Category: News Release

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

For Immediate Release
June 5, 2015

ST. JOHN’S, NL – From June 8 -12, the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA), in partnership with the Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development (BTCRD) and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), is leading a network of seven firms from Newfoundland and Labrador to the Caribbean to pursue business opportunities and build international partnerships.

“This is a follow-up mission building on the success of a previous visit to the region in February,” explains Ted Lomond, NEIA’s Executive Director. “Those positive results can be attributed to our preparation,” says Lomond. “We have worked with our firms for over a year to ensure they were ready and had a high likelihood of success.”

Lomond says this work included arranging incoming delegations, training, developing firm-level market entry strategies specific to the Caribbean markets, prequalifying market contacts, and coordinating an earlier mission of six firms to the region. “Some of our firms have already signed development contracts as a result of the initiative, and others are in negotiations.”

The June mission, which will focus on Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago, is intended to help firms build on relationships established through earlier activities. NEIA has facilitated a full schedule of carefully selected meetings for participating firms with private sector organizations, trade experts, and International Financial Institutions (IFIs) to help these firms pursue identified business opportunities.

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

Lomond says that the Caribbean is a natural partner in economic development. “We both reside in island regions and face similar challenges such as the impacts of climate change, coastal zone erosion, distance from markets, and resource dependent economies. We also have a long history of trade and share a willingness to learn from one another.”

NEIA’s Caribbean strategy has been strongly supported by BTCRD. “The provincial government has been an active partner in this strategy from the outset,” says Lomond. “We are very appreciative of the support BTCRD and its staff have been able to provide.”

“ACOA has been a critical partner in this process,” notes Lomond. “ACOA has recognized the potential economic benefits this partnership may yield for the region, and has engaged industry each step of the way.”

“This mission is the result of significant planning, strategy development, and collective effort over the course of more than a year.” says Lomond. “We look forward to further positive results.”

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
May 31, 2015

ST. JOHN’S, NL – May 31 – June 6 is Environment Week in Canada, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is looking to promote your organization’s initiatives and activities in recognition and celebration.

By tweeting us using the hashtag #nlenviro, or by emailing us at info@neia.org, NEIA‎ will share how your organization is recognizing Environment Week.

“One opportunity we can investigate is the amount of waste we are producing at work,” says Ted Lomond, NEIA’s Executive Director. “60% of this province’s waste is produced at work or school.” Lomond notes that per capita, ‎Newfoundland and Labrador produces more waste than most other provinces in the country.

For its part, NEIA is undertaking one unique initiative each day. Stay tuned to its twitter account @NEIASSOC to see the small things the organization will be doing to recognize Environment Week 2015.

“Simple deviations in our daily routines and decisions can help to significantly reduce our collective impact on ‎Newfoundland and Labrador’s environment,” says Lomond. “We look forward to hearing about and sharing your stories.”

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 www.neia.org.

For Immediate Release
May 27, 2015

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) was a partner in Innovation Week 2015 – a series of eighteen events highlighting, promoting, and exploring innovation attended by hundreds of individuals over the course of four days.

“Innovation in Newfoundland and Labrador is essential from both an economic and an environmental perspective,” says Ted Lomond, Executive Director of NEIA. “It is key to the long-term international competitiveness of our firms but it is also necessary if we are to avoid or mitigate the environmental impacts of our business activities.”

During Innovation Week, NEIA and the Aerospace and Defence Industry Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (ADIANL) jointly held a session in collaboration with the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises on the Build in Canada Innovation Program (BCIP).

The BCIP helps companies bridge the pre-commercialization gap, enabling the Federal government to purchase late stage innovative products and services to test them and to address operational challenges.

“This is important for a number of reasons,” says Lomond. “First it allows the firm to earn revenue from the sale. Second, the firm now has a recognizable and credible client to reference when trying to sell their products and services,” which Lomond notes is important for businesses when selling internationally. “Third, firms get detailed feedback on the performance of their product or service before going to market.”

Lomond says NEIA strives to promote and foster innovative practices at all of its key events. “Innovation includes new research and product development but it should be broadly understood as including the novel use of existing technologies, process improvement, imaginative market segmentation, improved workforce training and skills development or any other application of creativity to add value to firms within the province.”

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

Innovation Week was jointly organized by a number of organizations led by the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Technology Industries (NATI). A full list of event partners can be found on the Innovation Week website: www.innovationweek.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 can be found at www.neia.org.

For Immediate Release
May 6, 2015

ST. JOHN’S, NL – Last week the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) held its Oil Industry and the Environment Seminar, NOTES 2015. The two-day event brought operators, large corporations, SMEs, federal and provincial governments, and academia together to discuss environmental challenges the oil and gas industry faces in the region, and to explore possible solutions.

“It is important that we do what it can to balance this important industry in our economy with the beautiful natural environment which provides a living for many Newfoundland and Labradorians,” says Ted Lomond, Executive Director of NEIA.

