2023 Annual Survey of Environmental Goods and Services – Reporting guide

Integrated Business Statistics Program (IBSP)

This guide is designed to assist you as you complete the 2023 Annual Survey of Environmental Goods and Services. If you need more information, please call the Statistics Canada Help Line at the number below.

Your answers are confidential.

Statistics Canada is prohibited by law from releasing any information it collects which could identify any person, business, or organization, unless consent has been given by the respondent or as permitted by the Statistics Act.

Statistics Canada will use information from this survey for statistical purposes.

Help Line: 1-877-949-9492

Table of contents

Reporting instructions

  • Report dollar amounts rounded to the nearest Canadian dollar.
  • When precise figures are not available, please provide your best estimates.
  • Exclude federal, provincial and territorial sales taxes and excise duties and taxes.

For the purposes of this survey, clean technology can be considered to consist of any product, process, or service designed with the primary purpose of contributing to remediating or preventing any type of environmental damage.

Definitions

Legal Name

The legal name is one recognized by law, thus it is the name liable for pursuit or for debts incurred by the business or organization. In the case of a corporation, it is the legal name as fixed by its charter or the statute by which the corporation was created.

Modifications to the legal name should only be done to correct a spelling error or typo.

To indicate a legal name of another legal entity you should instead indicate it in question 3 by selecting 'Not currently operational' and then choosing the applicable reason and providing the legal name of this other entity along with any other requested information.

Operating Name

The operating name is a name the business or organization is commonly known as if different from its legal name. The operating name is synonymous with trade name.

Current main activity of the business or organization

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is an industry classification system developed by the statistical agencies of Canada, Mexico and the United States. Created against the background of the North American Free Trade Agreement, it is designed to provide common definitions of the industrial structure of the three countries and a common statistical framework to facilitate the analysis of the three economies. NAICS is based on supply-side or production-oriented principles, to ensure that industrial data, classified to NAICS, are suitable for the analysis of production-related issues such as industrial performance.

The target entity for which NAICS is designed are businesses and other organizations engaged in the production of goods and services. They include farms, incorporated and unincorporated businesses and government business enterprises. They also include government institutions and agencies engaged in the production of marketed and non-marketed services, as well as organizations such as professional associations and unions and charitable or non-profit organizations and the employees of households.

The associated NAICS should reflect those activities conducted by the business or organizational unit(s) targeted by this questionnaire only, and which can be identified by the specified legal and operating name. The main activity is the activity which most defines the targeted business or organization's main purpose or reason for existence. For a business or organization that is for-profit, it is normally the activity that generates the majority of the revenue for the entity.

The NAICS classification contains a limited number of activity classifications; the associated classification might be applicable for this business or organization even if it is not exactly how you would describe this business or organization's main activity.

Please note that any modifications to the main activity through your response to this question might not necessarily be reflected prior to the transmitting of subsequent questionnaires and as a result they may not contain this updated information.

