Centre on the Low-Carbon Growth Economy.

Transcription

1 PUBLIC POLICY RESEARCH CENTRE Centre on the Low-Carbon Growth Economy. Energy in all its forms plays a fundamental and central role in the growth of Canada s economy. Canadians are significant producers, distributors, exporters, and consumers of energy. Of equal importance today are the reality of climate change and the imperative to transition to a low-carbon economy in Canada and globally, without sacrificing economic growth and wealth creation. Reconciling these two realities in the smartest way possible presents a formidable challenge, but also an enormous opportunity, as a new, low-carbon economic growth model is formed.

2 Canada needs a responsible, well-informed dialogue on a vast array of issues around the best way to transition to and shape a low-carbon growth economy, both here and globally. The Conference Board of Canada believes that a collaborative approach, involving multiple stakeholders across the full spectrum of interests, can help to create a national consensus on the imperative of balancing economic prosperity with environmental sustainability. Stakeholders in this collaboration should include businesses of all types, all three levels of government, Indigenous peoples, environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGOs), labour organizations, foundations, and consumers. The Concept To initiate this collaborative approach, The Conference Board of Canada proposes to create the Centre on the Low-Carbon Growth Economy (or LCG). This new Centre will undertake original research, facilitate dialogue, and develop a consensus on how to shape the transition toward a low-carbon growth economy, for Canada and globally. Its primary functions will be to produce evidence-based research; to provide an independent forum for sharing ideas on research, policy, and practice among businesses, policy-makers, and other stakeholders; and to help design a road map for action that will guide the transition toward Canada s low-carbon future. LCG will be built around a non-partisan, multi-stakeholder membership model that has been successfully used by The Conference Board of Canada on many occasions. The model will be based on attracting funding and engagement from businesses, governments, associations, foundations, and other stakeholders. LCG will use demonstrated expertise both within the Conference Board and externally to conduct independent research that will help to define optimal and practical low-carbon pathways. It will also provide a focal point for dialogue among the many stakeholders, including a forum for discussion on best business practices in the formation of a low-carbon economy. Objective The goal of the Centre on the Low-Carbon Growth Economy is to use research and dialogue to inform an effective and efficient transition to a low-carbon future in Canada and globally, without sacrificing economic growth potential. To do so, the Centre will produce advice on low-carbon policy and practice for the benefit of business, governments, and key stakeholders in order to frame the journey toward a low-carbon economy. A successful transition will concurrently promote innovation, technology development, knowledge industries, and international business opportunities, while supporting the continued growth of a sustainable economy. 2

3 Structure and Governance The Centre on the Low-Carbon Growth Economy is a Conference Board of Canada initiative. Conference Board staff will oversee development of the centre, its research plan and studies, stakeholder engagement, and communications. The Conference Board will be guided in these efforts by a steering group, which will be made up of LCG investors and representatives from other key stakeholder groups. Close linkages will be established with other significant non-partisan research initiatives, such as the Ecofiscal Commission and Smart Prosperity, in order to promote engagement with other researchers and thought leaders and to seek alignment on research, stakeholder engagement, and advice. The representatives in the steering group will have the opportunity to participate fully in crafting the LCG s research plan, research studies, and engagement and communications programs. They will help to identify and highlight crucial topics where dialogue is needed among stakeholders at roundtables and other forums, and act as ambassadors within their own stakeholder groups to build consensus on a low-carbon growth economy. Major stakeholder groups include: the energy industry producers and suppliers in conventional and renewable energy, transmission companies (including railroads, pipelines, utilities, and provincial transmission entities), and firms engaged in energy storage; manufacturers and service providers in energy and other sectors, including the emerging lowcarbon sector; providers of business advisory and financial services; energy users across the economy; the federal government; provincial and territorial governments; municipal governments; Indigenous communities; foundations; environmental groups; academia; other civil society stakeholders. 3

