2024 Sustainable Finance Summit

Mini-Keynote: Michael Jantzi, is member of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), working to empower capital market participants with the right information to support better economic and investment decision-making. Michael discusses how adopting sustainability disclosures can power transparent and resilient markets.

Aligning financial strategy with net zero is no longer an optional ethical consideration but a fundamental requirement for institutional resilience and market access. This session moves beyond high-level climate pledges to examine the actual scorecard of corporate progress, highlighting that many organizations are still at ground zero regarding substantive implementation. A key insight shared by the panelists is the shift from voluntary narrative reporting to mandatory, audit-ready disclosures that treat carbon as a primary financial metric. By focusing on aligning financial strategy with net zero, leadership teams can move past static target-setting and begin the difficult work of integrating climate-related risks directly into their capital allocation and budgeting processes.

The technical depth of this session explores the evolution of governance frameworks and the critical role of the Canadian Sustainability Standards Board in harmonizing local requirements with global ISSB norms. For professionals tasked with aligning financial strategy with net zero, the discussion provides a roadmap for utilizing data-driven benchmarks to measure performance against transition pathways. This involves not only tracking internal emissions but also assessing the carbon footprint of entire investment portfolios and supply chains. Successfully aligning financial strategy with net zero allows firms to lower their cost of capital while positioning themselves to capture the massive growth opportunities within the emerging sustainable finance ecosystem.

• Integration of ISSB and CSSB standards into core corporate governance and disclosure models.
• Methods for bridging the gap between long-term climate targets and immediate financial planning.
• Strategies for leveraging climate-related data to improve risk assessment and investor relations.

Watch the full panel discussion to gain the practical insights necessary for transforming your organizational scorecard from a statement of intent into a plan for measurable action.

Scaling voluntary carbon markets effectively is no longer just about increasing transaction volume; it is about establishing a high-integrity framework that can withstand intense public and regulatory scrutiny. As this session highlights, the transition from a $2 billion niche to a $50 billion climate powerhouse requires a fundamental shift in how quality is defined and verified. The panel experts reveal that the primary barrier to growth is not a lack of capital, but a deficit of trust driven by concerns over greenwashing and inconsistent credit standards. By focusing on scaling voluntary carbon markets effectively, participants can ensure that private finance is successfully channeled into high-impact projects that provide genuine, additional carbon removals rather than just avoided emissions.

The technical discussion explores the necessity of harmonized accounting principles and the role of independent registries in providing the transparency that institutional buyers demand. For those looking at scaling voluntary carbon markets effectively, the session provides deep insights into the evolving expectations of purchasers who are now prioritizing social co-benefits and biodiversity protection alongside carbon metrics. This shift in buyer goals means that the next generation of successful carbon projects must demonstrate rigorous data quality and long-term permanence to command premium pricing.

Mastering the complexities of scaling voluntary carbon markets effectively is essential for any organization aiming to use offsets as a credible component of their broader net-zero decarbonization strategy.

• Transitioning from avoidance-based credits to high-integrity carbon removal technologies.
• Aligning with global standards like the IC-VCM to ensure credit quality and market trust.
• Understanding the purchasing goals of major corporations to better tailor project development.

Watch the full panel discussion above to learn how the industry is building the infrastructure necessary to scale impact and accelerate global decarbonization.

Clean economy investment tax credits represent the single most important shift in Canadian fiscal policy for the energy and manufacturing sectors in over a decade. While many organizations are aware of the transition toward net-zero, this session highlights a critical market reality: the refundable nature of these credits means that even pre-revenue firms can receive significant cash infusions to offset capital expenditures. By moving from traditional deductions to these high-value incentives, the federal government has effectively lowered the barrier to entry for massive infrastructure projects in carbon capture and clean hydrogen.

The panel provides a technical breakdown of how Bill C-59 and the subsequent Bill C-15 have codified these incentives into law, offering long-term policy certainty for investors through 2035. Experts discuss the strategic implications of the labour requirements attached to these credits, explaining why failing to meet prevailing wage standards can result in a ten percent reduction in the total credit value. Furthermore, the discussion addresses the interaction between these clean economy investment tax credits and the new anti-greenwashing provisions in the Competition Act, which now require all environmental performance claims to be backed by internationally recognized methodologies.

