Saskatchewan has recently opened up a coal-fired power plant which does not seem like the most energy efficient tactic to produce electricity but the plant has been modified so that a carbon capturer could be added on.

Of course this will significantly reduce the the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the air whilst still producing electricity with coal which has generally been seen as the cheaper procedure rather than, for example, hydroelectricity. However the issue is that the use of these carbon capturers becomes very expensive. To provide the technology needed for these machines, “Electricity prices would have to rise 80% to cover the costs of such projects” (Green Energy in Canada). This is a very unnappealing statement to investors who are now thinking it would be easier to simply”pay a provincial carbon levy of C$15 a tonne” (Green Energy in Canada). 

This situation is a good example of the PEST Analysis not being put to use as the Technological and Social factors have had a negative impact on the project. The cost of the Carbon Capturer must be reduced in order for investors to dedicate them selves to the project as well as the general public having the ability to pay taxes for the project with ease. Saskatchewan should either attempt to improve their technology by making it cheaper to the public by creating key partnerships, or they should scrap the idea altogether and push away fully from using carbon-emitting energy.

http://www.economist.com/news/business-and-finance/21622238-although-saskatchewans-new-carbon-capture-facility-start-technology-still

The conflict between the First Nation chiefs and the company BC Hydro clearly represents a social factor coming into play. As population in the BC area grows, there is an increasing necessity for cleaner energy as well as opportunities for employment. BC Hydro is pushing to build a dam on the Peace River in order to meet these needs. However First Nation tribes are protesting against this project due to that fact that it will disrupt their lifestyle as well as their cultural traditions. It is clear that BC Hydro has considered the effects social factors would have on their project. They have counteracted the First Nation’s concerns by providing compromises. BC Hydro wishes to have long-term relationships with Aboriginals by providing financial incentives and as well as job training. Furthermore in terms of the First Nations concern to Wildlife BC Hydro has emphasized that their hydroelectric plant would have low green house gas emissions as well as having a smaller impact on the local habitat than other projects would because they would only be using existing resources from the Williston Reservoir. After taking these Social Factors into consideration, there is a good chance that the Site C project will follow through. The First Nations will have to decide if the potential benefits Hydro BC has provided will out weigh the costs.

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/First+Nation+chiefs+stage+Site+showdown/10215965/story.html

https://www.sitecproject.com/why-site-c/environmental-benefits

Bernard Arnault, chairman and chief executive of the Luxury Brand Louis Vuitton recently opened a contemporary art and performance museum in France. The museum is open to the public and is something that Arnault and his “Fondation Louis Vuitton” Team have been working on for over a decade. The museum gives Arnault the opportunity to display the versatility of his brand. Previously, Louis Vuitton’s customer segment was people interested in ennobling themselves. However these days it has become increasingly difficult for luxury brands to distinguish themselves from one another. Arnault believes that this Museum will not only demonstrate but symbolize Louis Vuitton’s Point of Parity. It is not enough to create more and more stores around the world to gain potential customers. Louis Vuitton must focus on value proposition. The Museum demonstrates that the company’s purpose is not only to sell  luxurious clothing, they are also invested in cultural heritage and strong customer relationships. The opening days of the museum will be free admission for the public to come and explore the new architecture  as well as become more acquainted with the company. This is a good start for the company to expand their customer segment because it invites not only Louis Vuitton’s dedicated customers but also people from other lifestyles such as tourists or people who typically cannot afford Louis Vuitton’s goods. Louis Vuitton will now, no longer belong in only the category of luxury clothing.

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/05/business/international/a-cultural-gift-to-paris-could-redesign-lvmhs-image.html?ref=international