Glossary of Terms

3D
Three dimensional
Additives/ catalysts
Products that enhance the rate of a chemical reaction.
Adhesives
Adhesives or bioadhesives are made from natural polymeric materials that act as adhesives; e.g., a glue formed synthetically from biological monomers such as sugars.
Advanced batteries
Batteries incorporating materials that improve energy storage density, or reduce the weight and size, compared to traditional batteries e.g., nickel-hydride and lithium ion batteries.
Advanced insulation
Solutions for improving thermal insulation in new and existing buildings producing significant energy savings. Includes spray foam and other products that are alternatives to traditional forms of insulation.
Advanced thermostats
Advanced thermostats (also known as smart thermostats) maximize efficiency and off-peak energy usage to help save money and reduce emissions. Additionally, advanced thermostats incorporate other technologies such as sensors and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Aerodynamic device
An aerodynamic resistance or drag reduction technology that reduces fuel consumption.
Aircraft components using lightweight materials
A lightweight material is defined as having a higher strength to weight or stiffness to weight ratio. May also include, components that are made lighter when using the same material by changing how it is designed or manufactured e.g., through additive manufacturing / 3D printing.
Algae biodiesel
A type of biodiesel fuel made from algae oils.
Anaerobic digester
A mechanical chamber which breaks down organic material using micro-organisms (bacteria) in an oxygen-free environment to produce renewable energy (biogas) and other biomaterials.
Automobile components using lightweight materials
A lightweight material is defined as having a higher strength to weight or stiffness to weight ratio, compared to conventional materials. Alternatively, components may be made lighter when using the same material by changing how it is designed or manufactured e.g., through additive manufacturing or 3D printing.
Auxiliary power unit
An idling reduction technology that stores power when the engine is running and supplies it to the vehicle's electrical devices when the engine is off.
Biobutanol
A renewable fuel produced from corn, sugar beets, and other types of biomass.
Biochar
A solid material obtained from thermochemical conversion of biomass in an oxygen-limited environment. Biochar can be used for a wide range of applications such as a soil amendment, carbon sequestration, and a source of renewable energy.
Biochemicals
Synthesized chemicals made using vegetable oils derived from corn, soybean, canola, and corn starches. They can be made into solvents, lubricants, waxes, adhesives, acetic acid, succinic acid, glycerol and methanol without using traditional petroleum bases.
Biocrude
A feedstock used in a petroleum refinery that is derived from one or more renewable feedstocks replacing, in part, conventional crude oil.
Bioenergy
Renewable energy produced from biological materials.
Bioenergy feedstock planning and management
Ensuring a sustainable biomass supply from the forestry and agricultural sectors, as well as from other organic residues such as municipal solid waste and algae.
Bioenergy feedstock valuation
Services which focus on modelling, technologies and techniques that lower the costs and increase quantities of renewable feedstocks while maintaining and improving the quality of the product.
Biofuel
Biofuels are enhanced biomass-derived fuels that can take the form of a liquid such as ethanol or renewable diesel fuels, a gas such as biogas or syngas or a solid such as pellets or char.
Biogas
A combustible gas and type of biofuel produced by the decomposition of biological materials e.g., forestry residues and municipal waste, through anaerobic digestion or fermentation. Typical biogas consists of 50 to 60% methane and carbon dioxide.
Biohydrogen
Hydrogen produced biologically, most commonly by algae or bacteria, from both cultivation and waste organic materials.
Biomaterials
Materials derived from nature or synthesized in the laboratory using a variety of chemical approaches utilizing plant oils, sugars, or starches to create bioplastics, biofoams, biorubber, or reinforced biocomposites and biofibres.
Biopesticides
Pest management agents and chemicals derived from natural sources e.g., bacteria, fungi, viruses, plants, animals and minerals. They provide an alternative to synthetic chemicals and are used to control pest populations in crop production and other settings. Typically a biopesticide is target-specific and has little or no impact on non-target organisms and the environment.
Biopolymers
A non-petroleum based form of plastic derived from renewable biomass sources such as vegetable oil or corn starch.
Biosolvents
Bio-based agent for cleaning or degreasing parts, stripping paint or removing inks. Derived from agricultural crops e.g., corn, soybeans, citrus fruit skins or tree bark.
Biostimulants
A material which contains substances or microorganisms whose function is to stimulate natural processes in plant growth e.g., nutrient uptake, nutrient use efficiency, tolerance to abiotic stress, and crop quality. Biostimulants are a bio-based alternative to fossil-fuel based fertilizers.
BOMA
The Building Owners and Managers Association
CAN$
Canadian dollars
Carbon capture and sequestration technologies and storage
Technologies used to capture, transport and store carbon dioxide produced as the result of an industrial process, before its release to the atmosphere.
Cellulose filaments (CF)
Extracted from wood pulp fibres using a mechanical process that requires no chemicals or enzymes. CF are extremely strong, flexible and light, and has a unique bonding capacity that makes them an exceptional reinforcement additive for a wide range of products such as bioplastics, adhesives, as well as paints and other coatings.
Cellulosic Ethanol
Ethanol produced from cellulose e.g., the stringy fibre of a plant, typically from grasses, grains or wood.
