GREENING

SMALL RETAIL SECTORTHE

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

ENERGY SAVING TIPS FOR SMALL RETAILERS

Lighting

Heating and Cooling

Windows and Shading

Draft Proofing

Appliances

Water

Waste

ENERGY SAVING TIPS - HOW MUCH CAN YOUR BUSINESS SAVE?

THE ROLE OF BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT AREAS (BIAs)

Partnering with Cool Shops Program

Community Greening

Decorative Lighting

Renewable Energy

Sustainable Transportation

LIST OF RESOURCES

APPENDIX A: GREENING THE BIA -

THE UPPER VILLAGE BIA CASE STUDY

ABOUT US

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INTRODUCTION

In the summer of 2002, the Upper Village Business ImprovementArea (UVBIA) in Toronto was looking for a meaningful way todrive long-term patronage of the local community, in an effort tosupport local small businesses. The idea was to embark on a mis-sion whereby environmental and social activities would bring allaspects of the community – residents, students, non-profitorganizations, small business and government – together tobecome a vibrant part of Main Street retailing. With the help ofthe Toronto Atmospheric Fund, the UVBIA partnered with localenvironmental group Greenest City to undertake a feasibilitystudy on “Greening the Small Retail Sector”. One of the results isthe report in your hand.

The Retail Council of Canada characterizes the retail indus-try as a “tough way to make a living. Margins are often verytight and actual operating profit margins are relatively low.”1

Despite this, thousands of new shops and services are openingevery year, and “main street” retailing continues to be a drivingforce of the economy.

As we enter a carbon-constrained world, we’re realizing theextent to which our actions – whether they be at home, at workor on the road – have an impact on the global and local environ-ment. From a small retailer’s perspective, everything from sup-ply chains, to operating behaviour to product and service lines,represent an impact on the environment.

The blackout that hit the North American north-east in thesummer of 2003 catapulted an otherwise overlooked sector tothe forefront of energy conservation. In Toronto, citizens wereurged to snitch on energy-wasting retail culprits, as the Citygrappled with reducing demand on the energy grid. Most retailshops were unequipped to deal with the issue and simply closedshop. According to a report by the Canadian Federation ofIndependent Business, “about 47 per cent of Ontario small busi-nesses shut down completely, while another 35 per centendured a partial shutdown.”2

Furthermore, in Ontario, the cap on electricity bills that artifi-cially kept the price of electricity down has been lifted. The typicalresponse by the small business lobby sector was to automaticallythink that this increase in the price of electricity would lead to

more shop closings and disgruntled voters.However, time and again, it’s been proventhat addressing environmental pressureshead on can actually yield opportunities,rather than added stress for the smallstreet-facing retailer.

That being said, a look at the relation-ship between the small retail sector and theenvironment is a poignant and timely ven-ture. From the perspective of this report, thepurpose is to provide clear opportunities forthe often-overlooked Canadian small retailsector. In the following pages, this will beshown through a series of “Energy SavingsTips”, combined with case studies whichshow the greening of the small retail sector isquickly becoming a reality. Our conclusionmay come as a surprise to some people –that seizing energy and waste saving oppor-tunities at the small retail sector can help toreduce operating costs, improve customerloyalty and contribute to local economicdevelopment; thus ensuring the continuedvibrancy of one of Canada’s most importanteconomic sectors.

1. Retail Council of Canada, Annual Report 2000-2001

2. Canadian Federation of Independent Business, Power Struggle:Survey Results on Impact of August 14 Power Failure in Toronto,2003, http://www.cfib.ca/research/reports/Power_Struggle.pdf

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ENERGY SAVING TIPS FOR

SMALL RETAILERS

The following section will outline an inven-

tory of measures that small street-facing

retailers can take to help them save energy,

waste, water and money, while at the same

time contributing to positive environmental

solutions. Throughout this section there will

be case studies highlighting what some

businesses are doing in the City of Toronto.

At the conclusion of the section, there

will be a cost/benefit chart, showing what

investment is necessary to adopt these

measures, and their resulting payback.

