Month: November 2014

For Immediate Release
November 12, 2014

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is launching a new program aimed at increasing innovation and commercialization within Newfoundland and Labrador’s green economy.

“Innovation drives growth, protects the environment, and essential in the competitiveness of our businesses and industries,” says Ted Lomond, Executive Director of NEIA, “With the demographic, geographic, and economic challenges our province currently faces and will face in the future, innovation is essential.”

Through its Innovation and Commercialization Initiative, NEIA will work one-on-one with firms to identify which funding options, partnerships and supports are both available are appropriate to assist the firm meet its business needs.

“There is an urgent need for greater innovation in the Canadian economy,” says Lomond. “Firms are struggling to be internationally competitive, adapt to the realities of climate change, meet changing market demand and address worker shortages.” To assist companies innovate, NEIA works with a variety of agencies and academic institutions to provide needed supports. This support could include assistance commercializing new technologies, protecting intellectual property, building academic partnerships, and accessing resources to de-risk innovation. NEIA’s Innovation and Commercialization initiative will help firms identify which programs and supports best suit their needs and broker connections.

“NEIA works in close partnership with a number of entities that support innovation in the private sector,” says Lomond. “For firms and entrepreneurs interested in acquiring support, it can be daunting trying to determine which programs and agencies can help.” Lomond says that NEIA can expedite and simplify this process.

Lomond believes that Newfoundland and Labrador’s environmental sector has great potential to help drive innovation. “From a sustainability perspective, we know that status quo is unacceptable, and novel solutions are needed to advance our economy while protecting our environment. The green economy is inherently innovative.”

Interested firms in the Innovation and Commercialization Initiative can contact NEIA’s Manager of Business Development Abbie Lacey at abbie@neia.org, or visit NEIA’s website at https://neia.org/innovation-and-commercialization/.

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the growth and development of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. The organization offers a diverse range of expert knowledge and support services for members working to grow economic opportunity while respecting the natural environment. NEIA is The Business of the Environment, and has over 170 members.

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Media Contact
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org
709.237.8190

For Immediate Release
November 10, 2014

Draft Municipal Plan has considerable focus on environment

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is commending the City of St. John’s on its recently released Draft Municipal Plan – and has submitted some additional ideas for the city’s consideration.

“The city’s draft municipal plan considers the natural environment as a theme throughout the entire planning process,” says Ted Lomond, NEIA’s Executive Director. “This is an excellent approach. Whether it’s neighbourhood development, economic growth, or urban design, the environment is not a liability but rather a critical economic development tool and asset.”

Lomond says the City of St. John’s struck an excellent balance between development and environment in its plan. “Given the comprehensive engagement process the City of St. John’s undertook in the production of this document, it is not a surprise.” Lomond notes that specific interest groups, such as NEIA, were consulted throughout the process for input. “The environment is priority for citizens and business in St. John’s, and this plan reflects that interest.”

NEIA has submitted to the City of St. John’s a series of additional recommendations to consider for the final plan. “From an environmental sector perspective, there are opportunities to further strengthen the document as it pertains to climate change, public transportation, green water infrastructure, and in a few other areas,” says Lomond. NEIA’s submission to the city can be viewed at www.neia.org, or by clicking here.

Lomond says the city’s focus on environment in its future planning is good news for the local green economy. “As the city sets higher standards for development and programming within the city, opportunities will be created for local environmental sector business to meet the need.”

NEIA is looking forward to again having the opportunity to provide input to the city as it writes its new regulations. “Of course, in order for the city to realize its environmental priorities, the regulations that are written have to properly reflect the intention of the planning document”. Otherwise, Lomond says, the city will not have the means to enforce environmental considerations.

“NEIA is supportive of the city’s draft municipal plan – and the process which the city followed to produce it,” says Lomond. “This is an example municipalities across Newfoundland and Labrador should be following.”

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the growth and development of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. The organization offers a diverse range of expert knowledge and support services for members working to grow economic opportunity while respecting the natural environment. NEIA is The Business of the Environment, and has over 170 members.

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Media Contact
Kieran Hanley
709.237.8190
kieran@neia.org