Here are some ways that we have invested in sustainable development education initiatives:

• Green Learning Online – a Web-based education program designed to help inform and engage Canadians on issues related to environment and conservation. This unique and sophisticated education tool was developed by the Pembina Institute, a charitable organization dedicated to helping the Canadian public learn about the environment and how each of us can work to protect and preserve it. With a particular emphasis on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, this Web program is intended for all ages but has a specific focus on youth. It has been implemented through school boards in Alberta and will eventually roll out across the country.

As a founding sponsor of Green Learning Online, Petro-Canada has donated more than $110,000 to support the design and implementation of this program.

Visit Green Learning Online

• Sustainable Enterprise Academy (SEA), York University – The SEA provides education and training for management in sustainable practices. From tools, strategies and technologies to insights, trends and business models, the SEA provides a four-day seminar that allows managers to learn how to make their company sustainable while remaining profitable. As a founding partner with York University, Petro-Canada contributed $200,000 to help create the academy and now gives a $20,000 bursary each year to enable executive directors of environmental not-for-profit organizations to attend the twice annual seminars.

Learn more about the Sustainable Enterprise Academy

• Institute for Research and Innovation in Sustainability (IRIS) – IRIS is a new program at York University, modeled after the Sustainability Enterprise Academy. Taking a collaborative approach to their insightful work, teachers, students and researchers collaborate on ways to effectively impact local, national and international environments regarding the pressing economic, social, scientific and environmental issues of the day. Petro-Canada is the 2005 -2006 “featured business sponsor” of IRIS and has given $150,000 to a four-year initiative of the program, which started in 2004.

Find out about IRIS research projects

• Alberta Ecotrust – In 1991, Petro-Canada and the Pembina Institute for Appropriate Development partnered to establish Alberta Ecotrust. Alberta Ecotrust is a unique partnership between corporations and environmental groups which supports sound and effective community-based environmental action. Since 1992 Alberta Ecotrust has provided more than 3.5 million in grants to more than 300 grassroots environmental initiatives developed by communities throughout the province.

With a mandate to build partnerships to create sustainable environmental benefits in our communities, Alberta Ecotrust is launching it's Ecohome project in September. Another unique partnership, the Ecohome project brings together an environmental grantmaker, a major builder and a highly respected educational institution to demonstrate that environmental change is simple, healthy and affordable.  The Ecohome will be open for public educational purposes to engage Calgarians in issues such as energy efficiency, climate change, indoor air quality and other sustainable living practices.  Petro-Canada is a proud sponsor of this initiative.

Learn more about Ecohome and other Alberta Ecotrust projects

• Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) Energy in Action – Petro-Canada along with other CAPP member companies take the opportunity to collectively celebrate Stewardship and industry’s commitment to responsible development and continuous improvement in the communities in which they operate. Educational and community renewal projects will bring together oil and natural gas companies, supporting service companies and their neighbours to reinforce their shared belief in community and responsible development of local resources.

Learn more about Energy in Action activities in your community

• Promoting Correct Tire Pressure – In partnership with Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and the City of Mississauga, we participated in a pilot project to promote the maintenance of correct tire pressure as a way to improve fuel economy and reduce GHG emissions.

Learn more about Petro-Canada’s environmental policies and actions to protect the environment