Category: News Release

For Immediate Release
January 25, 2016

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) congratulates the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency, Forestry Services Branch, in achieving ISO 14001:2004 certification for its Environmental Management System.

ISO 14001:2004 certification is an environmental management standard used in all industry sectors to demonstrate commitment to environmental protection and to assure public confidence in management activities.

“ISO 14001:2004 certification will help open new doors for our forestry industry, while also contributing to efficient management and building sector capacity,” said Ted Lomond, Executive Director of NEIA. “This is an excellent illustration of economic development and environmental responsibility objectives progressing concurrently. Business and environment are not mutually exclusive of one another, and the Forestry Services Branch’s initiative provides a great example for other firms and industries in the province to follow.”

Lomond says adding value to the province’s forestry sector is important, as it is an industry that can contribute greatly to economic diversification. “There are many opportunities for innovation and economic growth in our forestry sector. Forest resources are used for everything from extracants to animal bedding, and support business activity in home construction, boat building, heating products, landscaping, and in many other areas.” Lomond says forest resources can be harvested sustainably to provide opportunities for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians long after other resources have depleted.

The benefits of conforming to the ISO 14001:2004 standard can range from cost savings in waste management, to reduced insurance costs, to the management of risk, to a competitive marketing advantage. “NEIA has a number of members who can actively engage with businesses and organizations to help them achieve SO 14001:2004 certification,” said Lomond. “I encourage any firm or individual who would like to learn more to contact us.”

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the growth and development 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
709.237.8190

For Immediate Release
December 17, 2015

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is commending the Town of Paradise in its announcement last night of a pilot commuter service program for its residents starting in June 2016. The town announced the $120,000 partnership with Metrobus as part of its 2016 budget.

“This is an important investment for the region,” says Ted Lomond, Executive Director of NEIA. “A more comprehensive and robust public transportation system is important for the future growth potential of the Northeast Avalon.”

Lomond says that an efficient regional public transportation system has many significant economic development benefits. “Public transportation is a factor in the innovative potential of an economy; it links our assets, resources, and people increasing knowledge transfer and idea sharing.” Lomond says that linkage also promotes labour mobility by helping workers reach their places of employment in a timely and cost effective manner.

“An effective public transportation system also mitigates negative economic symptoms of aging networks,” says Lomond. “Congestion, disconnection, and urban sprawl can all be reduced; some of our cities are beginning to see the financial challenges of providing consistent public services across rapidly expanding development borders.”

“From a green economy perspective, an effective public transportation network has environmental advantages,” notes Lomond. “Emissions from road transportation accounts for a significant portion of Newfoundland and Labrador’s carbon emissions, and with much of our population living in the Northeast Avalon region, there is a real opportunity to reduce our contribution to climate change through the implementation of stronger public transportation systems.” Lomond says that planning can lead to more efficient use of the increasingly limited land available. “If people can travel through the region with reasonable ease using public transportation, less land is required to be used for roads and parking lots”

Lomond says that, ultimately, provincial leadership is required in the development of a true regional transportation network. “Despite continued public interest, municipalities in the region have been unable to move forward collectively on public transportation,” says Lomond. “A short term pilot project is an encouraging step, but habits take time to establish – and Newfoundland and Labradorians are not habitual public transportation users.”

“The federal government has made a commitment to support provinces and municipalities in public transportation, green, and climate change infrastructure investment,” says Lomond. “This is the opportune time for the province to leverage these funds and lead in the creation of a new regional public transportation system that will provide economic, environmental, and social benefits for generations to come and support the continued growth of our municipalities.”

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the growth and development 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
709.237.8190

For Immediate Release
November 25, 2015

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) has published a document outlining provincial policy recommendations in support for growing Newfoundland and Labrador’s green economy.

“Over the course of the past five months, NEIA has engaged its members, industry associations, interest groups, and environmental professionals on what they saw as obstacles to and opportunities for the growth of our province’s green economy,” says Ted Lomond, NEIA’s Executive Director. “The result is a series of policy recommendations, ranging from economy-wide interventions to firm-level supports, which we will discuss with our government partners.”

