Category: News Release

For Immediate Release
December 20, 2018

The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) has released a report it commissioned in 2018 that examines opportunities for firms in the province in to pursue business in Caribbean markets through climate change and environmental programming offered by International Financial Institutions (IFIs).

“Export markets in the Caribbean continue to be of importance for businesses in this province,” says NEIA’s Executive Director, Kieran Hanley. “The region faces enormous climate change challenges; this – in combination with recent natural disasters and financial commitments from the Government of Canada – provide opportunities through IFIs for firms with environmental products or services.”

Hanley says the report identifies IFIs operating in markets of interest to Newfoundland and Labrador firms, and outlines their priorities and programming relating to climate change, environment, and sustainability. “The study is structured to focus on the opportunities that are most relevant to the strengths of firms here in this province,” says Hanley.

The report also provides current jurisdictional snapshots for thirteen markets of interest in the Caribbean, including: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Firms interested in receiving a copy of the study can contact NEIA’s Manager of International Business Development, Abbie Lacey, at abbie@neia.org.

Since 2014, NEIA has had an active program of activities – including six in-market engagements – supporting firms from the province to pursue opportunities in the Caribbean. “The environmental challenges being faced by these small and primarily island nations – from coastal erosion to wastewater management to their distance from major markets – are very similar to the challenges we are facing here at home,” says Hanley. “The products and services developed in Newfoundland and Labrador are relevant, at the right scale, and can in many cases be adapted for use in the Caribbean.”

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the development of clean technology and the growth of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. NEIA has over 200 members. More information can be found at https://neia.org.

Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org

For Immediate Release
November 16, 2018

The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is commending its member, Mysa Smart Thermostats, for leading by example in its purchase of ‘home grown’ carbon credits to offset the impact of its operations.

Earlier this month Mysa purchased carbon credits to offset the environmental impact of its operations. “This is a very meaningful display of corporate social responsibility,” said Kieran Hanley, NEIA’s Executive Director. “It is inspiring to see such a young company take this kind of action; it is a powerful reminder of the importance of that relationship between business and environment, and we hope that other firms see fit to follow Mysa’s example.”

Mysa calculated its annual emissions to be about 96 tonnes – valued at $2,400. This included all office electricity and energy use, as well as both local and international transportation for the whole year.

“What is particularly special about this occasion is that the carbon credits Mysa purchased were the first ever to be generated, verified, and sold in Newfoundland and Labrador,” noted Hanley. Earlier this year Sharp Management Inc., through the design and implementation of engineered wetlands to treat sewage wastewater in the towns of Stephenville and Appleton/Glenwood, acquired certification of 55,071 carbon credits from offsetting emissions of 50,000 tonnes of CO2, on these projects.

Related:

• Mysa Becomes First Carbon Neutral Company From Newfoundland & Labrador
• NEIA celebrates the first carbon credits to be generated, verified, and sold in Newfoundland and Labrador

“This is an instance where two companies with entirely different product offerings – through their shared values around environmentally sustainable economic development – collaborated to make a difference,” said Hanley. Revenues generated from the sale of credits will be split 50/50 with Stephenville, Appleton, and Glenwood who made the investment in the sustainable technology. “Great things can happen when companies engage in partnership, and today is a proud day for NEIA seeing two of its members do just that.”

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the development of clean technology and the growth of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. NEIA has over 200 members. More information can be found at https://neia.org.

Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org

For Immediate Release
October 24, 2018

The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is pleased to be partnering with the Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment in a review of the province’s environmental assessment processes.

“The environmental assessment framework represents and important intersection between government and industry,” says Kieran Hanley, NEIA’s Executive Director. “There are opportunities to refine the legislation and regulations to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the process – while maintaining or improving environmental outcomes.”

On March 27, 2017 the provincial government committed in its Way Forward strategy to reviewing its environmental assessment and permitting processes. “It is critical in the reform of these processes to consider the perspective of industry – and we commend the Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment for recognizing this and including NEIA as an advisor to that consultation,” says Hanley.

“Industry is ready to engage,” says Hanley. Through 2017/18 NEIA consulted with its members and industry partners on priorities in the reform of EA and permitting processes. “We are excited to have the opportunity today to present our government partners with a comprehensive series of recommendations for its consideration,” announced Hanley. The document, which focuses on creating greater certainty in processes through increased clarity and consistency, is a “starting point for discussions” says Hanley.

Download Report

“We look forward to working with officials within Municipal Affairs and Environment and our industry partners over the months ahead to zero in on modernized environmental assessment legislation and regulations that ensure the proper balance between economic growth and environmental protection.”

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the development of clean technology and the growth of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. NEIA has over 200 members. More information can be found at https://neia.org.

Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org

For Immediate Release
October 23, 2018

The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) supports the implementation of a carbon pricing program in the province.

“Indisputably, climate change is impacting Newfoundland and Labrador. As contributors to the problem, we have to accept responsibility and take action,” says Kieran Hanley, NEIA’s Executive Director.

“Carbon pricing is the most effective mechanism at our disposal to decrease greenhouse gas emissions,” says Hanley. “Evidence from jurisdictions around the world – including from some Canadian provinces – demonstrates that this is the most cost-effective approach to achieve positive environmental outcomes while allowing for robust economic growth.”

Hanley says the economy could face new challenges in a business environment where greenhouse gas emissions are priced, but that government can help decrease that burden. “Revenues generated from carbon pricing can be used to mitigate economic impact for businesses and individuals, whether that be through reductions in other forms of taxation, direct rebates, assistance to more vulnerable segments of the population, or investments to help companies develop and apply clean technologies in their operations.” Hanley noted that key sessions of its recent Newleef conference were devoted to this subject, featuring internationally recognized economist Glen Hodgson. “Those industries and businesses that can find new efficiencies to avoid greenhouse gas emissions will become more productive and more competitive,” Hanley says.

RELATED:

• Provincial Government Releases Federally-Approved Made-in-Newfoundland and Labrador Approach to Carbon Pricing
• Newleef 2018 explores the development of clean technology and the growth of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador

Pricing carbon also presents new opportunities for innovators to develop products and services that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to Hanley. “Whether it’s in oil and gas, mining, retail, or any other industry in Newfoundland and Labrador, the solutions that we create here can be exported worldwide,” says Hanley, noting that the province boasts a growing cluster of clean technology companies. “The world is clearly moving towards a lower-carbon future, and there is significant global appetite for technologies that can facilitate that transition.” Hanley says NEIA hopes to see increased government support for the commercialization of clean technologies developed in Newfoundland and Labrador.

“NEIA looks forward to hearing more from the provincial government about what supports will be made available to help the private sector both adapt to the challenges and to take advantage of the associated opportunities.”

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the development of clean technology and the growth of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. NEIA has over 200 members. More information can be found at https://neia.org. More information on NEIA’s Newleef 2018 conference can be found at www.newleef.ca.

Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org

For Immediate Release
October 16, 2018

The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is celebrating the memorandum of understanding the provincial government has signed with Guyana.

“This is an important bilateral partnership for our economy and we are pleased to see the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador take this step,” says Kieran Hanley, NEIA’s Executive Director.

“The opportunity to share the experience we have developed in our offshore oil and gas industry with our partners in Guyana is a significant one,” says Hanley, “and that is very much true from the perspective of our expertise in environmental monitoring, protection, and the clean technologies we are developing here at home.”

Hanley says this was plainly evident from the trade missions NEIA has led and those that its members have participated in to Georgetown over the past two years. Despite the distance between Newfoundland and Labrador and Guyana geographically, Hanley says there is much that ties the two places together. “In the time we have spent with our Guyanese friends, it is evident there are many similarities between our people beyond the economic possibilities.”

The growing relationship between the two jurisdictions led to the signing of an MOU between NEIA and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) in November, 2017. “Our MOU with the GCCI was a precursor to what we are seeing today; and this announcement is a signal to the private sector in both Newfoundland and Labrador and Guyana that the future is bright for this international relationship.”

Hanley says that the opportunity in Guyana for Newfoundland and Labrador firms extends far beyond just oil and gas. “Alongside its offshore oil and gas growth, Guyana has made a commitment to a sustainable future through the creation of a green state development strategy; as the country grows as will its infrastructure and clean technology requirements.”

“We support Minister Coady in her signing of this MOU. This is a relationship that has potential on both sides for the long term.”

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the development of clean technology and the growth of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. NEIA has over 200 members. More information can be found at https://neia.org.

Media Contact
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org

October 12, 2018

On October 10th and 11th, the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) held its annual clean technology and green economy conference – Newleef – at the Holiday Inn in St. John’s, NL.

“Newleef provides an opportunity for the environmental industry to explore emerging business opportunities, examine challenges and barriers related to that growth, and to celebrate its achievements over the past year,” said NEIA’s Executive Director Kieran Hanley. “Newleef is the one event during the year that brings environmental entrepreneurs, professionals, researchers, decision-makers, regulators, support agencies, and other stakeholders in the province together to engage each other on these important topics.”

Related Materials:

• Newleef 2018 Program
• “Carbon Pricing More Efficient Than Regulation, Says Economist” – VOCM
• “Carbon Tax Could Help Power Next Generation Of Green Companies, Says Consultant” – VOCM

The conference opened on Wednesday with a welcome from the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister for Municipal Affairs and Environment (and the Minister Responsible for the Office of Climate Change and the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board).