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LIGHTINGC A S E S T U D I E S

Ring Audio742 Queen St. E., Toronto, ON,416-693-7464

Ring Audio sells high-end retro electronicsequipment. Running a small store, withtight profit margins, owner Ted Syperek isalways looking for ways to lower his oper-ating costs. Switching all his existing lightbulbs to compact fluorescents just madeeconomic sense. With a small investmentof approximately $60.00, Ring Audio isnow saving 75% on its lighting bill eachmonth and is proving that small changesare also important.

Bulb Giveawayat Upper Village Eco-Fair

In the summer of 2003, as part of theUpper Village Eco-Fair in the Eglinton Ave.W. area of Toronto, three local politicianshanded out FREE compact fluorescent light-bulbs to area retailers. Together with theUpper Village BIA, MP Carolyn Bennett,MPP Michael Bryant and Councillor JoeMihevc traversed the retail strip meetingretailers and encouraging them to switch tomore energy efficient behaviour. Thanks toa donation from Panasonic, now more than100 retailers are using compact fluorescentbulbs in one area of Toronto.

Beach Solar Laundromat2290 Queen St. E., Toronto, ON,416-712-1488

Alex Winch, proprietor of the Beach SolarLaundromat, understands the connectionbetween the environment and his bottomline. Realizing his natural gas bills wereextremely high, he installed solar panels onthe roof of his store, in order to heat the

OCCUPANCY SENSORSBefore looking at replacing lights in favour of energy efficientones, the best strategy is to find ways to reduce the current out-put of lights. Installing occupancy sensors in seldom-used areasof the store – for example, storage rooms, washrooms or base-ment – will help to reduce your lighting consumption by up to30%. Because sensors turn lights on when motion is sensed, theyare also very handy for loading areas, when you may not have ahand free to turn lights on.

PHOTO SENSORS/TIMERSPhoto sensors will automatically turn on external lights when thelight disappears from the day. Conversely, the light will automat-ically turn off when it begins to get light at dawn. For securityreasons, many storeowners leave an external light on. Installinga photo sensor will ensure that the light isn’t on when it doesn’tneed to be, helping to reduce lighting bills significantly.Alternatively, timers can be set on external and internal lightsbased on daylight. This is increasingly becoming popular as asafety measure, as well.

COMPACT FLUORESCENTSThe most common type of lightbulb is the incandescent lamp. Itis also the most inefficient. They are short-lived and produceapproximately 95% waste heat (the technology uses heat to illu-minate a filament). Compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs) areincreasingly becoming a cost-effective and smart alternative toincandescent lighting. They last 10 times longer, have higherlight output combined with low heat output (helping to save oncooling costs), and use 75% less energy. Over the past year, therehas been considerable development in CFLs, which has diversi-fied their applications and brought down the price.

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C A S E S T U D I E S

water used for laundry. Once approachedby Greenest City’s Cool Shops program,he was made aware of the inefficiency ofhis lighting system. As a result, furtherchanges were made to reduce greenhousegas emissions and operational costs. Aswitch from T12 fluorescent lighting to ener-gy efficient T8 lighting, yielded an annualsavings of almost $600.00 and reducedhis lighting electricity bill by almost 70%.Through this partnership, the Beach SolarLaundromat has received increased posi-tive exposure in the community andbeyond, which leads to increased businessand more loyal customers. By bringing theprice of laundry down, Alex has managedto attract new customers and maintain aniche market in the community.

T8 FLUORESCENT LIGHTING (with Electronic Ballasts)Fluorescent tube lighting is one of the most popular forms of retaillighting. Sometimes they are recessed in the ceiling, and some-times they are part of fixtures. More often than not, retailers areusing T12 technology – older technology that is less efficient,wastes energy and creates a lot of “buzzing” noise. Newer technol-ogy has surfaced which has increased the efficiency and improvedthe look of fluorescent lighting. With the addition of an electron-ic ballast (the mechanism that drives the light), the “buzzing” dis-appears, leaving a more pleasant and energy efficient alternative.In addition to reducing operating costs (a drop in your energycosts by at least 25%), this increases the “saleability” of the prod-uct and improves the “look” and “feel” of the store.

REFLECTORSInstalling an aluminum reflector on a compact fluorescent bulbor to a T8 lighting fixture will increase the light output and helpwith applications such as spotlighting and highlighting productsin the store. Many storeowners are currently switching parabolichalogen bulbs with low-wattage CFL alternatives and screwing ina reflector to help direct light to certain areas of the store. Theycan also be used in recessed lighting in the ceiling.