The policy document, which addresses opportunities in areas ranging from innovation, to public transportation, to carbon pricing, to environmental enforcement, can be downloaded at https://neia.org/recommendations/. Lomond notes that the priorities which emerged from consultations were organized in the document in to four distinct areas: recommendations which support (1) the growth of the provincial green economy at large; (2) environmental sector business operations; (3) firm-level growth; and (4) specific environmental / economic issues.

“This is intended to be a living document,” explains Lomond. “We welcome further commentary and input from all stakeholders on the recommendations we have made, with an eye to fostering green economy growth in Newfoundland and Labrador in the best way that we can.” To facilitate broad discussion, NEIA has created online tools at www.neia.org/policy, where comments can be made directly on each recommendation.

“Our members, who were extensively consulted in the development of this document, are hopeful that discussion around these recommendations leads to a sustained dialogue between government, industry, academia, and the public on the future of green business in Newfoundland and Labrador,” says Lomond.

Lomond indicates that NEIA and its members stand by to work with government on environmental sector priorities. “NEIA is an able and willing partner, and is prepared to aid in any way that it can in the exploration and implementation of our recommendations.”

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the growth and development of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. NEIA has over 190 members. More information can be found at https://neia.org.

Media Contact
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org

For Immediate Release
November 16, 2015

ST. JOHN’S, NL – From November 16 -25, the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA), is leading a network of firms from Newfoundland and Labrador to the Caribbean on a return mission to drive business opportunities and build international partnerships.

The mission is being lead with strong support from the Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development (BTCRD) and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA),

“This is the third visit by environmental sector firms from this province to the Caribbean region this year,” explains Ted Lomond, NEIA’s Executive Director. “We are continuing work to grow our international business relationships in this region because of the successes we have seen in our previous engagements.” Lomond explains that through the project, 20 Newfoundland and Labrador firms have already developed market-entry strategies for the Caribbean and interest continues to grow. “Taking the time and effort to complete a strategy is a clear commitment to the market. Many of these firms have also made multiple visits to the market to secure business.”

The 10 day mission will include a series of carefully selected business meetings in Jamaica, Barbados, and Trinidad & Tobago. “This is a region that is feeling the impacts of climate change, and that is very concerned about environmental protection,” says Lomond. “The energy sector in the region is developing quickly, and decision-makers want to ensure it is developing in an environmentally responsible fashion.”

Facilitating the international growth of local firms is important, says Lomond. “Newfoundland and Labrador is a small market for many of the environmental products and services that are developed by local business,” he explains. “It is important for the growth of these firms – and the diversification of our provincial economy – that they explore international markets.”

Lomond says that the Caribbean is a natural partner in economic development. “The products and services developed in Newfoundland and Labrador can work well in other island environments.” Lomond notes the region faces similar challenges such as the impacts of climate change, coastal zone erosion, distance from markets, and economies that are resource dependent. “Our province has a long history of trade with the Caribbean, and we are working to continue and deepen that tradition.”

The third mission to the Caribbean follows almost two years of work by NEIA in the region. “Our continued success in the region stems from significant planning, strategy development, and collective effort.” says Lomond. Since 2014, NEIA has arranged incoming delegations, training for participating firms, firm-level market entry strategies, and the prequalification of market contacts. “This project has resulted in new business and partnerships for Newfoundland and Labrador firms. We aim to continue that momentum.”

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the growth and development of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. NEIA has over 190 members. More information can be found at https://neia.org.

Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org
709.237.8190

For Immediate Release
September 30, 2015

ST. JOHN’S, NL – Newfoundland and Labrador’s green economy conference – Newleef 2015 – features an exclusive session focused on tackling climate change within the province.

“85 percent of Canadians are now living in a province where carbon is being priced,” says Ted Lomond, Executive Director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA), the organizer of Newleef. Lomond is referring to pricing strategies being implemented in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec. “It is time that Newfoundland and Labrador has an open discussion on when we will do our part for the environment, how we will address our rising greenhouse gas emissions, and how we will help capitalize on the business opportunities this creates.”