The Hon. @Andrew_Parsons1 opening #Newleef2018! pic.twitter.com/iGGrk0oIlf

— econext🌱 (@econextNL) October 10, 2018

Day 1 continued with a presentation helping firms Prepare and Succeed in a Lower Carbon Economy, a panel highlighting the next generation of entrepreneurs driving green economic growth in Newfoundland and Labrador, a discussion exploring business opportunities for local firms in Caribbean markets, and information on financing options for clean technology development and adoption.

Glen Hodgson was the conference’s keynote speaker, an international economist and author with a lot to say about the effectiveness of carbon pricing as a tool to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while supporting economic growth – and gave his own opinions on how the most effective systems ‘recycle’ revenue back in to economy.

Day 1 closed with NEIA’s Industry Awards Reception featuring the participation of the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation. Congratulations to the winners – who we’ll have a lot more to say about in the very near future!

@NEIAssoc presents first ever industry awards at #Newleef2018 celebrating the businesses, researchers, and professionals building the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. @Anaconda_Mining and @StefanaEgli of Intelligent Materials were presented with awards! pic.twitter.com/jxUNzxWwok

— Chris Mitchelmore (@MitchelmoreGNP) October 10, 2018

The focus of the second day was on the application of clean technology as it related to the province’s natural resource sectors. “A report commissioned by NRCan identified natural resource sectors as Canada’s best opportunity to establish a global strength in clean technology,” said Hanley, who noted the international market for clean technologies is expected to grow to $2.5 trillion by 2022, more than doubling its size from 2011. Accordingly, the day included a panel discussion on cleantech development in Newfoundland and Labrador’s mining, energy, and aquaculture industries, as well as as an overview of the province’s major natural resource projects from the perspective of the environmental practitioner.

The day appropriately opened with the Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Siobhan Coady, who had a lot of thoughts and news to share with Newleef attendees:

support agencies, and other stakeholders throughout the province to give them the opportunity to network and learn about current trends and opportunities in the sector. 2/

— Siobhan Coady (@SiobhanCoadyNL) October 11, 2018

Our government is committed to expanding into more diverse sources of energy generation and we are a strong proponent of clean, renewable electricity. 4/

— Siobhan Coady (@SiobhanCoadyNL) October 11, 2018

To chart Newfoundland and Labrador’s renewable future, this past April we committed to developing a renewable energy plan in 2018-2019. 6/

— Siobhan Coady (@SiobhanCoadyNL) October 11, 2018

I have also instructed Natural Resources officials to develop a request for expressions of interest from industry for renewable energy solutions for the remaining off-grid systems.8/

— Siobhan Coady (@SiobhanCoadyNL) October 11, 2018

It is the expertise and experience of those attending #Newleef2018 that will help Newfoundland and Labrador build a renewable energy future. 10/10 pic.twitter.com/qAXTgbMW4X

— Siobhan Coady (@SiobhanCoadyNL) October 11, 2018

Hanley says the event was the culmination of many months work on behalf of NEIA’s staff – but relied on the support of its sector partners for its success. “Our Newleef conference would not have been possible without the contribution to the program from all of our presenters, and the support of our partners – including the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation. NEIA looks forward to continuing its work to help drive the development of clean technology and the growth of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador.”

For a full summary of presentations and speakers at Newleef 2018, view the conference website at www.newleef.ca. NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the development of clean technology and the growth of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. NEIA has over 200 members. More information can be found at https://neia.org.

Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org

For Immediate Release
July 11, 2018

The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is celebrating the province’s first grid tie-in on a commercial property in the province.

SW Energy based out of Clarenville uses a mix of solar and wind energy to generate electricity for the company, availing of Newfoundland Power’s net metering program.

“This is an important milestone for the renewable energy industry in this province,” said Kieran Hanley, NEIA’s Executive Director. “Through the use of small scale renewables – such as solar, wind, and others – businesses and homeowners can reduce their electricity costs, increase reliability, and avoid contributing to the province’s carbon emissions. We are thrilled to see Newfoundland and Labrador’s first commercial net metering beneficiary.”

Net metering is a program offered by provincial utilities that allows customers to generate their own electricity through renewable sources. The program means customers can use energy from the province’s electricity grid when necessary, while contributing energy to the grid when more power is generated than required. The objective is to allow customers the ability to achieve a net zero balance.

Related:

• Net-zero: SW Energy completes first renewable energy grid tie for commercial building – The Telegram

“It is appropriate that SW Energy is the first firm in Newfoundland and Labrador to avail of net metering,” said Hanley, noting the company is in the business of designing and installing renewable energy solutions. “NEIA commends SW Energy for taking the lead and setting the example for others in the province.”