LED EXIT SIGNSBy law, exit signs need to be illuminated 24 hours per day.Most exit signs are equipped with 2 regular 15W/25Wincandescent lightbulbs, forcing storeowners tochange bulbs frequently and unnecessarilyspend money on energy costs. Do-it-yourselfLED (light emitting diode) retrofit kits are inex-pensive and use only 1W of energy! Each LEDexit sign will save $20 or more per year, com-pared to an incandescent sign, and do the samejob of helping to save lives. LED bulbs last 50years under normal sign usage!

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Do-it-yourself LED (light

emitting diode) retrofit kits

are inexpensive and use

only 1W of energy!

HEATING AND COOLINGC A S E S T U D I E S

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CLOSE DOOR WHILE HEATING OR COOLINGOften times, keeping the door open is inviting to customers,helping to break down the psychological barrier that may pre-vent people from entering the store. But keeping the door openin the middle of the summer while blasting air conditioning canhave a serious impact on the environment and your utility bills.There are many ways to encourage walk-by customers to enteryour store. Greenest City’s Cool Shops program provides a doordecal which tells customers the reason behind keeping the doorclosed while heating and cooling. And the benefits of being mar-keted as an official “Cool Shop” creates a more loyal customerbase, resulting in more in-store traffic.

CLEAN RADIATORS AND/OR BASEBOARD HEATERSCleaning radiators and baseboard heaters will ensure they arebeing used efficiently. When the baseboard heaters are dirty, theydo not work at their maximum potential. To ensure they areworking properly, annual cleaning is necessary.

PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTATReplacing manual thermostats with programmable thermostats isa cost-effective way to save energy and increase the comfort levelof your store. These are easy to install, and by setting your tem-peratures based on occupancy, you can reduce your heating andcooling bills by up to 10% each year.

REVERSIBLE CEILING FANSReversible ceiling fans push down hot air in the winter and ven-tilate in the summer by pulling hot air up. A ceiling fan can lowerthe temperature by about 2 degrees Celsius, helping to offsetexpensive air conditioning costs.

Global Village Backpackers Hostel460 King St. W., Toronto, ON,416-703-8540

Buildings that are over 100 years old willinevitably have high energy bills, and theGlobal Village Backpackers Hostel is noexception. While not a traditional store-front operation, the small hostel in Torontohas many of the same issues facing manystreet-facing retailers. The hostel switchedall incandescent lightbulbs to CFLs.Additionally, management undertook anoverhaul of housekeeping practices whichare helping the hostel save money on theirenergy bills. These include: cleaning base-board heaters, ensuring fans were circulat-ing the proper way according to the sea-son, closing front doors when air condition-ing and regularly changing filters in anewly installed energy efficient furnace.Signage will encourage guests to followthe new “house” rules, and the hostel hasplans to begin promoting themselves asenergy-saving gurus!

C A S E S T U D I E S

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CHANGING FILTERS ON FURNACERegularly changing filters (about once every one to two months)in your furnace can improve efficiency of the furnace. By notworking as hard, the furnace is able to deliver heat at a controlledand even amount.

ENERGY EFFICIENT NATURAL GAS FURNACESwitching to an energy efficient natural gas furnace provides aquieter, more comfortable heating source with features such astwo-stage gas valves and variable speed motors. These new fea-tures directly lower energy bills and reduce the amount of natu-ral gas needed to heat the store. The savings could translate into$700/year. Currently, Enbridge Gas Distribution offers a $200.00rebate for a switch to an energy efficient furnace.

ENERGY EFFICIENT ROOM AIR-CONDITIONEROlder window air conditioners use 30-70% more energy thannewer efficient ENERGY STAR qualified models. There is moredemand on the electricity grid in Ontario in the summer, due tocooling. In fact, the single largest contributor to stress on elec-tricity grid in summer is air conditioning. Switching to an ener-gy efficient air conditioner will pay itself back quickly, helpingyou save money, while at the same time providing a more com-fortable store.