To encourage that discussion at Newleef is Chris Ragan, Chair of Canada’s Ecofiscal Commission and the event’s keynote speaker. The commission was formed in 2014 by a group of experienced, policy-minded economists from across the country who have helped design, implement, and analyze policies for governments across Canada. “Chris leads a group of experts who take a practical and economic-centric approach to policy development,” says Lomond, noting the approach may be appealing to Newfoundland and Labrador’s decision makers.

The Hon. Dan Crummell, Minister Responsible for the Office of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, will also speak during the session, adding a local context to the issues and options which arise. “We are encouraged that the government is participating in the conversation,” says Lomond.

The climate change session at Newleef will also feature an expert assessment on the needs and challenges Newfoundland and Labrador faces in adapting to its shifting climate, and a presentation on how the electric vehicle may be particularly well suited to contribute to lowering provincial emissions in the province.

“There are a number of geographical and economic factors which are unique to our province – and our climate change strategies must reflect that,” says Lomond. Lomond notes, however, that a significant delay in policy introduction could cause competitive issues for local firms. “With the vast majority of Canada’s business now operating in an economy where carbon emissions are being priced, it is important that the government of Newfoundland and Labrador provide a framework which, while discouraging pollution, encourages the economic activities we dowant from our businesses – e.g. job creation, innovation, and growth.”

“Our firms have the capacity to become global leaders in emissions reduction technologies, but they need the appropriate incentives to support their work.”

Newleef takes place October 8th and 9th in St. John’s, NL. More information on the Newleef conference can be found at www.newleef.ca. NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the growth and development of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. NEIA has over 190 members. More information on NEIA can be found at www.neia.org.

Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org
709.237.8190

For Immediate Release
September 15, 2015

Province must improve on its poor innovation performance

ST. JOHN’S, NL – On October 9th the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is holding its Innovation Session, an event which highlights exciting new research in the province and connects local businesses with university and college staff who can help them overcome their product and service challenges.

“Innovation is a key consideration when we talk about diversifying Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy,” says Ted Lomond, Executive Director of NEIA. “Innovation in product, process, service, or business model contributes to the long-term international competitiveness of our firms, but it is not something that happens naturally. Our Innovation Session helps create the networks, relationships, and cultures that are necessary in order to give our firms the chance to innovate.”

Innovation does not happen in isolation. The private sector in Newfoundland and Labrador needs support obtaining, understanding, recombining, and transforming new knowledge. Successful regions offer this support. The Conference Board of Canada recently gave the province a ‘D’ grade in innovation performance, ranking it 22nd among 26 ranked jurisdictions. The report noted the province performed poorly on business enterprise research and development, researchers engaged in R&D (including researchers employed in business, higher education and government), and patents filed.

“Innovation is not only an important factor in improving productivity, economic growth, and job creation. It is also essential from an environmental perspective,” explains Lomond. “Living in communities that are often isolated, remote, and natural resource dependent can pose environmental challenges. New and creative ideas are required in this province to develop the unique solutions we need to avoid or mitigate the environmental effects of our business activities.”

NEIA’s Innovation Session is an opportunity for firms to discover local research expertise with an eye to solving existing challenges or generate new business ideas and initiatives. The event draws environmental sector researchers across a range of disciplines including engineering, marine systems, geography, biology, business, chemistry, geo sciences, environmental studies, environmental policy, food sciences, technology programs, etc.

Lomond says there are significant benefits for firms who choose to engage university and college staff. “Academic researchers can access funding from a variety of sources, helping your firm by applying their expertise to your challenges or opportunities.” Research and innovation support agencies are present at the event to offer suggestions on funding possibilities for given projects.

“This will be the fourth Innovation Session we have organized,” says Lomond. “In each of the previous years, our event has resulted in collaborations between industry and academia – collaborations that have been supported by funding agencies.”

The Innovation Session takes place as part of NEIA’s Newleef conference – Newfoundland and Labrador’s green economy conference. More details can be found at www.newleef.ca.