Centrifuges
Machines or equipment that spin a vessel at high speeds to create separation of materials. Centrifugation can be used to recover solids from slurries, or to clarify liquids and solids.
Chipper
A machine used to mechanically reduce the size of feedstock wood material to a size suitable for further processing e.g., for producing wood pellets or as an input into another bio-manufacturing process.
CHP
Combined heat and power
Clean coal
Technology and processes that mitigate the emissions produced from the burning of coal for electrical power. Generally, to be considered "clean" the combustion should result in an emission intensity equal to or less than that produced by burning natural gas.
CNG
Compressed natural gas (CNG) is methane that is stored at a high pressure and can be used in place of gasoline. CNG may be found naturally above oil deposits or is collected from landfills or wastewater treatment plants e.g., biogas.
Coagulant
A material (iron or aluminum salts, e.g., aluminum sulphate, ferric sulphate, ferric chloride, polymers) added to a colloidal solution to remove suspended particles through coagulation. Often used in water treatment.
Combined heat and power and cogeneration
Combined heat and power (CHP) is a cogeneration system that involves the simultaneous production of electricity and heat from a single fuel source. It uses waste heat recovery technology to capture heat by-products to generate electricity. CHP is not a single technology but an integrated energy system that can be modified depending on the needs of the energy user.
Combined heat and power bioenergy systems
Combined heat and power (CHP) is a cogeneration system that involves the simultaneous production of electricity and heat from a single fuel source. It uses waste heat recovery technology to capture heat by-products to generate electricity. CHP is not a single technology but an integrated energy system that can be modified depending on the needs of the energy user. CHP bioenergy systems use a biomass fuel source instead of a fossil fuel source.
Composite materials
Materials consisting of strong, stiff fibres in a tough resin matrix and used to reduce weight for fuel efficiency purposes. Composite materials used in the aerospace industry include carbon and glass-fibre reinforced plastics and metals used in cabin components and functional components in the wings, engines or landing gear.
Compressed air
Compressed air energy storage (CAES) is a way to store energy by compressing air and storing it in underground caverns, depleted wells or aquifers.
Crop canopy sensors
A technology used in precision agriculture that uses visible light (VIS) and near infrared light (NIR) to determine plant nitrogen levels in a crop. This technology can assist in identifying specific areas of a field that require fertilization.
Cyber security
Services assisting utility companies with the protection of critical smart grid infrastructure assets from cyber security threats. Cyber security services protect data and access to all components of the smart grid. This includes threat detection and compliance management.
Desalination processes
Various technologies and processes used to remove salt from water.
Distillation tower
Equipment used to refine and separate purified products and aqueous streams during biofuel production.
DME
Dimethyl Ether
Double layer capacitor
Capacitors with enhanced cycle stability and extremely high power capability; very efficient energy storage capability compared to traditional capacitors and batteries.
Dryer
Equipment used to remove moisture from a liquid/solid mixture. Dryers vary in application and function e.g., rotating drum dryers, rotary dryers, flash dryers, fluidized bed dryers, spray dryers, conveyor dryers, tray dryers, thin-film dryers.
Efficient turbine
A fuel efficient turbine engine is one that uses less fuel to produce the same output e.g., either in the form of thrust for a jet engine or horsepower for a turboshaft engine. Engine weight is an important factor associated with the efficiency of the turbine.
Electric vehicle
A vehicle using a battery to store electrical energy that powers the motor.
Electro-deionization technologies
A process which combines semi-impermeable membrane technology with ion-exchange media to provide a high-efficiency demineralization process.
Emission control
Technologies that reduce the amount of air pollutants, including greenhouse gases, released into the atmosphere.
Energy efficiency
Energy efficiency is a way of managing and restraining the growth in energy consumption. Something is more energy efficient if it delivers more services for the same energy input, or the same services for less energy input.
Energy logs
A cleaner burning fuel than firewood and other densified fire logs.
Engine control module
Controls the engine's performance, fuel efficiency and emissions; monitors the operation of the vehicle; and troubleshoots mechanical problems.
Engineered wood products
A variety of products required in mass timber construction and design (i.e., cross laminated timber) that generally involve lamination and compression of multiple layers of smaller pieces of wood to create large panels. The process creates a very strong panel that meets the safety requirements needed to build tall structures.
Environmental employment
Positions that directly or indirectly contribute to preserving or restoring environmental quality. For example, this may include jobs related to the production of goods or provision of services that help to: protect ecosystems and biodiversity; reduce the use of energy, materials, and water consumption in manufacturing processes; lower the carbon expenditure of industrial processes, or; minimize or altogether avoid generation of waste and pollution.
Environmental measurement apparatus
Equipment or instruments that assist in data collection involving the assessment of chemical, physical, or biological factors in the environment.
Ethanol
A renewable alcohol fuel made from plant material e.g., corn, sugar cane or grasses.
FC
Fuel cell
