Category: News Release

For Immediate Release
February 19, 2015

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is applauding the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for its investment in electrical vehicle infrastructure. The Department of Environment and Conservation announced today funding in the amount of $52,000 to aid with the supply and installation of five residential and 14 commercial electric vehicle charging stations in the province.

“Electric vehicles are well suited for our province,” says Lomond. He notes that 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 clean energy source.”

Lomond says the province’s rich supply of renewable energy presents a unique opportunity for Newfoundland and Labrador to significantly impact one of its highest sources of greenhouse gas emissions: transportation.

“Over time, our provincial government can replace portions of its fleet with electric vehicles,” suggests Lomond. “This will create great value for the taxpayers. The government could achieve a significant reduction in fuel consumption and maintenance costs.”

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. Natural Resources Canada estimates the average driver in Newfoundland and Labrador drives close to 15,000km per year. “Fleet-wide, this could represent considerable savings for our province” 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 suggests that the province could explore the use of rebates and/or tax incentives to encourage consumers to purchase electric vehicles. “Other provincial jurisdictions in Canada offer incentives to individuals, businesses, and municipalities to encourage faster adoption of electric vehicles,” says Lomond. “Given our renewable energy resources in Newfoundland and Labrador, this may be a worthwhile program for our province.”

Lomond recognizes that the appropriate infrastructure must exist before such plans are realized. “We congratulate the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador on its initiative to help build that charging station infrastructure throughout the province.”

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
709.237.8190
kieran@neia.org

January 15, 2015

On March 25, 2015 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.

There are four (4) Board of Directors positions to be filled.

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. All NEIA members have voting privileges, with the exception of industry associations, governmental departments, and educational institutions.

For Immediate Release
December 11, 2014

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is expressing concern that the provincial government is continuing to delay the introduction of net metering policy – and says that this is hurting businesses in the province.

“The government committed in its own energy plan in 2007 to introduce a net metering policy,” says Ted Lomond, Executive Director of NEIA. “Nearly eight years later there has been almost no movement. Businesses in this province made plans and investments based on the expectation government would follow through on its promise.”

‘Net metering’ encourages individuals and businesses to produce their own power through economical sources of renewable energies such as solar, wind, biomass, or geothermal technologies. When businesses produce more power than their operations require, they are allowed to sell their surplus energy back to the grid. This significantly offsets the company’s energy costs and increases its competitiveness. The same advantage would be available to individual home and property owners.

“Almost every other jurisdiction in North America has a net metering policy,” says Lomond. “This puts our industries and businesses at a serious disadvantage, as they do not have an equal opportunity to invest in renewable energy to reduce their energy costs. Our firms compete internationally. The current policy impedes economic diversification and business growth.”

Local firms producing renewable energy technologies are being forced to focus their efforts outside of the province says Lomond. “There are innovative businesses in our province developing wind, solar, wave, and biowaste energy technologies have no market in Newfoundland and Labrador.”

Lomond says dated energy policies discourage business attraction to the province. He notes that Nova Scotia actively promotes net-meting when enticing firms to locate in their province.

In early September the Department of Natural Resources selected a consulting company to research relevant standard industry practices and provide guidance on developing net metering policy. The report was submitted to government in late October. “It is an embarrassment that government waited this long to seeking guidance on developing a net metering policy which they committed to implement in 2007. Any further delay is unacceptable. The report should be released immediately,” says Lomond. The government will not indicate to NEIA when the report will be publicly available.

“We are concerned that it took almost eight years for government to simply identify standard industry practices – and that it now appears to be delaying the findings of its consultant,” says Lomond.

“Some form of net metering exists in every other province in Canada. It is time to address what the delay is here in Newfoundland and Labrador.”

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.

Media Contact
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org
709.237.8190

For Immediate Release
November 12, 2014

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is launching a new program aimed at increasing innovation and commercialization within Newfoundland and Labrador’s green economy.

