As climate-related financial risks grow more acute, a new guide from the Canada Climate Law Initiative (CCLI) is calling on Canadian technology companies to embed sustainability into their core governance strategies.
Released last week, Climate-Conscious Boards: Leading Canada’s Tech Firms to Sustainability is a practical guide designed to help directors, executives, and legal professionals navigate the evolving climate risk landscape while identifying opportunities for innovation and resilience.
“As the impacts of a warming planet intensify—from extreme weather events to mounting regulatory demands—technology companies must adapt swiftly to safeguard operations and remain competitive,” the publication states.
The guide outlines the fiduciary duties of directors in the context of climate risk, reviews global regulatory trends, and highlights emerging disclosure requirements, including those aligned with the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) and Canada’s evolving climate-related financial disclosure regime.
“Even as some political support for climate action falters, the tech sector faces urgent pressures, from the energy-intensive proliferation of AI and data centres to regulatory shifts and supply chain risks,” said Ed Ma, KC, former VP General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Thinkific Labs. “Directors and executives who lead with robust climate governance can turn these challenges into opportunities for innovation and resilience.”
Climate-Conscious Boards features examples of leading Canadian tech firms—such as Shopify, OpenText, Hootsuite, and HP Canada—that are already integrating sustainability into their operations. Case studies range from AI-enabled emissions tracking to investments in renewable energy and ethical supply chain practices.
“Considering the business impacts of climate change is not just good practice—it’s imperative for future-proofing Canadian tech firms,” said Karim Amlani, Senior Director, Legal at Hootsuite. “Executives that take action today will position their companies as leaders in a competitive market.”
The guide emphasizes that boards must move beyond compliance and embrace climate governance as a strategic imperative. With demand for ESG accountability growing among investors, employees, and consumers, companies that fail to act risk reputational damage and missed business opportunities.
“Climate-conscious governance isn’t just about long-term vision—it requires real-world strategies that balance marketplace realities with practical solutions,” said Ryan Black, Partner at DLA Piper Canada LLP. “This guide serves as a roadmap to work through the climate challenges facing Canadian tech companies.”
By equipping leadership teams with the tools to assess, disclose, and manage climate risk, Climate-Conscious Boards positions Canada’s tech sector to lead in building a more sustainable and resilient economy.
The guide is available for download at www.ccli.ubc.ca.