Category: News Release

For Immediate Release
March 24, 2016

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) says that the 2016 Federal Budget delivered on Tuesday offers the province a number of significant economic opportunities.

“The federal government is making considerable investments in green technologies and climate change mitigation,” says Ted Lomond, Executive Director of NEIA. “These investments range from municipal wastewater systems, to reducing emissions in the oil and gas industry, to the development of clean technologies – all of which can be addressed by local firms and educational institutions.”

Lomond says the federal government’s new focus on the environment provides the province with an enormous opportunity to diversify its economy. “Clean technologies can enhance productivity, increase efficiency and reduce waste in many important Newfoundland and Labrador industries. We are witnessing the federal government and its agencies emerge as major partners in the local development and commercialization of products and services that have global potential.”

Click here to view NEIA’s summary of federal budget provisions that provide opportunity for green economic growth in Newfoundland and Labrador.

“This budget also highlights national needs in areas of particular strength for Newfoundland and Labrador businesses,” Lomond notes. “Whether it is the provision of clean, safe drinking water, the effective treatment of wastewater, or the delivery of environmental services in remote areas, firms in this province are providing solutions that can be employed across Canada with the funding programs being made available. Supporting local businesses in pursuing these opportunities will directly benefit this province and position these firms to be leaders in their field.”

Lomond says funding is being made available to provinces, municipalities, firms, and community groups for a wide range of projects on variety of scales. “The collective challenge we face is being sufficiently responsive and creative to make the most of these prospects.” Newfoundland and Labrador has sometimes not been effective in obtaining its per-capita share of federal funding programs.” Lomond says a sense of urgency is required in this context as many of the federal investments are going to be made in the short-term.

“In order to capitalize on these opportunities, firms must be alert to the potential, municipalities must be proactive, and the provincial government must be agile in its response and swift in the alignment of policy framework and supports.”

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that supports the growth and development of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. NEIA has over 200 members.

Media Contact
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org
709.237.8190

For Immediate Release
March 22, 2016

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) held its Annual General Meeting Wednesday, March 22nd which featured the election of its Board of Directors and the appointment of Dan Brake, Chief Executive Officer with EMSAT Corporation, as the organization’s Chairperson.

NEIA’s Board of Directors guide the strategic activities of NEIA, which are focused on the growth of the environmental sector through business expansion, professional development, innovation and productivity, export and international business, and policy and advocacy.

Members of the 2016-2017 Board of Directors include:

• Dan Brake (Chair) – EMSAT Corporation
• Adam Anderson – Resource Innovations Inc.
• Don Drew – Newco Metal and Auto Recycling Ltd.
• Al Ducey – BMSna
• Lyndsay Haynes – NSB Energy
• Andrew Peach – Golder Associates
• Brian Taite – Advisian
• Alex Templeton – McInnes Cooper
• Abdul Zubair – Newfoundland Soiltec Inc.

More information on NEIA’s Board of Directors can be found at: https://neia.org/board/.

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the growth and development of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. It is the province’s premier resource for the environmental business sector, offering a diverse range of expert knowledge and support services for firms and organizations working to grow economic opportunity while respecting our natural environment. NEIA is the business of the environment, and has over 200 members.

Media Contact
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org
709.237.8190

For Immediate Release
March 4, 2016

VANCOUVER, BC – Three environmental sector firms from Newfoundland and Labrador are showcasing their products and services at the GLOBE 2016 international green economy conference in Vancouver, BC from March 2-4.

EnviroBlu Solutions, Oil Filtration Solutions Ltd., and SubC Imaging are among six Atlantic Canadian businesses taking part in a trade mission led by the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA).

“The GLOBE conference is one of the largest green economy exhibitions of its kind in the world,” says Ted Lomond, Executive Director of NEIA. “It is an opportunity for our firms to find customers, but it is also an opportunity to find partners, learn about market trends, and benchmark against competitors.”