Fluoridation
The addition of fluoride in a public water supply to reduce tooth decay.
Flywheel
A rotating mechanical device that is used to store rotational energy.
Foams
Foams or biofoams are biopolymers made from plant materials that are biodegradable and may be industrially composted at high temperatures. They are durable and suitable for long-term use in virtually all technical and packaging applications.
FTE
Full-time equivalent
Fuel cell vehicle FC stack
A fuel cell FC stack is an assembly of individual membrane electrode assemblies that use hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity in a fuel cell vehicle.
GIS
Geographic Information System
GPS
Global Positioning System
Green building certification
A process administered by a recognized body that approves a construction project as environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a structure's life-cycle.
Greywater reuse system
A system that collects greywater from showers and sinks, for the purpose of filtering and purifying, for further non-potable uses e.g., toilet flushing or irrigation. It consists of a tank, a pump, a disinfection additive such as chlorine and a filtration component.
Greensand filtration
A specialized filtration process that removes iron, manganese and hydrogen sulphide from water.
Hot dry rock (HDR)
A type of geothermal energy resource that uses heat recovered from dry subsurface rocks to generate electricity.
HVAC
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
Hybrids
Vehicles containing both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine (ICE). The electric motor uses batteries charged from the grid, and which may be re-charged through energy conversion mechanisms while in operation. The ICE uses traditional fuels, e.g., gasoline or diesel.
ICE
Internal combustion engine
Industrial design and related services
Refers to the design of energy efficient technologies and products for market, or part of a contracted service for industries such as transportation, aerospace, commercial energy projects, etc.
Intelligent traffic control
Optimizing the performance of traffic signals for real-time traffic conditions and improving traffic flow, resulting in a reduction in idling time, traffic congestion and emissions from vehicles at intersections.
ISO
International organization for standardization
Leak detection
A device that detects the presence of gases in an area, often as part of a safety system. This type of equipment is used to detect a gas leak and interface with a control system so a process can be automatically shut down. Gas detectors can be used to detect combustible, flammable and toxic gases, and oxygen depletion.
Li-ion
Lithium-ion battery
Livestock precision feeding technology
Technology consisting of animal-specific data collection and automated feeding systems to conserve livestock feed inputs.
LNG
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is natural gas that has been converted to liquid form.
Low emitting burner
High-efficiency burners e.g., low NOx and low SOx burners, that minimize the amount of pollutants produced during combustion.
Low rolling resistance tire
Designed to reduce rolling resistance, or the energy lost from drag and friction of a tire rolling over a surface, to improve fuel efficiency in vehicles.
Management systems
Software systems that employ artificial intelligence or rules based on process knowledge to control energy distribution.
Mass timber design
Mass timber design companies design and construct complete buildings using large, prefabricated engineered wood products such as cross laminated timber or glue-laminated timber in place of steel.
Microgrid solutions
Services that design and develop comprehensive microgrid solutions for energy infrastructure projects. A microgrid is a local energy grid with control capability that can disconnect from the traditional grid and operate autonomously.
Micro/ ultrafiltration
Membrane technologies used to treat drinking water.
Micro-screening
A water treatment technology to remove suspended solids, micro pollutants and to increase the efficiency of downstream treatment systems.
Mixer
Industrial mixers are able to blend combinations of solids, gases and liquids. Mixing is usually completed in either single-phase or multi-phase formats.
Modelling services
The use of specially designed energy modelling software and other building data to simulate a variety of building details during construction or renovation projects. Used to optimize roof and wall construction, lighting and power densities, domestic hot water usage, and heating and ventilation systems. Modifying variables e.g., outdoor and indoor temperature, solar orientation, humidity, energy costs, construction materials, and occupant levels allow the energy modeller to come up with different scenarios to optimize a building's design and meet energy efficiency objectives.
Nano-crystalline cellulose
Nano-structures made from pure cellulose. They may be used in coating, papermaking, biocide dispersion, or in composite products.
Nanofiltration
Nanofiltration is a water-softening membrane technology that removes most organic compounds, nearly all viruses, most natural organic matter and a range of salts from water.
NaNiCl
Sodium-nickel chloride batteries
NaS
Sodium-sulphur batteries
NiCd
Nickel-cadmium battery
NiMH
Nickel-metal hydride battery
NOx
Nitrogen oxides
Nuclear energy
The energy that is released through a nuclear reaction or radioactive decay process.
Nuclear island
The part of the nuclear power plant that incorporates all equipment, systems, installation and control, heating and ventilation and other relevant hardware installed within the reactor and reactor auxiliary buildings. Steam generators that transfer heat from the primary circuit within the reactor to a secondary circuit for power generation are included in the nuclear island.
Nuclear reactor
The heart of a nuclear power plant in which nuclear fission may be initiated and controlled in a self-sustaining chain reaction to generate energy or produce useful radiation.
