WEBINAR: Clean Growth Funding & Financing

Clean and green technologies and services in Newfoundland and Labrador are preparing for a period of growth in numerous sectors. To help small- and medium-sized businesses capitalize on the opportunities that arise and make the most of what’s to come, there are a suite of financial and funding supports to bring them to the next level.

On Thursday September 5th, join econext as we host an online session to present multiple funding and financing opportunities available to SMEs that operate in environmental services, renewable energy, and the circular economy. The session will feature presentations from:

· NRC-IRAP

· ACOA

· Department of Industry, Energy and Technology

This is an ideal virtual event to learn what each of the above organizations can fund and/or finance for your business, make connections with the right people at each, and maximize the knowledge and resources at hand for your business to succeed in clean growth.

Registrants will be sent the link to the Zoom meeting two days prior to the event.

When: Thursday September 5th, 2024 @ 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM NDT

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Click Here to Register

 

econext Electronics Recycling Day

Recycle Your Old Devices Responsibly This Summer with econext!

Join us and EPRA for a day dedicated to responsible recycling! Bring your old laptops, tablets, monitors, cords, and other related devices to be properly disposed of with secure data handling for your peace of mind. CFS-NL will also be on hand to accept eligible computers for refurbishment and donation to schools and other organizations across the province.  So join us for responsible recycling, complimentary refreshments, and the chance to win a fantastic eco-friendly prize pack—each recycled item earns you one entry to win!

econext member EPRA is the only regulated and approved entity in our province to collect and handle end of life electronics. They are an industry-led, not-for-profit organization that operates regulated recycling programs across Canada. They ensure that end-of-life electronics are handled in a safe, secure and environmentally-sound manner. To learn more about the importance of recycling electronics, visit recycleMYelectronics.ca/NL

CFS-NL refurbishes computers donated from government, private business and individuals for use by schools, libraries, registered not-for-profit learning organizations and Aboriginal communities. CFS -NL is a registered charity and is affiliated with the national Computers for School Program.

Details

Date: Thursday, August 29th, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Sobeys – Howley Estates, 10 Elizabeth Avenue, St. John’s

What can I bring?

Take a look at the Electronic Products Recycling Association’s list of accepted electronics!

What Can I Recycle?

Wondering what Computers for Schools NL will be accepting for refurbishment?

REUSE Level Electronic Equipment

Computers not meeting eligibility will be recycled appropriately

 

Training Course: Environmental and Regulatory Compliance

Are you looking for resources to help navigate Newfoundland and Labrador’s regulatory environment?

Our Environmental and Regulatory Compliance course is here to provide practitioners with environment and regulatory overview and resources through the lens of an environmental professional, and is customized to the regulatory conditions and requirements of Newfoundland and Labrador.

This 1-day course includes the following modules:

  • Overview of the Regulatory Environment in NL: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the specific regulatory environment in Newfoundland and Labrador, encompassing legislation, provincial and federal regulatory agencies, environmental assessment processes, permitting frameworks, stakeholder engagement, and essential guidance documents.
  • Environmental Compliance Considerations for Projects: Receive insights into key compliance considerations for various project components such as exploration, mining, wind energy, and more. This module will cover topics including surveying, waste management, drilling, noise control, and contingency planning.
  • Environmental Management Systems: Acquire an introduction to environmental management systems and their role in enhancing organizational performance. Participants will learn about training, record management, inspections, objectives, policies, and the ISO 14000 standard.
  • Tools for Environmental and Regulatory Project Management: This module summarizes the previous sections, exploring specific tools and guides that facilitate seamless project management within the environmental and regulatory framework. These resources are available for digital download and will aid participants in effectively managing environmental projects.

Don’t let the complexities of environmental regulation slow you down. Register in our Environmental and Regulatory Compliance course today!

Trainer Bio: Brian Taite, M.A.Sc., CRSP, P.Eng.

Brian is an accomplished and dedicated health, safety, environment & regulatory professional with over 30 years’ experience in the energy and mining sectors. Brian has been a consultant to several major mining and energy companies, government agencies and private industry for emergency preparedness and response, incident investigation, risk assessment, regulatory compliance, auditing, HSE planning and technical integrity assurance. Brian was educated at Memorial University and was admitted to the degrees of Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in 1992, Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering in 1994 and Master of Applied Science in Environmental Engineering in 1999. Brian has been associated with econext since the mid 1990’s, having worked as an environmental consultant for over a decade in Newfoundland and Labrador. In 2006 he expanded his career in asset management with Shell in the UK and the Netherlands for over five years. Returning to St. John’s he worked with AMEC (WSP) as a senior environmental engineer and was soon after seconded to Rio Tinto’s IOC mine in Labrador City for his first experience in the mining sector. In 2012 Brian continued his mining experience with Vale’s Long Harbour Processing Plant as Operations Environmental Supervisor. In 2014 Brian joined WorleyParsons to develop an Environmental Management System for Alderon’s Kami Mine project and soon after took on a role as Environment & Regulatory Manager for the ExxonMobil Hebron Topsides Project. In late 2017, Brian went back to consulting at Pinchin Ltd. as Team Leader, Environmental Due Diligence and Remediation. In 2020 he became SHE Coordinator for the Vale Voisey’s Bay Mine Expansion Project construction of two underground mines in northern Labrador. In 2021 Brian worked with HMDC/ExxonMobil as the Environment Advisor for the Hibernia offshore drilling and production platform. Most recently, in 2024 he joined the World Energy GH2 team as the Environmental Compliance Manager for Project Nujio’qonik, pioneering Canada’s wind to green hydrogen industry as part of the global energy transition to clean fuels.

