Energent Incorporated, Kitchener, ON

In 2002, General Motors Canada asked the founders of Northern Dynamic Inc (NDI) to undertake the development of a real-time, Web-based energy information platform for collecting and reporting their energy information. NDI undertook the project and implemented a successful install into GM’s truck plant in Oshawa, Ontario. The install helped GM reduce energy consumption by 6.2% and greenhouse gas emissions by 2.6% within the first year. As a result of the program, GM received an Energy Innovator award from the Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) through their sponsored Canadian Industry Program for Energy Conservation (CIPEC).

Based on the success of the GM project, NDI executives decided to commercialize the solution. In light of the new strategic direction, the firm was renamed Energent in late 2007.