pH
Potential of hydrogen
Phasor measurement unit
A phasor measurement unit (PMU) is a device which measures the electrical waves on a power grid to monitor and control load and detect faults.
Powder metallurgy, coatings, polishing, anodizing for fuel efficiency
Surface treatments used to improve the finish, durability and corrosion resistance of many components. Also used for restorative maintenance e.g., secondary to fuel efficiency. Metal powders can be used in additive manufacturing which has the potential to make parts lighter (therefore improving fuel efficiency).
Pumped hydro
A system for generating hydroelectric power for peak periods by pumping water from a lower to an upper reservoir during low-demand/off-peak periods e.g., charging. When required, the water flows back from the upper to the lower reservoir to produce electricity e.g., discharging.
Pyrolysis
Pyrolysis is the transformation of a carbon-rich substance into one or more substances e.g., syngas or biochar, through heating in the absence of oxygen.
Pyrolysis oil
A renewable liquid fuel derived from woody biomass via fast pyrolysis process.
R-2000
Energy efficient homes rating
Renewable diesel
Diesel fuel substitute made from renewable materials such as vegetable oil, waste, cooking oil, animal fat, fish oil or cellulosic feedstocks consisting of agriculture and forest biomass. It can be used in all modern diesel engines without requiring engine modifications.
Reverse osmosis
A water treatment process that uses pressure to move a liquid through a membrane, thereby removing ions of salt, calcium and chlorine or larger molecules such as bacteria, urea and glucose.
RFID
Radio-frequency identification
Self-healing grids
A monitoring solution for a more efficient energy grid. A self-healing grid is a system comprised of sensors, automated controls and advanced software that utilizes real-time distribution data to detect and isolate faults and to reconfigure the distribution network to minimize service disruptions.
Shredder
Equipment used to cut, shear, tear, slice, or rip apart materials into smaller pieces typically in a strip or chip-like output shape. Shredders may be used to process forestry and agricultural biomass to convert it into a more useable form for further biofuel or biomaterial processing.
Smart grid
Adaptions to a conventional power grid, allowing two-way communications, control and automation capabilities to make it more reliable, flexible, efficient, clean, safe and customer-friendly.
Smart inverter
Inverters that enable the integration of distributed photovoltaic power generation into the power grid.
SOx
Sulphur oxides
Storage systems
Includes above and underground types of storage systems. The tanks can be used for storage, mixing, or as vessels for chemical processes.
Super-conducting magnetic energy storage
Energy storage using a magnetic field created by the flow of direct current in a superconducting coil kept below its superconducting critical temperature.
Sustainable forestry services
Sustainable forestry service companies are forestry service companies who have policies in place which ensure they carefully manage forest resources to preserve and maximize the value of every harvest. Sustainable forestry service companies are certified by one of the three independent, third-party forest management organizations in Canada (Canadian Standards Association, Forest Stewardship Council, and Sustainable Forestry Initiative). A certified sustainable forestry service company meets the Government of Canada’s forest management laws and regulations and verifies the company’s responsible forest management practices. Certified companies practice a number of forest restoration or sustainable forestry management techniques such as planting new trees after each harvest, selective logging by removing only certain, mature trees while preserving a balanced forest ecosystem (not clear cutting) and allowing more time in between harvests so trees can mature to their full potential.
Syngas
Syngas, also called synthesis gas, is an intermediate product produced by gasification from biomass feedstocks. Syngas can then be converted into hydrogen, a variety of chemicals, fertilizers and liquid fuels, or used to generate electricity.
Thermal storage systems
Encompasses a wide range of technologies that allow thermal energy to be collected and stored for later use. Storage mediums include water, bedrock, deep aquifers, and phase-change materials.
Traffic management
Improving the flow of traffic through the use of data and design.
UAV/drone
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or drone is an aircraft designed to fly without a human operator on board. They are equipped with video and multispectral cameras, GPS receivers and advanced data collection and sensor technologies to perform agriculture-related monitoring.
UV
Ultraviolet
Ultrasonic detection
Ultrasonic-level measurement devices employ sound waves for detection of liquid levels.
Variable rate technology
Instrumentation and equipment used for varying the rates of application of fertilizer, pesticides and seeds as it moves across a field.
Vehicle emission monitoring
Technologies such as catalytic converters, exhaust gas recirculation, engine monitoring sensors, computer controls and feedback systems that aid in the reduction of greenhouse gases, volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen.
Vehicle fleet management and logistics
Support services comprised of consulting, tools, products, and software designed for companies with fleets of commercial vehicles or trucks (excluding rentals) that help optimize fleet operations such as communication, tracking and routing, maintenance, and management of fuel consumption.
Washer
Refers to the washing step of biofuel refining where impurities are adsorbed using a material such as magnesium silicate. Purified biodiesel liquid is then separated from the solid dry wash adsorbent and filtered, resulting in clarified biodiesel.
Yield Sensors
Sensors used to aid the monitoring of yields within a field.

