On the 1st of January 2017, the government will introduce the Cap and Trade program in Ontario, as a way to fight climate change and to reward companies that reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
The Cap limits the amount of CO2 that a company is allowed to emit and this amount goes further down each year. In order to be able to meet the requirements, companies are investing in energy saving and the use of alternative energy sources, or they’re buying additional allowances. The Trade part of the program allows companies to buy extra credits if they emit more gases than permitted, and to sell credits if they have a surplus.
Companies that produce more than 25,000 tons, can trade allowances by themselves. Companies that emit less than that, will be charged a fee of 3.3 cents per m3 of natural gas and 4.3 cents per litre of petrol or diesel. It’s going to cost Ontario’s government and the individual companies a lot of money in the coming years, while a reduction of greenhouse gases isn’t guaranteed.
Our efforts to save on natural gas include the installation of energy screens and anti-condensation film. The annual renewing of the film is always an interesting job. But when it’s done, we feel good and ready for the cold weather, as the gas metre won’t be doing overtime.
Our gas consumption usually ends up being something like 28 m3 per m2. I should mention though, that both hibiscus and bromelia can handle a high relative humidity and don’t mind a few drops on their leaves. It’s satisfying to finish the job and to know that you’ll be saving on your gas bill.
The highlight of the first week of December was the deer hunt. Our land incorporates a 7-ha forest with hunting rights. As farmers, we’re allowed to join the hunt as long as we have passed the required test and applied for the required permits. We had a successful day of hunting and we’ll be serving a nice piece of venison at Christmas.
But first, we’re celebrating the winter solstice on the 21st of December. Once we’ve passed the shortest day and the longest night, the days will be getting longer again. It’s only a few more weeks until we see the crops respond enthusiastically with new, green shoots – a festive turn towards spring.
We’re all set for winter and for the new growing season. Best of luck for 2017!
Angelle van Kleef,
Angelle grows potted plants in Ontario, Canada