“Innovation drives growth, protects the environment, and essential in the competitiveness of our businesses and industries,” says Ted Lomond, Executive Director of NEIA, “With the demographic, geographic, and economic challenges our province currently faces and will face in the future, innovation is essential.”

Through its Innovation and Commercialization Initiative, NEIA will work one-on-one with firms to identify which funding options, partnerships and supports are both available are appropriate to assist the firm meet its business needs.

“There is an urgent need for greater innovation in the Canadian economy,” says Lomond. “Firms are struggling to be internationally competitive, adapt to the realities of climate change, meet changing market demand and address worker shortages.” To assist companies innovate, NEIA works with a variety of agencies and academic institutions to provide needed supports. This support could include assistance commercializing new technologies, protecting intellectual property, building academic partnerships, and accessing resources to de-risk innovation. NEIA’s Innovation and Commercialization initiative will help firms identify which programs and supports best suit their needs and broker connections.

“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.

Lomond believes that Newfoundland and Labrador’s environmental sector has great potential to help drive innovation. “From a sustainability perspective, we know that status quo is unacceptable, and novel solutions are needed to advance our economy while protecting our environment. The green economy is inherently innovative.”

Interested firms in the Innovation and Commercialization Initiative can contact NEIA’s Manager of Business Development Abbie Lacey at abbie@neia.org, or visit NEIA’s website at https://neia.org/innovation-and-commercialization/.

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the growth and development of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. The organization offers a diverse range of expert knowledge and support services for members working to grow economic opportunity while respecting the natural environment. NEIA is The Business of the Environment, and has over 170 members.

Media Contact
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org
709.237.8190

For Immediate Release
November 10, 2014

Draft Municipal Plan has considerable focus on environment

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is commending the City of St. John’s on its recently released Draft Municipal Plan – and has submitted some additional ideas for the city’s consideration.

“The city’s draft municipal plan considers the natural environment as a theme throughout the entire planning process,” says Ted Lomond, NEIA’s Executive Director. “This is an excellent approach. Whether it’s neighbourhood development, economic growth, or urban design, the environment is not a liability but rather a critical economic development tool and asset.”

Lomond says the City of St. John’s struck an excellent balance between development and environment in its plan. “Given the comprehensive engagement process the City of St. John’s undertook in the production of this document, it is not a surprise.” Lomond notes that specific interest groups, such as NEIA, were consulted throughout the process for input. “The environment is priority for citizens and business in St. John’s, and this plan reflects that interest.”

NEIA has submitted to the City of St. John’s a series of additional recommendations to consider for the final plan. “From an environmental sector perspective, there are opportunities to further strengthen the document as it pertains to climate change, public transportation, green water infrastructure, and in a few other areas,” says Lomond. NEIA’s submission to the city can be viewed at www.neia.org, or by clicking here.

Lomond says the city’s focus on environment in its future planning is good news for the local green economy. “As the city sets higher standards for development and programming within the city, opportunities will be created for local environmental sector business to meet the need.”

NEIA is looking forward to again having the opportunity to provide input to the city as it writes its new regulations. “Of course, in order for the city to realize its environmental priorities, the regulations that are written have to properly reflect the intention of the planning document”. Otherwise, Lomond says, the city will not have the means to enforce environmental considerations.

“NEIA is supportive of the city’s draft municipal plan – and the process which the city followed to produce it,” says Lomond. “This is an example municipalities across Newfoundland and Labrador should be following.”

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the growth and development of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. The organization offers a diverse range of expert knowledge and support services for members working to grow economic opportunity while respecting the natural environment. NEIA is The Business of the Environment, and has over 170 members.

Media Contact
Kieran Hanley
709.237.8190
kieran@neia.org

For Immediate Release
October 24, 2014

ST. JOHN’S, NL – October 19-25, 2014 is ‘Small Business Week’ in Canada, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is celebrating the small businesses that are critical to the growth of the province’s green economy.

