Nick Blitterswyk is the founder of UGE International, a developer of commercial and community solar projects primarily in the US and the Philippines. ​Nick founded UGE 12 years ago and has seen the renewable energy industry evolve incredibly fast during that time. Now with over 400MW of global experience, the collection of UGE businesses develops, engineers, builds, and finances innovative solar projects around the world. In this episode we discuss the business case for commercial solar and how this fast-growing market provides a unique value proposition for companies and communities.

The benefits of sustainable consumption are gaining attention among responsible investors, lenders, businesses and consumers. But it can be difficult to know how to lighten your personal footprint on the planet. In the next episode, Riana Topan, Campaign Manager at the Humane Society International Canada and founder of sustainable living website, Earth Wise discusses the lifestyle choices you can make to do your part and live a more sustainable life.

Tara Weber is the Western correspondent with BNN Bloomberg. Based in Alberta, much of her coverage focuses on the province’s oil and gas sector and its impact on the Canadian economy and abroad. In this episode we explore how companies are telling their sustainability stories to the media.

Rebeka Breder has been in the animal protection movement and law for over thirty years. She operates an animal law firm based in Vancouver, the only one of its kind in Western Canada. In this episode we discuss topics such as humane-washing, ag gag laws and why animal welfare is a material issue that, if not addressed, has sustainability and legal implications for businesses. *Disclaimer: The content provided in this episode is for general information purposes only. It is not intended to provide legal advice or opinions of any kind.

Milla Craig is the founder and president of Quebec-based, Millani. Milla helps pension funds, investment managers and public companies understand sustainable investing and sustainable business. In this episode we explore how Responsible Investing is being integrated into capital markets.

Dr. Wal Van Lierop is the Executive Chairman and Founding Partner of global venture capital fund, Chrysalix. Based in Vancouver, he launched Chrysalix in 2001 and is recognised for his expertise and thought leadership in industrial innovation, energy and cleantech. In episode 10 we discuss how VC’s screen for ESG in the companies they invest in, and why Wal is advocating for a shift from ESG to GSE.

Randy Findlay discusses the board’s role in helping companies achieve sustainability. Randy retired in 2006 as president, director, and co-founder of Provident Energy Trust, an energy income trust based in Calgary that grew from $40M to $4.5B in five years. He’s board chair of Pembina Pipelines and a director of Superior Plus. He is a past director of numerous public and private companies and holds an ICD designation. In this episode we explore the role governance plays in achieving corporate sustainability.

Rosa Rivero of Responsibility Matters joins us to discuss the fundamentals of ESG reporting. Rosa has led the development of sustainability reports for corporations across a variety of industries, including oil and gas, electric/gas utilities, fertilizers, chemicals, and heavy equipment. Today we discuss ESG reporting frameworks and materiality assessments.

Peter Leighton of RE Royalties joins us to discuss green royalty financing. RE Royalties finances investments made in renewable energy generation, energy efficiency management and sustainable infrastructure. In this episode we explore how and why this innovative finance company specializes in the growing renewable energy market.

We’re joined by a member of Suncor’s ESG and Sustainability team, Patrycja Drainville, to discuss ESG in Canada’s energy sector. In many ways, Canada’s energy sector is leading the way in ESG. As one of Canada’s largest organizations, I’m excited to explore Suncor’s environmental, social and governance approach.