Keep Cool

In the summer of 2003, the summer thatmost of Ontario experienced the blackout,the Clean Air Foundation (together withNatural Resources Canada, and theOntario Ministry of Environment) expand-ed an aggressive energy efficiency cam-paigns. For 2 weeks in June, peopleacross Canada could bring in an old roomair conditioner to participating FutureShop locations, and receive an in storerebate on the purchase of a high efficien-cy or ENERGY STAR* qualified Panasonicmodel. ENERGY STAR* qualified productsrequire less energy for the same coolingoutput and therefore generate less green-house gas emissions on a per unit basis.The program would also recycle the oldwindow air conditioner FREE OF CHARGEwith no purchase necessary.

A ceiling fan can lower the tempera-

ture by about 2 degrees Celsius,

helping to offset expensive air condi-

tioning costs.

WINDOWS AND SHADING

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INSULATING PLASTIC SHEETAn insulating plastic sheet secured over the interior side of thewindow can improve its efficiency. By using a blow dryer, thesheet can effectively be stretched, ensuring a hot air pocket whichprevents drafts from entering the store. While this option may notbe aesthetic for front, street-facing windows, it can help a lot inback and side windows that are out of view from customers.

SHADES/AWNINGShades, drapes and shutters can help reduce heat loss at night andcan block sunlight during the day. It can also cut on air condition-ing and heating bills. Alternatively, the installation of an awningon the exterior of the store, can provide much needed shade forthe front of the store, ensuring added comfort for your customers.In Toronto, there is a Façade Improvement Program which helpsto offset 50% of the costs of exterior improvements to storefronts.

DOUBLE PANED WINDOWSAn option for new building construction or replacement of bro-ken windows, double-paned glass can reduce heating costs by34% in cold climates, and save you 38% on summer coolingcosts. While it may cost more initially, the payback over time isquick and you will be rewarded with increased comfort.

TREESIf your location allows it, properly sited trees reduce home airconditioning and winter heating needs considerably by provid-ing shade and windbreak. They also cool ambient air tempera-tures. Properly sited trees will result in up to 40% reduction inair conditioning needs, 10% reduction in heating needs and adecrease in ambient air temperature of up to 4 degrees Celsius!3 3. LEAF Toronto, 2003. http://216.95.181.112/main2.asp?ID=59

C A S E S T U D I E S

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DRAFT PROOFING

EXPANDABLE FOAM TO FILL GAPSFill holes, cracks and tiny gaps in building and where doors/win-dows meet walls using expandable foam. All those gaps andcracks in older buildings add up to a one-foot square hole. A40% in savings can be yielded on heating and cooling costs, justby filling them in. It’s easy and inexpensive.

WEATHERSTRIPPING AROUND DOORS AND WINDOWSUsing strip-weatherstripping around windows and doors canprevent drafts from coming in your store. These drafts are notonly responsible for high heating costs and uncomfortable storesin the winter, but also high air conditioning costs in the summer.Do-it-yourself kits from any hardware store can prevent this.

USE FOAM PADS AND PLASTIC PLUGS TO FILL ELECTRICAL OUTLETSThis can help cut down on another source ofdrafts and air leakage. Contact your local utilityto see if they can send you these for free.

360 Health Care360 King St. E., Toronto, ON,416-360-1300

Following a Greenest City Cool Shopsenergy audit, the 360 Health Care store-front facility undertook some inexpensivegreening initiatives that yielded lower utilitybills and more comfortable premises forstaff and clients. The main issue was a baywindow facing the street that was allowingdrafts to enter the building and air condi-tioning to leave the building. A quick fill ofthe gaps with expandable foam help tobetter the situation. Additionally, a gradualreplacement of incandescent lightbulbs withcompact fluorescents yielded further energysavings.

Using strip-

weatherstripping

around windows and

doors can prevent drafts

from coming in your store.

APPLIANCESC A S E S T U D I E S

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TURNING OFF AT NIGHTAs with lighting, reducing the demand on electrical equipment isthe first step to energy savings. Turning equipment off at night isthe best energy-saving opportunity. Keep office equipment andlarge household appliances, such as computers, photocopiers,printers, dishwashers, and washing machines in standby or inenergy saving modes if kept on, and turn equipment completelyoff when not in use.

ENERGY STAR® APPLIANCESFor new appliances and appliance replacement, those equippedwith the Energy Star rating will last longer and use less energy.See case study below for information on purchasing Energy Starproducts.