“There is no greater contributor to an economy than small business,” notes Ted Lomond, Executive Director of NEIA. In Canada 70 percent of employment is attributed to small business, while 78 percent of new jobs are created by them. “Small and medium-sized businesses will play a crucial role in the growth and diversification of the economy in Newfoundland and Labrador.”

This is especially true for the province’s green economy, says Lomond. “There are exciting things happening here, driven by our small businesses. Whether it is the real time monitoring and analysis of environmental conditions, the provision of water and wastewater solutions for our municipalities, or the creation of electric vehicle infrastructure province-wide, small businesses are creating a greener future in Newfoundland and Labrador and contributing significantly to our economy.”

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that exists to promote and support the growth and development of the environmental sector in Newfoundland and Labrador. A full list of NEIA’s members – and the exciting contributions they are making to the province’s green economy – can be found at https://neia.org/neia-members/.

NEIA aggressively supports the growth of firms within the sector, providing and facilitating important programs for new and growing businesses. These initiatives include supports in: innovation and matching academic research with local business interests; international business, network, and export development; productivity and competitiveness programming, and more.

“The environmental sector is growing in Newfoundland and Labrador,” says Lomond. “From construction and oil and gas to mining and engineering, the green economy encompasses elements of many sectors of our economy.”

Lomond encourages small and medium-sized businesses to contact NEIA if their work considers the environment. “NEIA aims to provide its small and medium-sized business members with the resources and support they need to achieve sustainability and expansion objectives,” says Lomond.

NEIA is The Business of the Environment, and has over 170 members.

Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org
709.237.8190

For Immediate Release
October 22, 2014

ST. JOHN’S, NL – October 20-26, 2014 is ‘Waste Reduction Week’ in Canada, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) says it is an opportune time to discuss the future of waste management in the province.

“Newfoundland and Labrador has made significant progress in reducing the amount of waste sent to its landfills in a relatively short period of time,” says Ted Lomond, NEIA’s Executive Director.

“We commend the government and the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB) for making the investments and creating the programs necessary to achieve over 20 percent waste reduction over the past 20 years,” Lomond says. The province’s waste diversion rate has increased from 7 percent in 1992 to 28 percent in 2012.

But Lomond notes there is hard work ahead to achieve the province’s objective of 50 percent waste diversion. “Organic material represents up to 30% of what Newfoundland and Labradorians are putting in their garbage bags,” notes Lomond. “Without addressing that waste stream, 50 percent is not possible.”

A comprehensive report on potential solutions for organics/composting in Newfoundland and Labrador was commissioned in 2013 and delivered to the government this past summer. “Waste Reduction Week is an ideal time to discuss the opportunities this report identifies, and what the future of waste management in Newfoundland and Labrador might look like.”

In the meantime, Lomond says there are many things that Newfoundland and Labradorians can do at work and at school to do their part in reducing waste. “60% of our waste is produced at work or at school,” he said. “Simple changes in our daily routines can help significantly reduce the amount of waste going to our landfills.”

As the provincial partner of Waste Reduction Week in Canada, the MMSB has made available waste reduction toolkits for businesses, schools, and communities. Kits can be downloaded at http://www.mmsb.nl.ca/3r-education/waste-reduction-week/.

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the growth and development of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. The organization offers a diverse range of expert knowledge and support services for members working to grow economic opportunity while respecting the natural environment. NEIA is The Business of the Environment, and has over 170 members.

Media Contact
Kieran Hanley
709.237.8190
kieran@neia.org

For Immediate Release
October 9, 2014

ST. JOHN’S, NL – Newleef, the province’s green economy conference, starts this morning at the Holiday Inn in St. John’s. Organized by the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA), Newleef is a two day event.

“Newleef is an opportunity for our province’s environmental industry stakeholders, both in the private and public sectors, ‎‎to learn from one another and collaborate to grow the green economy,” says Ted Lomond, NEIA’s Executive Director. “Our objective each year is to build the sector’s capacity and consensus on how to collectively work towards green economy growth here in Newfoundland and Labrador.”