Registration

Date: November 22, 2024
Location: econext Boardroom (235 Water Street, 2nd Floor), St. John’s, NL

Cost
econext Members: $315 + HST
Non-Members: $445 + HST

Registration is open. To register, please email Ogaga Johnson at ogaga@econext.ca.

econext ideathon | September 20-22, 2024 | MUN St. John’s Campus

econext Clean Growth Ideathon

Embrace the Future of Clean Growth! econext is thrilled to announce it’s third ideathon, paving the way for innovative solutions that will drive sustainable progress in Newfoundland and Labrador. This time, we are bringing the ideathon back to the MUN St. John’s Campus! The weekend-long event, open to all MUN students, will be taking place in-person September 20-22, 2024.

Check out our photo album from this event.

Challenge: Utilizing Newfoundland and Labrador’s organic waste to create clean energy opportunities.

What is an ideathon?

Ideathons are competitive events in which students work together in teams over a short timeframe to come up with solutions to a set challenge. Our ideathons are a space to develop innovative solutions for clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The specific challenge, relating to clean growth, will be released at the beginning of the weekend where we will provide you with all the necessary information needed to participate.

Teams will consist of 3-5 students.

Click here for the opening ceremonies slideshow.

Click here for the prompt presentation.

Click here for the judging rubric. 

Learn more about our previous ideathons here: September 2023 | March 2024

Who can participate?

This is a multi-disciplinary event and we welcome any student from Memorial University to participate. If you are interested in clean growth, we encourage you to join us! Please note that this event takes place at St. John’s campus, and transportation and accommodations will NOT be provided.

When and where?

The ideathon will take place at the Core Science Facility at Memorial University’s St. John’s Campus over a 48-hour period from September 20-22, 2024. Locations and times are available in the schedule below.

We encourage students to stay on campus while working to take part in workshops and activities and to benefit from mentors.

Why should you participate?

  • We will be awarding cash prizes to the top three teams: $3,000 for 1st Place, $2,000 for 2nd Place, and $1,000 for 3rd Place! PLUS more non-tangible prizes.
  • Network with people in the industry as well as your peers
  • Workshop opportunities
  • Learn about the clean growth industry
  • Team building
  • You will be provided with free meals, snacks, and swag
  • Group activities
  • Have some fun!

How to register?

Registration is individual, but you will be required to work on teams of 3-5 studentsSubmission of teams will take place on the evening of Friday September 20. If you have already established a team, you will be required to submit your teams then. If you haven’t already established a team, there will be opportunity throughout the evening to network to form teams. We will assist in matching individuals to teams as needed.

Registration has now closedClick here to view the registration page.

What is the schedule?

Our ideathon is a weekend-long event, beginning on Friday, September 20 at 5pm and ending on Sunday, September 22 at 5pm.

(Schedule is subject to potential changes)

 

View the mentor’s schedule here.

Click here for a highlight of our judges.

Our Partners

1st PLACE PRIZE

OPENING CEREMONIES

MEAL SPONSOR

MEAL SPONSOR

Have questions?

Reach out to Alex Rumbolt at alex@econext.ca or Chelsea Linfield at chelsea@econext.ca

Stay tuned for more information! We will be updating this page in the coming weeks as the ideathon approaches.

 

The econext Ideathon was made possible through partnership with the Business + Higher Education Roundtable, and with support from the Government of Canada.

Various Positions

econext celebrates announcement of Green Energy Hub in Newfoundland and Labrador

For Immediate Release
July 23, 2024

Today North Atlantic announced a new Green Energy Hub to stimulate growth and advance export-oriented projects in the province’s green energy and low-carbon sector.

“Newfoundland and Labrador is on the frontier of a new global hydrogen industry,” said econext’s CEO Kieran Hanley, “and North Atlantic’s commitment to developing a green energy hub gets us one step closer to realizing the great potential that is in front of our province.”

The Green Energy Hub will aim to:

  • Develop, advance, and execute green hydrogen projects and export the products they produce.
  • Foster research and training opportunities that will be available for the participants in the green hydrogen industry.
  • Act as a focal point for energy export.
  • Serve as a catalyst for domestic hydrogen distribution and use

“In addition to the commercial/industrial plans which have been laid out, we are excited to see a deliberate focus on research and training,” said Hanley. “Being on the front end of this new global hydrogen industry, investments in workforce and innovation will help ensure Newfoundland and Labrador benefits from a lasting clean energy legacy.”