Hanley said there is lots of capacity still available within the net metering program. “The government, Newfoundland Power, and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro should be recognized for their efforts in working together to get this program up and running reasonably quickly once committing to it. Now it’s up to businesses and homeowners to seize the opportunity.”

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the development of clean technology and the growth of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. NEIA has over 200 members. More information can be found at https://neia.org.

Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org

For Immediate Release
June 22, 2018

This week the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) hosted an Atlantic Canada Offshore Clean Technology Pavilion at the Petroleum Show and Exhibition in St. John’s, NL.

“We see an enormous opportunity for the development and application of clean technologies in our offshore industries,” said Kieran Hanley, NEIA’s Executive Director. “The region is well positioned to leverage its expertise in ocean industries to develop solutions that will contribute to the long term economic and environmental sustainability of some of our key industries.”

Hanley said that NEIA is developing a strategy to foster clean innovation in offshore industries – solutions related to addressing efficiencies, wastes, emissions, and environmental risks. “We have worked with industry leaders to identify challenges and opportunities for clean technology development,” said Hanley. “Now we are exploring how we can communicate these opportunities to those that are inclined to pursue them – entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovative businesses.”

Hanley said that the pavilion, and the eight firms it highlighted, helped to introduce the global potential for clean technology within offshore industries. “The world is unquestionably moving towards a lower carbon economy – and the solutions we develop here at home to make our industries more efficient and competitive can be exported worldwide.” To stay informed on NEIA’s work in this space, sign up for email updates at www.offshorecleantech.com.

Participants in the pavilion included eight firms from the region that have developed clean technologies: EDGEWISE Environmental; Intelligent Materials and Monitoring; TotaliQ; Kraken Robotics; Marine Industrial Lighting Systems; Ocean Sonics: Oil Filtration Solutions; and Rutter.

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the development of clean technology and the growth of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. NEIA has over 200 members. More information can be found at https://neia.org.

— 30 —
Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org

For Immediate Release
June 6, 2018

ST. JOHN’s (NL) – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) led a delegation of Atlantic Canadian firms last month to the United Kingdom to learn about clean technology opportunities – a mission that included site tours, business-to-business meetings, and participation in the international All-Energy conference.

“This mission helped Atlantic Canadian firms to explore new export markets for their products and services, in a region the has great promise for Canadian business,” said Abbie Lacey, NEIA’s Manager of International Business Development, referencing the recent Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA). Lacey noted that firms were assisted in this regard with matchmaking services provided by in-market consultants.

“This mission also provided firms with an opportunity to learn more about clean technology opportunities relating to energy,” said Lacey. “Collectively, through a number of site-tours throughout the UK and participation in the renowned All-Energy Conference in Glasgow, our delegates gained insight on the business development possibilities associated with the application of clean technology in energy sectors – experience that could only be gained by being introduced to them first-hand in-market.”

The mission was supported by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the four Atlantic provincial governments through the Atlantic Trade and Investment Growth Strategy (ATIGS).

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the development of clean technology and the growth of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. NEIA has over 200 members. More information can be found at https://neia.org.

Media Inquiries:
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org

For Immediate Release
May 23, 2018

The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) held its annual Innovation Connector last week, using the event to establish provincial clean technology priorities relating to the oil and gas, mining, aquaculture, and forestry industries.

“The information the business development community acquired through this process will help guide our activities in the clean technology space for many years,” said Kieran Hanley, NEIA’s Executive Director. “With the help of key stakeholders in these four industries, we have pulled from industry what it sees as being pain points relating to environmental and economic sustainability.”

Hanley says that this information will help NEIA provide targeted guidance to the startup, research, and innovation communities. “We are now able to work proactively with our partners to support the research, development, commercialization, application, and eventually export of clean technologies – in areas of opportunity industry itself has identified.”

NEIA sees significant opportunity for clean technology development in the province, noting that the global market for clean technologies is set to almost triple its size between 2012 and 2022 to over $2.5 trillion. “Reports recognize that Canada’s opportunity to build a competitive advantage relating to clean technology is within its natural resource sectors – and in Newfoundland and Labrador that includes our oil and gas, mining, aquaculture, and forestry industries.”

Hanley says that identifying priorities within these industries from the clean technology perspective was the first step towards building technological competitive advantages within this province. “We look forward to using this information to drive clean technology development in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Clean technology refers to products, processes, and services that improve on environmental performance in support of sustainable development and clean growth. Practically speaking, the use of clean technology can mean improving efficiency, reducing wastes, and/or mitigating the environmental risks of business activity.

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the development of clean technology and the growth of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. NEIA has over 200 members. More information can be found at www.neia.org.

Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org