Magna International Facility Emissions Challenge
Magna International sought innovative, reliable solutions to reduce Scope 1 facility emissions while having minimal impact on existing infrastructure and demonstrating a reasonable return on investment in the short-medium term. Three innovators—Blade Air, Cardinal Volta, and Vitalis—were named the winners of this Challenge.
WINNERS
Blade Air
Blade Air is a Toronto-based cleantech innovator and a global leader in energy-efficient HVAC filter manufacturing. Redefining what's possible, Blade Air represents the intersection of sustainability and air quality. Their solutions deliver confidence without compromise, setting the new industry standard.
Cardinal Volta
Cardinal Volta advances industrial energy efficiency and sustainability through innovative technologies. Also Toronto-based, their next-generation Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) systems transform waste heat into clean, reliable electricity, empowering their customers to reduce energy costs, enhance energy resilience, and accelerate sustainability.
Vitalis
Kelowna-based Vitalis designs and manufactures CO2-based cleantech solutions, including chillers, heat pumps, and refrigeration systems using R744, CO2 as a refrigerant, for commercial, industrial, and district energy applications. Vitalis systems help companies and communities reduce emissions, lower operational costs, and transition away from harmful synthetic refrigerants.
PARTNER
Magna International
Magna International is one of the world’s largest auto suppliers and has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, with science-based targets verified to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42% and Scope 3 emissions by 25% by 2030.
The company is driving decarbonization through energy optimization initiatives, aiming to transition to 100% renewable electricity globally by 2030, and integrating sustainable practices into its manufacturing operations. Magna also collaborates with over 10,000 suppliers, customers, and startups to promote sustainability across the automotive supply chain.
CHALLENGE LAUNCH DATE: February 2025
Challenge Outcomes
Magna International sought innovative, reliable solutions to reduce Scope 1 facility emissions with minimal impact on existing infrastructure, while demonstrating a reasonable short- to medium-term return on investment.
There were three winners of this Challenge: Blade Air, Cardinal Volta, & Vitalis. Magna is exploring pilots with the Challenge winners.
Blade Air: The Blade Air filter pilot was tested on a 150 HP air compressor for the duration of 1 month at Magna’s facilities. The pilot demonstrated a 50% performance improvement over the incumbent technology. A cost analysis will be conducted and assessed against power and time savings. The Magna team is exploring ways to test the filter in other applications.
Cardinal Volta: Cardinal Volta is exploring a pilot opportunity with Magna and working to secure funding to support it.
Vitalis: A preliminary proposal, including budget and pricing, was submitted to Magna and is under review. The project is still in early discussions; however, Magna is interested in exploring a pilot to perform performance testing at one of its facilities.
Background Updates
We are currently running two pilots at our facilities, and in discussions for a third—all 3 only possible through Foresight’s collaborative and keen eye for the right technology at the right place.
Ahmed Elganzouri Global Director, Sustainability and Energy, Magna International
Innovative decarbonization strategies and commercially ready technologies are essential to reducing Scope 1 emissions across the automotive manufacturing sector. To remain competitive and profitable in today’s rapidly evolving market—and to support global net zero goals—continuous innovation in energy optimization and facility efficiency is vital.
Challenge Statement
Magna International sought to implement innovative technologies that minimize facility Scope 1 facility emissions while maintaining operational reliability and comfort.
Solutions may have included energy recovery systems, alternative fuels, efficient ventilation designs, or heat pumps. These technologies should have aligned with Magna’s operational and budgetary constraints and had the potential for scalability across its global facilities.
Challenge Opportunity
This Challenge offered innovators a unique opportunity to collaborate with Magna International, a leading global automotive components manufacturer. Successful finalists had the chance to pitch their solutions directly to the Magna team, gaining valuable exposure and insights.
The winning applicant had the opportunity to pilot their technologies within Magna’s facilities. Successful pilots may lead to scaling solutions and connections across Magna’s global network.
This Challenge provided a pathway to build long-term relationships with an industry leader and to contribute meaningfully to advancing sustainability in manufacturing.
Challenge Background
Magna International aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. A significant portion of Scope 1 facility emissions originates from make-up air units, which are required to compensate for ventilation losses in manufacturing facilities. These systems currently exhaust conditioned air, resulting in substantial energy loss and increased emissions. Magna sought innovative solutions to reduce Scope 1 facility emissions that have minimal impact on existing processes.
Potential approaches included energy recovery systems, alternate fuels, efficient ventilation, heat pumps, or other solutions that address these challenges with minimal capital investment.
Any proven solution that works in Canada could be considered for global operations.
Foresight’s Innovation Challenge program gave Cardinal Volta a valuable pathway to engage with major industrial organizations on energy efficiency and emissions-reduction opportunities. Through the Magna International Facility Emissions Challenge, Foresight helped open doors that are traditionally difficult for emerging cleantech companies to access, while providing the visibility and credibility to explore how waste heat-to-power can support industrial decarbonization.
Nan Ge CEO, Cardinal Volta
Eligibility
Successful solutions:
- Offered a strong business case with a short-to-medium-term return on investment.
- Demonstrated a proven capability to effectively reduce Scope 1 facility emissions.
- Ensured high reliability with minimal ongoing maintenance requirements.
- Presented significant potential for scalability across multiple global facilities.
- Utilized unique, commercially deployable technologies rather than first-of-a-kind prototypes.
- Adhered to all facility-specific regulations within Southern Ontario.
Challenge Updates
June 12, 2025: Winners announced
March 26, 2025: Applications closed
March 4, 2025: Informational webinar held
February 12, 2025: Applications opened
News
Our Partners
The Magna International Facility Emissions Challenge is run in partnerhip with Magna International.
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