initiative: Lunch & Learn Series Introduced

April 15, 2024

Are you a local business interested in taking climate action?

Learn how our Business & Climate Advisor can help you tackle issues of energy efficiency, waste diversion, emissions and collaboratively building climate resiliency in our community.

The Nelson and District Chamber of Commerce Business and Climate Advisor Program is presented in partnership with The Nelson and Area Economic Development Partnership and supported by Nelson & District Credit Union.