Our recent Business Breakfast session provided a valuable platform for local businesses to come together, network, and collaborate. The first session in April focused on energy efficiency and cost savings, offering attendees practical tips such as implementing simple energy-saving measures and gaining a broader understanding of the energy landscape in our region.

While useful tips were shared, the main focus of the morning was working together to identify common barriers and explore potential solutions to overcome them.

Several shared challenges emerged during the discussion, including:

• Difficulty accessing and understanding available rebates and energy programs
• Limited tools and knowledge to track, measure, and interpret energy usage data
• Building ownership issues, where tenants are unable to make upgrades on behalf of landlords
• Lack of staff engagement in energy-saving efforts
• Need for clearer, more accessible education on everyday energy-saving practices

In response to these concerns, the Chamber is committed to providing meaningful support. This includes facilitating better communication between tenants and landlords, helping businesses understand and access rebate programs, and offering guidance on tracking and analyzing energy use more effectively. We’re also working to provide better education around practical, low-cost energy-saving measures and supporting businesses in engaging their teams in sustainability efforts.

Most importantly, we’re continuing to create opportunities for businesses to come together to share best practices and co-develop solutions that benefit the wider community.

We thank all participants for their valuable insights and look forward to continuing the conversation at future sessions. Keep an eye on our channels for details on upcoming events!

If you are a business owner looking for support and guidance contact our Business & Climate Advisor Grace Henecka: grace@discovernelson.com.