Achieving Eco-prosperity : SMEs’ perspectives on the environment
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Achieving Eco-prosperity
Full Report
October 2007
Authors: Matthew Armstrong, André Lavoie, Plamen Petkov,
Corinne Pohlmann, Danielle Smith
Environmental issues have grown to become a high priority for Canadians and, as a result, are a major focus of political parties of all stripes. Owners of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) share this intense focus on the environment. SMEs are often overlooked, however, as they fall outside the scope of programs targeted for residents, and they do not have the administrative clout of large companies to deal with environmental management practices, rules and regulations. Given their position as local community leaders, employers and residents—their views are more similar to those of ordinary Canadians than to large industry. Like the Canadian public, their opinions are diverse but balanced, and they are in a unique position to offer practical approaches to dealing with a wide variety of environmental issues.
SMEs also understand the delicate relationship between the environment and the economy, as both require attention and proper nurturing so that all Canadians can benefit. As such, there is a strong belief that it is possible to grow the economy and protect the environment at the same time. In fact, many are already successfully doing that within their own businesses. To learn more about the SME perspective on the environment, CFIB conducted a national survey of its members from January to March of 2007 that collected 10,826 responses, making the national results accurate within +/- 0.9 per cent 19 times out of 20. This research follows CFIB’s previous studies on the environment: The Green Grassroots: Small Business and the Environment (1991) and SMEs: The Natural Facts—Results of CFIB Environment Survey (2001).
To better understand the wide variety of environmental programs, CFIB also met with dozens of environment experts across the country. These included federal and provincial government officials as well as representatives from non-governmental organizations and from various utilities. The purpose was to learn more about what information already exists, lessons they have learned when working with SMEs, and how to improve upon what is already being done. Some of their ideas and suggestions are reflected in this report, and CFIB thanks them for their input.
This report will explore the perspective of SMEs on the environmental issues of greatest importance to their businesses and how they are responding to these issues. It also looks at barriers SMEs face, including the impact of environmental regulations and paper burden. Finally, based on the survey results and information gathered from interviews with environment officials, the report will provide suggestions on what more can be done to help SMEs improve the environment in which they live and do business.