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the growth and development of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. NEIA has over 190 members. More information on NEIA can be found at kieran@neia.org
709.237.8190

For Immediate Release
August 27, 2015

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is encouraged by the provincial government’s announcement of a new net metering policy framework.

Net metering will allow customers to use small-scale renewable energy sources to feed power into the distribution system during periods when they generate excess power – and draw power from the grid when their generation does not fully meet their needs.

“This is an important energy policy for a number of reasons,” said Ted Lomond, Executive Director of NEIA. “Net metering allows businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador to provide their green energy solutions locally; removes barriers to competitiveness for companies in comparison to those in other jurisdictions; and supports local firms in testing and marketing their products and services internationally where small scale green energy compatibility is expected of them.”

“We are particularly pleased that the framework includes municipalities as potential customers of the program,” said Lomond. “There is going to be an enormous opportunity for municipalities to decrease the operating costs of their recreation complexes, community centres, maintenance facilities, etc.”

Lomond says, however, that NEIA members are wary that the program is still a long way from reality. “The government first committed to net metering in 2007,” he said. “Businesses have been waiting a long time for this announcement. Unfortunately the announced framework on July 28, 2015 does not mandate timelines for Newfoundland Power or NL Hydro to develop and implement their programs.” The framework also does not mandate a timeline for the Public Utilities Board (PUB) to review and approve the respective programs.

“This is a policy that has already been implemented in almost every other jurisdiction in North America, so there is considerable precedent for all parties to draw upon in making decisions,” said Lomond.

Lomond notes that NEIA is cautiously optimistic the process will be finalized in a short timeframe. “We encourage the government, Newfoundland Power, NL Hydro, and the PUB to keep industry and the public informed on the road to implementation.” Lomond says that until that time, NEIA will continue to advocate for its introduction.

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the growth and development of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. NEIA has over 190 members. More information on NEIA can be found at www.neia.org.

Media Contact
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org

For Immediate Release
July 10, 2015

ST. JOHN’S, NL – Newfoundland and Labrador’s green economy conference – Newleef 2015 – has expanded with the addition of a significant component dedicated to opportunities and growth in the province’s forestry sector.

Organized by the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA), Newleef 2015 takes place on October 8-9, 2015 bringing industry, academia, government, and the community together to discuss the growth and diversification of the province’s economy through the protection of, mitigation of effects to, or enhancement of the natural environment.

“The forestry sector does not get the public attention it deserves. There are many opportunities for innovation and economic growth,” says Ted Lomond, Executive Director of NEIA. “Forestry resources are used for everything from extractants to animal bedding. They can be harvested sustainably to provide opportunities for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians long after other resources have depleted.”

Lomond says that forest resources support business activity in home construction, boat building, heating products, landscaping, and in many other areas. “We are also seeing local firms begin to export forestry management technologies to other regions to create more opportunities at home.”

The province’s forestry sector offers environmental benefits as well as economic. “Newfoundland and Labrador wood products are derived from sustainably managed forests without the scale of environmental impact we associate with many of the alternatives.”

Lomond says that Newleef 2015 will feature discussions with leading experts on a wide range of opportunities and topics important to local industry. “We want participants to leave with a clear sense of how best to advance the sector,” says Lomond.

Speakers at Newleef 2015 include Marianne Berube, the Executive Director of Ontario Wood WORKS!, an organization dedicating to increasing the use of wood in commercial, industrial and institutional construction. Other speakers include William Strauss – globally recognized as a leading expert in valuing both proposed and existing wood pellet projects; Paul Stuart – NSERC’s Design Engineering Chair in ‘Process Integration in the Pulp and Paper Industry’; and Newfoundland’s own Rob Menchenton – a prominent architect and Vice-President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Architects. More information on these speakers and their presentations can be found on the Newleef 2015 website at www.newleef.ca.

Newleef explores business opportunities; presents the latest local research; aims to foster sector innovation; navigates environmental issues with a focus on solutions; highlights the products, services, and activities of organizations operating in the province; and builds sector capacity through the delivery of professional development seminars. The forestry sector component of Newleef 2015 is just one of a series of green economy topics to be explored at the conference.