Reporting period information

Report information for this establishment's 12-month fiscal period (normal business year) ending between April 1st, 2023 and March 31st, 2024. Please indicate the reporting period covered by this questionnaire.

Activity sectors

Report goods manufactured as part of an environmental service provided under Service provider, and include the sales of related machinery, equipment, and products.

Total revenue

Total revenue is the sum of the value of sales (before royalties, taxes and other charges) and all other revenues, except contributions from owners.

When precise figures are not available please provide your best estimates.

Include:

  • sales of all goods and services
  • other operating revenue
  • non-operating revenue.

Report in Canadian dollars.

Sales of goods

Report domestic and export sales of selected environmental goods or clean technology goods.

Include (where applicable):

  • sales (domestic sales and export sales) of goods manufactured at a Canadian location
  • sales of goods manufactured outside Canada and imported for sale

Exclude:

  • federal, provincial and territorial sales taxes
  • excise duties and taxes
  • subsidies

Some goods listed may be used for more than one of the environmental functions listed. Report sales under the environmental function category that best reflects the ultimate use of your product.

Sales of environmental goods are defined as revenues derived from the sale of goods (cash or credits) falling within a business's ordinary activities. Sales should be reported net of excise and federal, provincial or territorial sales taxes.

For the purposes of this survey, clean technology can be considered to consist of any product, process, or service designed with the primary purpose of contributing to remediating or preventing any type of environmental damage.

Revenue from services

Report domestic and international revenues of selected environmental services or clean technology services.

Include (where applicable):

  • revenues from goods sold as part of a service delivered (related machinery, products and equipment)
  • domestic and international sales of services provided from a Canadian location.

Exclude:

  • federal, provincial and territorial sales taxes
  • excise duties and taxes
  • subsidies

Sales of environmental and clean technology services are defined as amounts derived from the provision of environmental and clean technology services falling within a business's ordinary activities. Sales should be reported net of excise and federal, provincial or territorial sales taxes.

For the purposes of this survey, clean technology can be considered to consist of any product, process, or service designed with the primary purpose of contributing to remediating or preventing any type of environmental damage.

Thank you for your participation.

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