4 Process and Deliverables The Centre will use an iterative process of quantitative and qualitative research, stakeholder engagement, and a well-defined public communications and engagement plan to build policy and business advice on a wide range of issues. It will promote these consensus recommendations to business, all levels of government, other key stakeholders, and the general public. Quantitative Research The forte of the Conference Board, quantitative research will evaluate and measure the potential costs and benefits of different proposed policy and business pathways for the low-carbon growth economy. It will consider the impacts on individual actors and stakeholders, sectors, and the Canadian economy as a whole to identify the most balanced and effective policies and actions moving forward. Qualitative Research Including interviews, focus groups, and public opinion tracking tools and surveys, qualitative research will play an important role in identifying major areas of concern, disagreement, and potential compromise among various stakeholders on any given issue. Engagement In the form of roundtables, conferences, speaking engagements, and other forums, engagement will allow LCG to develop and share creative ideas for change and help to build consensus among the different groups. This constant engagement process will be supported by social media and traditional marketing tools. Specific deliverables for the Centre will include: a research and engagement agenda on key issues leading to implications and advice; twice-yearly steering group meetings to discuss engagement and research priorities for the Centre and provide participants with new insights; a regular business roundtable on best practices in low-carbon business adaptation. The roundtable will meet at least twice a year. It will receive insights from the research program and learn from other businesses and experts. The roundtable will discuss action to reduce the carbon footprint of its members and that of suppliers and clients. It will also examine the creation of business opportunities in the low-carbon economy; a well-defined communications and public engagement plan that includes the use of social media to reach a broad public and gauge the impact of the Centre s activities on public sentiment; an active plan for engaging other like-minded research efforts, such as the Ecofiscal Commission and Smart Prosperity, to share ideas and benefit from our collective research and engagement activities; a major national annual conference to bring together key stakeholders and investors to discuss new findings and recommendations from the research; a road map of actionable policy options to guide the transition to Canada s low-carbon future, with a directional framework developed within one year and a comprehensive, integrated plan developed over the course of the five-year research plan on an iterative basis. Essential to these efforts will be integrating the range of research, policy analysis, and implications into a coherent road map that can inform policy-makers at all levels of government about Canada s transition toward a low-carbon economy with sustained economic growth. 4

5 Priority Areas for Research and Engagement The major themes below reflect the discussion currently taking place across Canada. A detailed work plan for the Centre will be developed by Conference Board staff, working closely with the steering group. The Centre will also focus on engagement and communications with all stakeholders through a number of methods including online interaction and social media; polling and surveys of stakeholders and members; speaking engagements and forums; roundtables, research collaboration, and conferences; and face-toface interaction. This engagement will be closely linked to the research agenda and provide a feedback loop within LCG and with other actors in the field. Defining a low-carbon future. The global economy is reducing its carbon footprint. This provides opportunities within Canada to learn from others, reshape our energy/economy relationship, and build a global reputation as a supplier of lowercarbon commodities, goods, and services. Transitioning to a sustainable energy future. Many organizations are focusing on sustainability. LCG will engage them, draw upon their work, and continue the research to ensure that the road map is properly balanced between community, environment, and economy. Identifying business best practices. Using evidence-based research, surveys, case studies, and other techniques, the Centre will identify business best practices when it comes to reducing the greenhouse gas footprint of firms, their suppliers, value chains, and clients. A Business Roundtable on Low-Carbon Best Practices will be formed under the Centre to provide a forum for discussion of the research, implications, and implementation by business. The roundtable will also use analysis and engagement to identify domestic and international business opportunities in the low-carbon economy. Fostering intelligent energy use. Future sustainability depends on smarter energy use. LCG can address themes such as energy efficiency, building codes, conservation, and urban design. The road map will include measures to redesign the way society uses energy. Creating effective and fair partnership. Canada s Indigenous peoples are directly affected by how we produce, transport, and use energy. LCG will contribute to building partnerships that serve the interests of all parties. Building infrastructure. Much of Canada s infrastructure needs renewal, including our energy infrastructure. LCG will focus on ways to rebuild and expand infrastructure that support low-carbon growth. It will also examine the role infrastructure plays in making the best use of our energy endowment in all forms. Advancing regulation. Regulatory processes are increasingly dominated by policy questions. LCG will focus on research and solutions that include balanced and effective public engagement on both policy development and regulatory oversight. Building public trust. Numerous opinion surveys indicate that the public has very low trust in government, regulators, and industry. The LCG road map will include measures to build trust through performance, consensus building, education, and other means. 5