Last year econext published a discussion paper exploring opportunities to maximize the economic development potential for the province associated with its growing clean energy industry.

“One of the key opportunities we identified was for Newfoundland and Labrador to strive to become a global leader in research, development, training, and innovation,” said Hanley. “We congratulate North Atlantic in helping the province advance its position in this regard in a very tangible way.”

econext is a not-for-profit association with a mission to accelerate clean growth in NL. econext has been working for over 30 years on behalf of its members across many sectors to support environmentally sustainable economic development. econext is a driver for clean growth innovation in the province, a coordinator of green workforce development, and a catalyst for net zero by 2050 planning within NL’s communities and industries. More information can be found at https://econext.ca.

Media Contact
Kieran Hanley
kieran@econext.ca

Clean Careers: Power-up Your Personal Brand

This event is now full.  Please contact jenny@econext.ca to be added to the waitlist.

Are you a job-seeker who is ready to take your personal brand to the next level?

You’re invited to econext’s Clean Careers: Power-up Your Personal Brand event! Join us on Thu Aug 15 2024 at 9:00 AM at 235 Water St. (Second Floor) for a morning filled with valuable insights on creating and enhancing a personal brand. This session will include many interactive exercises that will help you learn how to stand out in a competitive job market.

WHEN: Thursday August 15, 2024 @ 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM NDT
WHERE: econext Office – 235 Water Street, Suite 200 (No Picnik Space on 2nd Floor)
COST: Free!

Developing a New Climate Change Action Plan: Recommendations for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

econext has released a series of recommendations for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to consider in the development of its new Climate Change Action Plan.

Embracing proactivity in the pursuit of net zero can ensure that decarbonization is not something that ‘happens to’ NL, but rather it is something NL is helping to design, lead, and benefit from.

There are many different activities that NL could take to fight climate change. econext has attempted to focus on a small number of direct actions that can be taken that will have the greatest positive impact. econext considered environmental and economic impacts, aspiring to arrive at recommendations that were likely to achieve significant results for both.

In developing these recommendations, econext engaged its membership, leveraged the different areas of expertise of its 13 full-time staff, and was guided by its Board of Directors.

econext arrived at 19 recommendations spread across 7 distinct themes:

  • Ensure long-term access to clean electricity;
  • Maximize domestic clean fuels opportunities;
  • Assist heavy industry in its decarbonization;
  • Support businesses to contribute to net zero;
  • Include buildings as part of the solution;
  • Establish strategic regional partnerships; and
  • Define the negative emissions opportunity.

Download Recommendations

Circular Economy in NL Agriculture – Sheep Farming

econext, in collaboration with the Sheep Producers of Newfoundland and Labrador (SPANL), facilitated a workshop February 9, 2024, in Clarenville. In addition to the SPANL board and econext staff members, representatives from Heritage NL, NL Craft Council, NL Federation of Co-Operatives, Go Western Tourism, and the Department of Fisheries Forestry and Agriculture attended. The workshops focused on the barriers to utilizing wool in the province, which otherwise was being landfilled or burnt, and explored opportunities. Three opportunities have arisen from this workshop which continue to be pursued:

  • First, a producer has identified an existing technology which will allow it to produce fertilizer pellets with their discarded wool, and is actively seeking to finance this initiative.
  • Second, sheep farmers have been connected with an entrepreneur looking to establish a micromill which has the potential to use the wasted wool resource.
  • Third, a social media group has been established and events are being held with the intent to connect sheep farmers with the craft community to use the wasted wool resource.

econext feels that the lessons learned from this pilot initiative have the potential to be applied in other aspects of agriculture in NL.

Trade Mission: WindEnergy Hamburg – September 24-27, 2024

econext is leading a delegation to WindEnergy Hamburg, taking place September 24 to 27 at the Hamburg Messe in Germany. The trade mission is in partnership with Marine Renewables Canada.

WindEnergy Hamburg is a premier global trade fair dedicated to the wind energy sector. The biennial event attracts a substantial number of participants, with over 1,400 exhibitors showcasing the latest advancements and innovations in the wind energy industry. It draws a diverse and international audience, with more than 35,000 attendees from around 100 countries. Spanning across a vast exhibition space of approximately 65,000 square meters, WindEnergy Hamburg serves as a critical platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and business development in the renewable energy sector.

There are two options for participation.

Option 1
Available only to companies based in NL
$850 + HST

  • Lead generation and matchmaking support pre-mission
  • One Conference pass per company (€194 value)
  • In-market networking event
  • Site tour
  • Mission preparation support
  • On the ground support from econext and MRC
  • Travel funding support pending eligibility

Option 2
$425 + HST

  • One Conference pass per company (€194 value)
  • In-market networking event
  • Site tour
  • Mission preparation support
  • On the ground support from econext and MRC
  • Travel funding support pending eligibility

A limited number of spaces are available for each option. To apply, please email Abbie Hodder at abbie@econext.ca.