ENERGY STAR®

According to Natural Resources Canada, theinternational ENERGY STAR symbol is a sim-ple way for consumers to identify productsthat are among the most energy-efficient onthe market. Only manufacturers and retailerswhose products meet the ENERGY STAR crite-ria can label their products with this symbol.Choosing an ENERGY STAR-labeled productover a conventional model could save youhundreds of dollars in energy costs.”4 In fact,using an ENERGY STAR-qualified dishwasher,clothes washer, refrigerator and freezer couldsave you a combined total of about $165 ayear on your electricity bill, compared to stan-dard 10-year-old appliances.

Products with the Energy Star label notonly save money, but are proven to be themost energy efficient models on the market –helping to reduce the amount of greenhousegas emissions entering the atmosphere.

For a complete list of ENERGY STARproducts, visit Natural Resources Canada:http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/energystar/

Ontario PST Rebate for ENERGYSTAR® appliancesIn November 2002, in an effort to boostsales on ENERGY STAR appliances, theOntario government announced the “TheENERGY STAR Appliance Rebate Program”,which provides a rebate of the 8% ProvincialSales Tax on the purchase of ENERGY STARappliances. The 8% PST rebate is availablefor ENERGY STAR-qualified refrigerators,freezers, dishwashers and clothes washerspurchased on or after November 26, 2002and on or before March 31, 2004.

For more information on the rebate pro-gram, visit http://www.energy.gov.on.ca/

Look for the Energy Star symbol when

purchasing a household or office appliance:

4. NRCan Energy Star Website: http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/energystar/

The ENERGY STAR® mark is administered and promoted inCanada by Natural Resources Canada and is registered inCanada by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.All accompanying text has been reproduced with permission ofthe Minister of Natural Resources, Canada 2003.

C A S E S T U D I E S

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LOWER THERMOSTAT ON HOT WATER TANKTake a flashlight and look at the bottom of your hot water tank.By locating the thermostat, you can turn the temperature downto 49 degrees Celsius. Reducing the temperature by 11 degreesCelsius can cut your water heating costs by 10%, without anynoticeable change. If your thermostat is hard to locate, have thetemperature lowered by a technician from your utility company.Businesses that need to sterilize their water – for example, towash dishes – will have to keep the temperature higher.

INSULATE PIPES LEADING FROM FURNACE AND HOT WATER TANKInsulating water pipes can save a tremendous amount of energyand reduce condensation and moisture in the basement. Pre-slitinsulation is cheap and will prevent heat loss from the pipesleading from the furnace to the hot water tank.

INSULATE HOT WATER TANKTank insulation, using an insulating jacket for hot water heaters,is another low-cost way to save. Be sure to ask your local hard-ware store or utility service technician about the safety of insulat-ing your hot water heater.

TAP AERATORS/LOW FLOW SHOWERHEADSLow-flow showerheads and tap aerators can help save up to 50%of water utility costs for businesses that use a lot of water (spas,salons, restaurants). Both devices reduce water use, but increasethe pressure, so you won’t even notice you’re using less water!

LOW FLOW TOILETS AND TOILET DAMSAvailable at hardware stores or through your local water utility,these devices reduce the water lost per flush by up to 25%. Byinstalling it in the toilet tank away from the flushing mechanism,it will displace some of the water used with each flush.For pub-lic toilets (i.e. for restaurants), a 6-litre flush toilet can cut yourwater bill by 50%. They also work much better!

City of Toronto Water Saving Kits

Each year, the City of Toronto offers incen-tives to encourage residents and businessesto use less water. Of special note to smallbusinesses is the promotion of “WaterSavings Kits”.

The City of Toronto estimates that byreducing your organization's water use,and by using water wisely, you can savemoney -- up to 30 percent of your waterbill! This will help reduce the need to buildnew water and wastewater treatment plants-- paid by taxpayers -- which would cost$2.5 billion over the next 20 years.5

By reducing your business’ water con-sumption you will lower costs, improve anyprocesses related to water use (restaurants,salons, dry cleaners), increase your compet-itiveness, enhance your public image andreduce your impact on the environment.