6 Getting Started In order to launch the Centre on the Low-Carbon Growth Economy, a critical mass of multi-year commitments will be required from investors in the private sector, government, foundations, academia, and civil society. To move this process forward, the Conference Board has begun work on a foundational research project on the economic and social implications of deep greenhouse gas emission reductions. This multi-stage project has already attracted sufficient core funding to begin the first stages of the research, although additional funding is being sought to ensure that all elements of the proposed project can be undertaken. Funders of this foundational research will automatically become members of the Centre on the Low- Carbon Growth Economy for its first year, and this initial project will provide a concrete example of the type of detailed research, engagement, and communication the Conference Board intends to undertake with the LCG. The Conference Board would be pleased to have your organization join this important initiative, which will help to define the future shape of Canada s low-carbon growth economy. Membership Levels Investors in the Centre on the Low-Carbon Growth Economy will be at the forefront of shaping low-carbon growth by encouraging a constructive dialogue around the transition to a low-carbon economy in Canada and globally, without sacrificing economic growth and wealth creation. Investors will join a group of visionary leaders working on an issue of crucial importance to the well-being of Canadians. Investors will also be involved in guiding the research, engagement, and communications programs of the Centre. The Centre is seeking investors at several levels to support its engagement, research, and communications programs for a period of five years. There are three levels of participation. Champion Investors ($100,000 or more annually for a period of five years) Champion Investors will support the engagement, research, and communications programs of the LCG. Champion Investors will be members of both the steering group and the Business Roundtable on Low-Carbon Best Practices. The Ivey Foundation is a founding Champion member. Champion Investors will be highly visible and publicly recognized for their support, with their names directly linked to the work of the Centre. The Conference Board will engage regularly with Champion Investors regarding the design and implementation of the research, engagement, and communications programs. Champion Investors will also have priority opportunities to host meetings and events, and have access to and input on all research in advance of its public release. Lead Investors ($50,000 annually for a period of five years) Lead Investors will be members of both the steering group and the Business Roundtable on Low-Carbon Best Practices. Lead Investors will participate in the overall planning and conduct of the Centre, including specific activities, such as helping to define the research agenda and selecting research projects. They will also have access to and input on all research in advance of its public release. 6

7 Partner Investors ($25,000 annually for a period of five years) Partner Investors will be members of both the steering group and the Business Roundtable on Low- Carbon Best Practices. Partner Investors participate in the overall planning and conduct of the Centre and can help to define the research agenda. They will also have access to and input on all research in advance of its public release. Custom Investors Opportunities are available for universities and Indigenous and non-profit organizations. Benefits* Champion Investor $100,000/year Lead Investor $50,000/year Partner Investor $25,000/year Your organization will be seen as a thought and vision leader in creating an actionable road map to transition to and shape a low-carbon growth economy for Canada Seat on steering group, with opportunities to contribute to the design and implementation of engagement, research, and communications programs Two One One Opportunity to act as rotating chair of the steering group Member of the Business Roundtable on Low-Carbon Best Practices Portion of your investment directed toward activities (research, roundtables, etc.) that serve the collective agenda of the Centre $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 Portion of your investment directed toward activities (research, roundtables, sponsoring another organization for a seat around the table, etc.) that serve your organizational priorities and are consistent with the overarching mandate of the Centre $75,000 $25,000 n.a. Priority to host Centre meetings and/or other events Review and comment on draft research Advance access to Centre research Access to Conference Board researchers for information requests Two per year One per year Access to Conference Board senior leadership team for presentations Two per year One per year Your organization s name linked directly to the initiative Acknowledgement in all Centre publications Complimentary passes to LCG conferences Four Two One Complimentary passes to Conference Board of Canada webinars Fifteen Ten Five *A multi-year commitment from investors is essential to underpin the planning, research, and operations of this initiative. As such, investors are asked to commit for a minimum of five years. 7

8 The Conference Board of Canada Advantage The Conference Board of Canada s founding mission was to foster dialogue among stakeholders to deal with complex issues. It is one of the most credible multidisciplinary voices in Canada. For over 60 years, the Conference Board has adopted an objective, non-partisan policy stance that offers evidence-based advice but does not advocate for specific interests. It is known for bringing together diverse groups with competing interests in a cooperative setting to develop effective advice for businesses, policy-makers, and other key stakeholders. The Conference Board of Canada has a number of specific qualities that make it the ideal home for such a centre on the low-carbon growth economy. They include: a long track record of independent, non-partisan, evidence-based research and analysis; demonstrated experience in creating focused centres for research and engagement; ability to convene stakeholders from across the spectrum of interests and views; demonstrated ability to engage with businesses, governments, and others; ability to cooperate with other organizations on research and dialogue; specific in-house quantitative and qualitative research expertise in: the energy sector (production, distribution, and consumption) economic forecasting and impact analysis the transportation sector consumer behaviour fiscal and tax policy. CONTACT Roger Francis Director, Energy, Environment and Transportation Policy The Conference Board of Canada Tel ext. 502 Cell francis@conferenceboard.ca Insights. Understanding. Impact. July 2018 conferenceboard.ca