Triax-Covington’s E2 Venture Fund, a labour sponsored investment fund focused on the alternative energy and efficiency sectors, has announced the investment of $4.6 million in six Ontario-based companies positioned to capitalize on the need for more sustainable use and management of energy, and the growing demand for environmental technologies.

Bill Tharp, CEO of Meridian Advisors Inc., which selects investments for E2 Venture Fund, said, “The outlook is extremely positive for a number of emerging Canadian companies that are developing and commercializing alternative and renewable energy and efficiency technologies.”

E2 Venture Fund has made substantial investments made in these areas, contributing over $4.6 million of the total $25.3 million invested by nine venture capital firms. The newly funded companies include Canadian enterprises focused on: the provision of cost effective solar technology solutions for residential heating; Internet-based Environmental and Health and Safety Management Systems which enable corporations to meet environmental legislation and compliance guidelines; solid oxide fuel cell technologies for home use; insulation products produced with recycled materials that have no residual environmental or health effects; water and soil remediation technologies for industrial application; new low-cost, high-efficiency data tele-metering technology and services for utility companies.

E2 Venture Fund is also paying particular attention to the value of CO(2) emission credits which they believe will generate additional value for their investee companies.

The fund invests in emerging Canadian leaders developing alternative energy, energy efficiency, and emissions reduction technologies to meet the global demand from utility companies, municipalities and large industrial corporations. It also has a portion of its assets linked to the performance of the S&P 500 Index, providing investors with immediate performance potential and greater diversification in addition to RRSP tax savings, as well as a 35% tax credit and the long term return potential associated with the venture investments.