For more information on developing awater efficiency plan for your small busi-ness, visit: http://www.city.toronto.on.ca/watereff/work.htm

WATER

5. City of Toronto:http://www.city.toronto.on.ca/watereff/work.htm

WASTEC A S E S T U D I E S

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WASTE DIVERSION=COST SAVINGS (Yellow Bag Program)Introduced in 2002, the City of Toronto’s Yellow Bag Programencourages small retail businesses to increase their recyclingefforts by charging a small fee for each bag of garbage pro-duced. While politically unpopular, the Yellow Bag Programcan effectively save money for small retail businesses. Bybecoming more involved with the waste stream, small busi-nesses can divert most of their waste to the Blue Box (paper,cans, bottles, some plastics) and the new Green Organics Bin(organic waste). Through a series of waste audits in theUpper Village area of Toronto, it was found that some smallbusinesses could effectively divert their waste at a rate of99%. This can translate into savings of $15.00 per week($750.00 annually).

REWARDING CUSTOMERSEncouraging customers to reduce the amount of waste pro-duced by your business is the best way to save you money andincrease customer loyalty. Providing incentives for café cus-tomers who bring in their own mugs, or shop patrons who optnot to take another plastic bag will encourage their loyalreturn to your store. It will help to reduce the amount of wastegoing to landfill, thus saving all taxpayers (including the heav-ily-taxed small business sector).

Timothy’s World Coffee1070 Eglinton Ave. W, Toronto, ON,416-785-8600At Timothy's on Eglinton Ave. West inToronto, being a part of the community ispart of being in business. Located on abusy neighbourhood corner, the café workstirelessly to provide a comfortable communi-ty meeting point and central focus of theUpper Village area. Addressing environ-mental issues is also a strong focus - onethat saves the business money, increasescustomer loyalty and enhances their imagein the community. Customers who bring intheir own mug for coffee receive a freeupgrade to a larger size. Through the City'sYellow Bag Program, the coffee shop hasmanaged to divert 84% of its waste, savingmore than $2,000 annnually.

Sala Thai1100 Eglinton Ave. W., Toronto, ON,416-785-1727Without even knowing it, Sala Thai restau-rant is currently diverting 99% of its wastefrom landfill! Through an internal wasteaudit, it was found that the restaurant wasusing the Green Bin (organics), the Blue Box(bottles, cans, plastics) and the Grey Box(paper). In so doing, the Sala Thai restau-rant provides the best possible case studyfor waste diversion for small restaurants.

Tai-O Restaurant833 Eglinton Ave. W, Toronto, ON416-781-7603In an effort to reduce waste, save money andincrease customer retention, Tai-O Restaurantinitiated a plastic container re-use program.The restaurant packages take-out food in hardplastic containers. If customers re-use the con-tainer the next time they order take-out food,they receive a FREE can of pop. This encour-ages people to come back to the restaurantwhile re-using their containers – a simple,inexpensive and effective WIN-WIN solution.

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SOURCES:Greenest City, “25 Cheap and Easy Ways to Save Energy“; Environmental Defense, “20 Simple Steps toUndo Global Warming,“ www.undoit.org/graphics/undoit_steps.pdf; Environment Canada One TonneChallenge, http://www.climatechange.gc.ca/english/publications/announcement/challenge.html

ENERGY SAVING TIPS

HOW MUCH CANYOUR BUSINESSSAVE?

ANNUALGHG

COST TO ANNUAL REDUCTIONSIMPLE STEPS TO ENERGY SAVINGS IMPLEMENT COST SAVINGS (tonnes)^ NOTES

LightingOccupancy Sensors $30.00 $150.00 1.5Photo Sensors/Timers $50.00 $150.00 1.0Compact Fluorescents $7.00 $30.00 0.2T8 Fluorescent Lighting $70.00 $30.00 0.3Reflectors $10.00 µ µ

LED Exit Signs $30.00 $20.00 0.3Heating/CoolingClosing Door FREE µ µ

Clean Rads/Baseboard Heaters FREE µ µ

Programmable Thermostat $100.00 $120.00 0.5 Enbridge Incentive $15Ceiling Fans $100.00 µ µ

Changing Filters $10.00 $25.00 0.2Energy Efficient Furnace $3,000.00 $700.00 µ Enbridge Incentive $15Energy Efficient Air Conditioner $450.00 50% 0.2 Keep Cool Incentive $65Windows/ShadingInsulating Plastic Sheet $30.00 25% µShades/Awning $50.00 µ µ