The GLOBE Series conference takes place every two years and hosts participants from more than 3,000 organizations and over 50 countries. The event brings industry and thought leaders together to discuss current trends and to showcase innovative technology solutions for the world’s most challenging environmental problems. Lomond notes that the importance of the 2016 conference was highlighted by the participation of the Prime Minister, federal ministers, and a meeting of the Premiers.

“Every two years, over 10,000 participants from all over the world gather in Vancouver, generating over $400 million in new environmental business,” says Lomond. “This represents a significant opportunity for Newfoundland and Labrador firms.”

The mission is being supported by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the Department of Business, Trade, Culture, and Rural Development. As part of the mission, participating firms have a dedicated company-branded space housed in a 400-square foot Atlantic Canadian pavilion. Along with the exhibition space, each firm is benefitting from the services of a professional matchmaking consultant who has tailored a targeted firm-specific strategy of meetings and events.

“The growth of Newfoundland and Labrador’s environmental sector is an important contributor to the diversification of our province’s economy,” says Lomond. “The products and services developed here that address the environmental challenges faced by our industries and posed by our geography can be exported on a global scale.”

Lomond says the partnership between ACOA, the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, and industry in pursuing sector development is essential. “Providing firms with the support they require to grow is critical to diversifying the Newfoundland and Labrador economy. Participation in world-class events such as Globe is important.”

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the growth and development of the environmental industry and the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. NEIA has over 200 members.

BACKGROUNDER

EnviroBlu Solutions
EnviroBlu Solutions produces a Multi Purpose Cleaner Degreaser. It is a water based, biodegradable, phosphate free, non toxic, non corrosive, non caustic and non flammable industrial cleaner degreaser. There are a number of products on the market which claim to be “green”or eco friendly but EnviroBlu Multipurpose Industrial Cleaner Degreaser remains unmatched in the industry in MSDS strength, safe properties, functionality and government stock approval. This product is so stable that no extreme safety measures need to be taken. EnviroBlu delivers a healthy and quality pre-emptive solution to your maintenance needs. At diluted strengths, EnviroBlu is also appropriate for many household cleaning activities.
http://www.enviroblusolutions.com

Oil Filtration Solutions Inc.
Oil Filtration Solutions Ltd. is a Canadian incorporated company, with operations based in Conception Bay South, in the province of Newfoundland & Labrador, just minutes from the provincial capital of St. John’s. Oil Filtration Solutions Ltd. (OFS) is the Master Distributor of Generation 2 Filtration™ 1 micron oil ‘by-pass’ systems for Atlantic Canada, Iceland, Greenland & Scandinavia. By filtering oil down to 1 micron, with the added ability of removing water at 99.97% from oil, our line of by-pass filters significantly reduces mechanical wear, while prolonging the life of oil with operational safety. With the installation of our filter systems, customers are able to prolong their diesel engine oil up to a factor of 5.
http://www.oilfiltrationsolutions.com

SubC Imaging
Over the past few years, SubC Imaging has been successful in its mission to establish itself as a leading provider of revolutionary and reliable underwater imaging solutions. Located in Clarenville, NL, the company has effectively attracted a diverse range of clients from around the world and has been growing its reputation for delivering the high-quality, cutting-edge technology that customers require. The current product portfolio includes an extensive line of camera options with a variety of features to satisfy client requirements, as well as support equipment such as LED lights, reference lasers, and batteries. Also available are topside recording solutions that allow clients to add graphic overlays, time/date stamps, serial, and text to their videos.
http://www.subcimaging.com

Media Contact
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org
709.693.6834

January 26, 2016

On March 22, 2016 the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) will hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Holiday Inn in St. John’s, NL. At this meeting, the members of the NEIA Board of Directors will be elected and appointed.

NEIA’s Board of Directors provide direction and support to NEIA’s staff in their work to represent the interests of the members and to strengthen and grow the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Interested individuals can contact NEIA’s Executive Director at ted@neia.org. At request, you can be provided with a document outlining the duties and expectations of NEIA’s Directors.

NEIA Directors must represent a voting member of NEIA membership.

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