“NOTES 2015 provided an opportunity for persons involved in all aspects of the province’s oil and gas industry to share information, insights, and experiences as they relate to our natural environment,” says Lomond, “with a focus on increased efficiency and innovation.”

Lomond contends assisting in the growth and internationalization of local technologies in the industry must be a priority. “From a business development point of view, we must encourage and support our local businesses to innovate and develop products and services that they can bring to the global market.” This will help diversify Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy and ensure that the province benefits from the oil and gas industry long after its offshore reserves are depleted, says Lomond. “There is significant opportunity for that international growth in the environmental business sector, and that was the driving force behind NOTES 2015.”

The event was anchored by a keynote presentation by Preston Manning, CEO of the Manning Centre and member of Canada’s Ecofiscal Commission’s advisory board. Manning spoke on the pursuit integrating energy and environmental interests through market mechanisms – a topic of growing importance in Newfoundland and Labrador as its provincial counterparts are implementing programs to address climate change.

NOTES 2015 featured a wide spread of topics ranging from environmental effects and monitoring, to oil spill response technologies, to the socio-economic impacts of the industry to-date, to a keynote panel discussion on benefits agreements and their application on future mega-projects.

“Important discussions were had on the past, present, and future of the industry in Newfoundland and Labrador, and how we can structure future agreements for the long-term benefit of the province,” noted Lomond.

One session of the agenda focused exclusively on planning and consultation. “Whether oil and gas projects are the negotiation, construction, operations, or de-commissioning stage, we learned that proper engagement is a critical factor in success,” says Lomond.

“And so we were encouraged to have had participation from all levels of industry, government, and academia at NOTES 2015. We look forward to continuing the conversation with our partners.”

More information on NOTES 2015 can be found on the conference website at www.neia.org/notes2015. 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 www.neia.org.

Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley

For Immediate Release
March 30, 2015

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is supporting the City of St. John’s in its purchase of two electric vehicles for parking enforcement. City councillors will vote this evening on whether it will accept the Deputy City Manager’s recommendation to award an RFP for 2 cars, 5 public and 2 private charging stations.

“This will create value for the taxpayers of the City of St. John’s,” says Ted Lomond, Executive Director of NEIA. “The business case for these vehicles is sound. The efficiency of the electric car in the role the city intends to use them is well documented in other municipalities across Canada, and in fact the world.”

Lomond notes that the city should achieve a reduction in fuel consumption and maintenance costs by switching to the electric cars. Electric vehicles cost about $2.00 to drive 100km. Even a brand new compact car uses 7 litres on average or more fuel per 100km. At gas prices of $1.00 per litre, that represents a cost of $7.00 to drive 100km. Enforcement officers are driving city vehicles all day long and accumulate significant mileage. “The energy savings per vehicle are considerable,” says Lomond. “In addition, electric vehicles have less moving parts and components then fossil fuel vehicles and require no oil or filter changes – meaning less maintenance.”

Lomond says the move is supported by the province’s decision in February to fund the installation of 5 residential and 14 commercial electric vehicle charging stations throughout the province. “The government of Newfoundland and Labrador sees the value of electric vehicles operating in the province and is contributing to developing the appropriate infrastructure,” says Lomond. “Their leadership on this front is to be commended, and the City of St. John’s should be applauded for the initiation of this pilot project to test the suitability of the technology for their fleet.”

Lomond notes that that – aside from the clear economic advantages of electric vehicles – there are important environmental advantages. “Electric vehicles are particularly well suited for our province.” When Muskrat Falls begins operations, 98% of Newfoundland and Labrador’s energy will be derived from renewable resources.

“Electric vehicles will produce no emissions while on the road, and will be charged by a renewable energy source. This is an opportunity we must explore and support. ”

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
March 27, 2015

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is encouraging Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to turn off the lights Saturday evening in support of ‘Earth Hour’, a global call to combat climate change.

Earth Hour asks individuals, businesses and governments to turn off their lights for one hour to demonstrate the importance of taking action on climate change. It is a global environmental event which attracts the support of hundreds of millions world-wide each year, and spreads awareness regarding the link between energy use and environment.

“The benefits gained from energy efficiency are not just environmental,” said Ted Lomond, Executive Director of NEIA, “they are also economical.”

The International Energy Agency estimates that every dollar invested in energy efficiency generates more than $4 in cost savings, and that the savings can pay for the necessary upgrades after approximately four years. These savings will generate important economic benefits such as lower energy bills and stronger business competitiveness.

“In addressing the issue of climate change, by becoming more energy efficient, local businesses will better positioned to succeed” said Lomond.

To participate in Earth Hour 2015, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians must turn off all non-essential lighting on March 28 for one hour between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m., local time.

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 premier resource for the industry offering a diverse range of expert knowledge and services in the business of mitigating and minimizing environmental damage for the protection and enhancement of the environment for present and future generations. NEIA has over 180 members.

Media Contact
Kieran Hanley: 709.237.8190