Double-Paned Windows $250-500 30-40% 0.5Trees $250-500 40% 0.01Draft ProofingExpandable Foam $10.00 $40.00 0.3Weatherstripping $30.00 $40.00 0.3Foam Pads/Plastic Plugs $10.00 – –AppliancesTurn off at night FREE $15.00 0.1ENERGY STAR Products µ $40.00 0.2WaterLower thermostat on hot water tank FREE $15.00 0.1Insulate Pipes $10.00 – –Insulate Hot Water Tank $30.00 $20.00 0.1Water Saving Kit* $15.00 30% µ

WasteYellow Bag Program µ µ

1.4 Based on a 10% reductionRewarding Customers FREE µ µ

* Kit includes aerators, low-flow showerheads, and toilet dams ^ GHG = Greenhouse gas emission reduction measured in carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) µ = Savings Dependant on Situation

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THE ROLE OF BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT

ASSOCIATIONS (BIAs)

A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is

an association of business people within a

specified district who join together, with offi-

cial approval of the City, in a self-help pro-

gram aimed at stimulating local business.6

BIAs are in strategic position to encourage

local small retailers to undertake energy- and

waste-saving initiatives that help to reduce

operating costs, improve the local environ-

ment and increase customer traffic.

At left is a list of measures BIAs can

undertake to help green the small retail

sector.

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PARTNER WITH THE COOL SHOPS PROGRAMBIAs are the active delivery agents for the Cool Shops program –a program that helps small street-facing commercial businessessave money, reduce air pollution and increase their exposure inthe community. Through partnerships with BIAs, the Cool Shopsprogram is able to reach out to many retailers and become afamiliar face in the neighbourhood.

COMMUNITY GREENINGThrough a partnership with a local environmental group, commu-nity greening initiatives can enhance the retail area and provideemployment for local students. Additionally, by planting nativespecies and providing adequate signage, greening initiatives canhelp to educate the community and provide an ecological learn-ing centre along the retail strip. In the Upper Village BIA, a localGrade 4 class helped to plant native species in 18 planters alongthe street. Local businesses helped out and the event garneredgood media coverage. The kids learned the importance of nativespecies planting and felt more connected to their community.

DECORATIVE LIGHTINGSome BIAs in Toronto have installed energy-efficient decorativelighting. Originally used for holiday decorations, these lights arenow being used to light up trees and poles all year round. Andby utilizing LEDs, the energy savings can really add up for theBIA. Varied colours help to illuminate the area at night, provid-ing a nice backdrop for an evening walk or shopping trip alongyour retail strip.

RENEWABLE ENERGYThere are many opportunities to explore the use of renewableenergies for your retail area. The installation of solar panels cannot only provide constant power for decorative lighting, it canprovide a unique attraction to community members. The UpperVillage BIA is researching the feasibility of implementing solarpanels to power decorative lights. Through proper marketing,your retail area can be highlighted as vibrant community inwhich to live, work and play.

SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATIONBy working with the local municipality, sustainable transporta-tion opportunities can become reality and provide a retail stripfree of traffic congestion, poor air quality and stress. The addi-tion of bike lanes, bus lanes, bike share programs and auto shar-ing clubs will create a more accessible business strip, attractingmore people to the area.

6. Toronto Association of BIAs, http://www.toronto-bia.com/home.html

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RESOURCES

The following provides a starting point to

research more about greening initiatives at

the small commercial level.

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GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES:City of Toronto Office ofEnergy Efficiencywww.toronto.ca/energy/index.htm

City of Toronto BIA Officewww.toronto.ca/business_resources/econdevoffice

Toronto Atmospheric Fundwww.tafund.org

Ontario Ministry of Energywww.est.gov.on.ca

Environment Canada-Ontario Regionwww.on.ec.gc.ca/or-home.html

Natural Resource CanadaOffice of Energy Efficiencyoee.nrcan.gc.ca/english/index.cfm

