To support the effective, sustained and timely transition to a green economy, and to realize the province’s net zero goals, the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced the first two projects to receive funding from the Green Transition Fund. The combined investment in two projects totals just over $349,000.

The St. John’s International Airport Authority will receive an investment of $215,100 which will assist it in obtaining Level 3 Airport Carbon Accreditation. The Airport Carbon Accreditation program is the only internationally recognized, airport-specific certification for carbon management. It is a voluntary program and will enable the airport to reduce operating costs and increase resilience to future disruptions.

Aspects of the project include development of a carbon management plan, completion of a greenhouse gas inventory, and energy retrofits to several buildings.

Larch Grove Farm Ltd., located in Cormack, has a herd of 225 Holstein cows which produce 2.5 million litres of milk annually. The farm is constructing an energy-efficient dairy facility and is receiving $134,737 from the Green Transition Fund towards that project. The funding will assist in covering the costs of a new feed pusher, bedding system, manure removal equipment and alley scrapers.

This project includes upgrades and improvements to the farm’s operation that will lead to positive impacts in terms of methane outputs, greenhouse gas emissions, nutrient management, recycling of products, reduction in energy consumptions, energy efficiencies and adoptions of advanced modern technology.

The Green Transition Fund provides support to projects for businesses, organizations, post-secondary institutions and industry associations, as well as other collaborative efforts to assist with the province’s transition to a green economy. The program will de-risk commercial and non-commercial activities that facilitate collaboration, investment, and industry growth required for the transition.

As part of the restructuring of its agreement with the Provincial Government in May 2022 to restart the West White Rose project, project partners committed $100 million to establish the Green Transition Fund. The annual payment began at $6 million in 2023 and will increase to $12 million in 2034-35.

Quotes
“These first investments from the Green Transition Fund show that Newfoundland and Labrador businesses and organizations understand the importance of decarbonization and are leading the way in taking steps to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Supporting a green economy across the entire province is important, and these first projects show that there’s an opportunity to make our province more sustainable in every corner. My department is proud to support these industry leaders, and we look forward to helping more businesses aim for net-zero goals with assistance from the fund.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“Every agriculture project funded under programs like the Green Transition Fund, the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, and the Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program provides an opportunity for a farm enterprise to grow and thrive. By enhancing environmental sustainability and stewardship, and helping farmers and producers adapt to climate change, we continue to build a strong and vibrant dairy sector in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

“As a major community stakeholder and provincial economic driver, the St. John’s International Airport Authority is committed to responsible environmental stewardship. This important funding enables our airport to set the stage for several immediate energy reduction projects, as well as the creation of a comprehensive carbon management plan. We thank our provincial government partner for recognizing and supporting the value in these initiatives.”
Dennis Hogan
Chief Executive Officer, St. John’s International Airport Authority

“Reducing environmental impacts and adopting technologies for sustainable dairy farming is an on-going effort and priority for Larch Grove Farm. Recent green transitions made on the farm have already led to a reduction in emissions and energy, cost savings and healthier animals that produce quality milk. We applaud Industry, Energy and Technology for supporting farmers as they work towards reducing their carbon footprints for future generations.”
Ian Richardson
Larch Grove Farm

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Green Transition Fund

St. John’s International Airport Authority

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