Annual Grand Challenge on Sustainability Finale: Greenwashing and the Sustainable Energy Transition
In recent years, the global shift towards sustainability has driven both consumer demand and regulatory changes. In June 2024, the Government of Canada passed Bill C-59, which prohibits "greenwashing" 鈥� making unfounded claims about the environmental benefits of products or activities. This legislation requires businesses to provide proper evidence and testing to substantiate their environmental claims. The Competition Bureau of Canada has sought public input on how to implement this new law.
This year's Annual Grand Challenge on Sustainability focuses on the implementation, enforcement, and compliance with these anti-greenwashing provisions within the context of Canada's energy transition. Teams are invited to propose concrete solutions, such as tools, methods, and protocols, to support the application of the law to emerging technologies and processes like alternative fuels, renewable energy systems, and electric vehicles. The challenge is organized by SGI鈥檚 Office for Decarbonization, in collaboration with the 9I制作厂免费 Centre for Innovation in Storage and Conversion of Energy and powered by Gildan.
Date: Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Time: 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM (EST)
Location: Armstrong Building -听3rd floor event space
The Annual Grand Challenge Finale will kick off with a panel on Ethics of Environmental Business: Decarbonizing Production, presented by the Laidley Center for Business Ethics and Equity. This panel will bring together startups and innovators in the environmental sector, particularly those driving decarbonization efforts within the built infrastructure industry. The panel will discuss how these companies are advancing sustainable construction, energy efficiency, and reducing carbon footprints, while also addressing the ethical complexities of balancing innovation, profitability, and environmental responsibility.
At noon, a complimentary lunch will be provided for all registered guests and participants. In the afternoon, the top 4 teams will present their innovative proposals in person. The winners will be announced at 3:45 PM, followed by closing remarks, and a cocktail reception.
Agenda
- 10:30 AM: Welcome and Opening Remarks
- 10:40 AM: Ethics of Environmental Business: Decarbonizing Production presented by the Laidley Center
- 12:00 PM: Lunch
- 1:00 PM: Opening remarks for AGC Finale
- 1:15 PM Teams鈥� presentations
- 3:15 PM: Break and Networking
- 3:45 PM: Announcement of Winners and closing remarks