Government of Canada’s One Tonne Challengewww.climatechange.gc.ca

BIA INFORMATION:BIAs in Torontowww.enterprisetoronto.com/bia_contacts.html

Upper Village BIAwww.uppervillage.ca

South Riverdale Revitalization Projectwww.southriverdale.ca

Toronto Association ofBusiness Improvement Areas(TABIA)www.toronto-bia.com

NGO PARTNERS:Greenest Citywww.greenestcity.org

Clean Air Foundationwww.cleanairfoundation.org

Green Tourism Associationwww.greentourism.ca

EnerActwww.energact.org

Greensaverwww.greensaver.org

Green CommunitiesAssociationwww.gca.ca

Ontario Clean Air Alliancewww.cleanair.web.net

North Toronto GreenCommunitywww.ntgc.ca

Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliancewww.energyefficiency.org

POLICY INITIATIVES:Seven Steps to an EnergyEfficient Futurewww.cleanair.web.net/sevensteps.pdf

GreenBiz.comwww.greenbiz.com

Environmental NewsNetworkwww.enn.com/news

LIST OF

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APPENDIX A

In 2003, the Upper Village BIA (UVBIA) and Greenest Cityundertook a feasibility study to determine the best ways to“green” the small retail sector. Below is an account of the history,participation, successes and opportunities for the future thatwere a result of the project. It is hoped that this case study rep-resent a “starting line” for a much longer and detailed journeytowards sustainability.

HISTORYIn the summer of 2002, as part of its participation in the WestEglinton Revitalization Committee (WERC), the Upper VillageBIA began to explore the integration of environmental initiativesin Main Street retailing. Through direction from the TorontoEconomic Development Office, the UVBIA was connected withthe Toronto Atmospheric Fund – a funding body at the City ofToronto which finances local initiatives to combat global warm-ing and improve air quality in Toronto. Together with GreenestCity environmental organization, the UVBIA received a smallgrant to undertake a feasibility study on the “Greening of theSmall Retail Sector.”

ACTIVITIESThroughout 2003, the following activities were undertaken:

> Energy audits

> Waste audits

> Community planting initiatives with local Grade 4students

> Earth Day media event (featured on CBC MetroMorning and Here and Now radio programs)

> Eco-Fair to promote the area as one of the“Greenest Retail Strips in Canada”

> Compact fluorescent lightbulb giveaway by localpoliticians

> Education and outreach activities

PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES> Amorphous Salon> Angelo Rosso> Bank of Montreal> Chakra Spa> CIBC> Fanak Framing> Flight Centre> For Paws and You> Forest Hill Rug Gallery> Instant Variety> Kates and Co.> Mamma’s Pizza> Packham Cleaners> Pampaguena> Pinoy Mini Mart> Pretty Nails> Queenslice> Rania> Sala Thai> Show of Hands> Swimsuit Essentials> Tai-O> Timothy's World Coffee> Triworld

GREENING A BIAThe Upper Village BIACase Study

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APPENDIX A

SUCCESSESAs a result of the project, the door has opened communicationbetween small businesses, environmental non-profit groups,government officials, local residents and the academic commu-nity. Through the outreach and education portion of the pro-gram, small businesses in the UVBIA are now aware of environ-mental issues and the opportunities associated with reducingenergy and waste. Some businesses have implemented energy-and waste-saving projects and are currently experiencingreduced costs and greater exposure in the community. The areahas also received increased media exposure for its participationin the program. Furthermore, through the increased marketingof the area, it is hoped that a broader shift towards sustainabil-ity will occur.

THE FUTUREThis case study proves that the small retail sector can yieldmeasurable cost-, energy-and waste-savings by incorporatingenvironmental and social issues into Main Street retail life. It ishoped that, through this example, further adoption of the ini-tiatives outlined in this report will occur both in the UpperVillage area, and in other similar retail areas found acrossCanada.

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Greenest City and the Upper Village BIA

would like to thank the Toronto Atmospheric

Fund for providing the support for this

publication. For more information, please

visit www.tafund.org.

ABOUT GREENEST CITYGreenest City is a non-profit, community-based environmen-tal organization whose mission is to build healthy, livable urbanenvironments. Our projects and activities engage diverse communities in environmental action.” For more information,please visit www.greenestcity.org.

ABOUT THE UPPER VILLAGE BIAThe Upper Village BIA represents more than 100 shops and serv-ices located on Eglinton Ave. W., between Bathurst St. and AllenRd. in north Toronto. Through a series of greening initiatives, thearea has been called the “Greenest Retail Strip in Canada”. Formore information, please visit www.uppervillage.ca.

ABOUT US