Please Note: The CME SMART Green program is now closed. Please explore active government funding programs.
Carbon emissions have been a hot topic for both the government and business sector lately. And with the Ontario Cap and Trade Program coming into effect, businesses are seeking more sustainable ways to run their business.
Fortunately, The Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) Association have announced a new program dedicated to helping Ontario manufacturers reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions: The CME SMART Green Program (click for Mentor Works’ top program resources).
The program has now officially launched; manufacturers are advised to apply soon since applications will be assessed on a first-submitted first-reviewed basis.
CME SMART Green Funding Details
The CME SMART Green Program was created to encourage Ontario manufacturers to improve their competitiveness, energy efficiency, as well as reduce GHG emissions. CME will provide 50:50 matching Ontario grant funding up to $500,000 per facility for suitable projects.
Applicants can apply for up to 5 facilities up to a maximum of $1,500,000. CME will distribute funding to approximately 110 projects.
Eligible Applicants for CME SMART Green Funding
Ontario manufacturers may apply for CME SMART Green grants if they:
- Have annual GHG emissions less than 25,000 tonnes;
- Are not participating in Ontario’s Cap and Trade Program;
- Have a minimum of 10 employees; and
- Have been in operations for at least three years.
This program is for upcoming projects only. Past projects will not be funded through CME SMART Green.
Suitable Projects for CME SMART Green Funding
One assessment audit and one implementation project can be completed per facility up to five facilities. Businesses can utilize assessment audits to determine areas for improvement ($10,000 cap on funding for this activity), while implementation projects will involve adopting and integrating the new equipment or process.
Projects must focus on the reduction of GHG intensity and/or avoidance by upgrading processes, equipment, or end products. Examples of this include improving the energy efficiency of processes and equipment, implementing productivity improvements that have direct GHG improvements, and other GHG reduction projects that decrease gross or per-unit GHG emissions.
Projects that improve productivity, but do not reduce GHG emissions are ineligible for funding.
The CME SMART Green Fund is Open to Applications
Ontario manufacturers are now able to apply for the CME SMART Green program. Applicants are encouraged to solidify their project budget, timeline, and GHG reduction metrics to help strengthen their funding request. Successful applicants will be invited to sign a Contribution Agreement with CME; only expenses incurred after signing the Agreement can receive reimbursement. Manufacturers have up to one year from signing their Contribution Agreement to finish the project, and all projects regardless of approval date must be completed by March 31, 2018.