“Newleef continues to grow in size and scope,” says Lomond. “This is an indication of the growing interest by the business community, researchers, government officials, and municipal leaders in this province in the relationship between economy and environment.”

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the growth and development of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. NEIA has over 190 members. More information on NEIA can be found at www.neia.org.

Media Contact
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org
709.237.8190

For Immediate Release
July 9, 2015

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is commending the provincial government for signing a Climate Action Statement at the Climate Change Summit of the Americas.

“We are pleased with the provincial government for working with the international community to collectively address climate change,” says Ted Lomond, Executive Director NEIA. “Building climate change action partnerships and sharing expertise abroad is beneficial for the growth of our local green economy.”

The action statement, which was also signed by 22 sub-national governments and cities, includes a commitment to greenhouse gas reduction targets at a jurisdictional level and to join or endorse specific global initiatives to promote sub-national efforts to reduce GHG emissions.

“The government is recognizing that our environment and economy are inextricably linked,” says Lomond. “We face unique environmental challenges in our province, but with those challenges comes an opportunity to develop innovative solutions and market those solutions internationally.”

Lomond says that Newfoundland and Labrador is well positioned to be an international leader in climate change mitigation. “We are world-renowned for our arctic and ocean technology development. We face challenges in terms of our island geography and relative isolation,” says Lomond. “The solutions we develop to address climate change here are of value to similar jurisdictions across the world.”

Climate change will be a focus of NEIA’s Newleef 2015 conference this Fall. Newleef, taking place this year on October 8-9, is Newfoundland and Labrador’s green economy conference which brings industry, academia, government, and the community together to discuss the growth and diversification of the province’s economy through the protection of, mitigation of effects to, or enhancement of the natural environment.

“Newleef continues to grow in size and scope,” says Lomond. “This is an indication of the growing interest by the business community, researchers, government officials, and municipal leaders in this province in the relationship between economy and environment.” More information on Newleef can be found on its website at www.newleef.ca.

“The provincial government’s commitment to climate change action at the Climate Change Summit of the Americas contributes to the growing momentum in the environmental sector of Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy.”

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the growth and development of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. NEIA has over 190 members. More information on NEIA can be found at www.neia.org.

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Media Contact
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org
709.237.8190

For Immediate Release
June 24, 2015

Call for Presentation Abstracts Issued

ST. JOHN’S, NL – Planning is well underway for Newfoundland and Labrador’s green economy conference. Newleef 2015 takes place on October 8-9, 2015.

Organized by the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) and now in its fourth year, Newleef brings industry, academia, government, and the community together to discuss the growth and diversification of the province’s economy through the protection of, mitigation of effects to, or enhancement of the natural environment.

“Newleef continues to grow in size and scope,” says Ted Lomond, Executive Director of NEIA. “This is an indication of the growing interest by the business community, researchers, government officials, and municipal leaders in this province in the relationship between economy and environment.”

Newleef explores business opportunities; presents the latest local research; aims to foster sector innovation; navigates environmental issues with a focus on solutions; highlights the products, services, and activities of organizations operating in the province; and builds sector capacity through the delivery of professional development seminars.

While portions of the Newleef 2015 agenda are organized by NEIA and its partners, there is an opportunity for local businesses, firms, and researchers to contribute to the conference – NEIA has issued a call for abstracts. Interested parties can view the thematic areas of interest and submission guidelines on the Newleef website at www.newleef.ca. The deadline for submissions is August 12, 2015.

“NEIA’s members are active in all areas of Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy, from green building, to waste management, to forestry, to oil and gas,” says Lomond. “‎What binds them is their belief that economic development and environmental health are not mutually exclusive values.”

Lomond says that Newleef is the best opportunity in the province for likeminded individuals and organizations to meet and discuss issues of common interest. “Newleef is an opportunity for our province’s environmental industry stakeholders to learn from one another and collaborate to grow the environmental sector of the economy,” says Lomond.

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the growth and development of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. NEIA has over 190 members. More information on NEIA can be found at www.neia.org.

Media Contact
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org
709.237.8190