Navigating the complexities of clean economy investment tax credits requires a proactive approach to contemporaneous documentation and capital planning. As the Canada Revenue Agency moves toward an AI-driven audit system in 2026, maintaining clear technical logs is essential for ensuring expedited processing of claims. This session serves as a vital roadmap for financial leaders looking to maximize their return on investment while contributing to the national sustainability agenda. Understanding the nuances of clean economy investment tax credits is no longer just a tax function but a core component of competitive corporate strategy.

Key session takeaways include:

• Detailed eligibility criteria for the four enacted tax credits focusing on carbon capture, clean hydrogen, and clean technology manufacturing.
• Technical insights into meeting the mandatory labour and apprenticeship requirements to secure the maximum 30 to 60 percent credit rates.
• Analysis of the impact of Bill C-59 on corporate sustainability reporting and the necessity for rigorous verification of environmental claims.

Watch the full panel discussion to learn how to effectively leverage clean economy investment tax credits for your next major project.

Workshop A: The CLA launches its B-15 Playbook. Discuss how best to streamline your OSFI data return template workflow in this hands-on workshop. Learn how to transition seamlessly from defining data needs to constructing data models. Gain insights into automating template population to enhance efficiency and accuracy. Perfect for risk and ESG officers looking to optimize their reporting processes.  (80 capacity)

     << Download the playbook

Workshop B:  This workshop dives into the need, opportunities, and stories of strategic partnerships between local governments and private investors in tackling climate change and other sustainability challenges. Hear from private/public partnerships and discover how local governments and private organizations can help safeguard communities of all sizes for the future.

Learn how FCM sets projects up for success and helps de-risk opportunities for private sector investment. FCM’s Green Municipal Fund is a leading and trusted funder of sustainable projects and infrastructure. For nearly 25 years, GMF has helped local governments adopt high-performing and scalable climate solutions, from district energy systems to innovative financing models for home energy upgrades. It has also played a key role in accelerating partnerships between municipalities and the investment and financial sectors. (30 capacity)

Workshop C: How can financial institutions harness sustainability expertise and fit-for-purpose technologies to drive value-added client engagement strategies. This workshop focuses on supporting SMEs in their decarbonization journey. Discover the critical timing, motivations, and methodologies for effective decarbonization. Ideal for risk and ESG officers aiming to champion sustainable practices. (15 capacity)

Panel Main Theatre: This panel examines Canada’s journey toward net-zero emissions by 2050, spotlighting the critical role of financial institutions. Experts will discuss how they are integrating climate goals into their strategies, driving sustainable finance, climate engagement strategies and overcoming challenges. Learn how the financial sector is shaping Canada’s low-carbon future and aligning with national sustainability objectives.

Panel Main Theatre: Can we unlock the power of AI in sustainability? This panel explores AI’s potential beyond process automation in the banking sector. Leaders from both banks and non-banks will discuss innovative AI-powered sustainability practices. Learn how AI can drive transformative changes and enhance sustainability efforts. Join us for insights on the future of AI in banking and sustainability.

Panel Main Theatre: How can we advance climate stress testing beyond compliance? This panel will explore ways to accelerate business usage and integration of scenario analysis. Experts will share insights on leveraging these tools for strategic decision-making. Discover how to turn regulatory requirements into opportunities for innovation. Ideal for risk and ESG officers seeking to deepen their climate resilience strategies.

Workshop A: Navigate the complexities of transition risk modeling with confidence in this hands-on workshop. Learn to mature your capabilities strategically to drive business value. Explore the good, bad, and ugly aspects of transition risk stress testing. Gain practical insights to enhance your risk management strategies. Perfect for risk and ESG officers looking to strengthen their approach to transition risks. (80 capacity)

Workshop B: With thought-leaders joining us from Canada, Europe and US, we explore the dynamic evolution of credit risk assessment processes in this interactive workshop. Understand the power of integrating ESG ratings to enhance risk management strategies, while also delving into the intersection between ESG, financial crime, KYC, and compliance. Learn how next-gen tools and methodologies are transforming credit risk evaluation and ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements. Gain insights from industry experts on best practices and emerging trends. Ideal for risk, ESG officers, and compliance professionals aiming to innovate their credit risk frameworks.  (30 capacity)

Workshop C: Set the stage for effective governance with sustainable disclosures in this workshop. Learn to make sustainability disclosures a routine part of your business operations. Explore best practices for integrating ESG factors into governance frameworks. Enhance transparency and accountability in your organization. Ideal for risk and ESG officers committed to advancing sustainable governance practices. (15 capacity)