This year’s conference features presentations by the province’s new Premier Paul Davis;‎ Opposition Leader Dwight Ball; leader of the NDP Lorraine Michael; and a keynote address from Hon. Bob Rae.

“We also have presentations, panel discussions, and professional development workshops delivered by experts working on our province’s biggest projects,” says Lomond. “That includes Muskrat Falls, our oil and gas sector, mining in Labrador, and our emerging clean energy industry.”

Friday’s agenda includes a research matching business session, which aims to promote innovation through connecting academic and private research with local business interests.

A full conference program can be found on the conference’s website at www.newleef.ca.

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

Newleef takes place on October 9th and 10th at the Holiday Inn in St. John’s, NL.

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the growth and development of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. The organization offers a diverse range of expert knowledge and support services for members working to grow economic opportunity while respecting the natural environment. NEIA is The Business of the Environment, and has over 160 members.

Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org

For Immediate Release
September 5, 2014

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) says the implementation of renewable energy policies is critical to the growth of the green energy sector in the province.

“Newfoundland and Labrador is the only province in Canada without policy designed to encourage the development and use of renewable energy technologies,” says Ted Lomond, NEIA’s Executive Director. Lomond says the province’s policies are out of step with the rest of North America.

“As a result, not only are we discouraging business owners and entrepreneurs from innovating new green products and services, but we are preventing widespread use of proven clean energy technologies” says Lomond. “Newfoundland and Labrador is turning away economic and environmental benefits that are being supported on a global scale.”

Lomond says other jurisdictions in Canada began implementing net metering and/or feed-in tariffs over a decade ago. Net metering enables residential and commercial customers to use their own electricity sources (e.g. wind and solar), so that they will purchase electricity from the grid only when needed. Feed-in tariffs allow for connecting small residential or commercial energy sources to the grid and selling electricity to the power company.

“There are businesses in this province developing green technologies and hoping to provide environmentally sustainable electricity,” says Lomond. “We have firms here involved in wind, solar, biomass, and even ocean wave energy production. But Newfoundland and Labrador policies actually discourage them from operating.”

“We risk losing these promising businesses to other jurisdictions.” Lomond notes the issue is not just about firms in the business of selling clean energy. “This is about competitiveness. Freeing local firms to consider how they might offset some or all of their energy consumption allows them to innovate, reduce operating costs, and increase competitiveness.”

Lomond says environmental sector businesses have been pushing for updated provincial regulations for years, but with little success. “NEIA is encouraged that the provincial government has solicited recommendations from a consultant on net metering policy,” he said, noting the government had committed to implementation as early as 2007 in its energy plan.

“The government has had a considerable amount of time to study this issue. We expect that upon receipt of the consultant’s findings on October 31st, swift action will be taken to update provincial regulations to align with the rest of Canada.”

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the growth and development of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. The organization offers a diverse range of expert knowledge and support services for members working to grow economic opportunity while respecting the natural environment. NEIA is The Business of the Environment, and has over 160 members.

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Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley
709.237.8190
kieran@neia.org

For Immediate Release
June 5th, 2014

ST. JOHN’S, NL – June 8 – 14, 2014 is Rivers to Oceans Week in Canada and the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is partnering with the Northeast Avalon ACAP (NAACAP) and holding a free professional development workshop exploring sediment and erosion control.

Rivers to Oceans Week is dedicated to creating an understanding of the connectivity of Canada’s water and what everyone can do to protect and keep it healthy for people and wildlife.

“The northeast Avalon region is experiencing significant population and industrial growth, and with that comes an increase in land development,” says Ted Lomond, Executive Director of NEIA. “With development – when the ground is disturbed from its natural condition – there is the associated risk of silt and sediment laden waters affecting local waterways.”

The environmental impacts of sedimentation can include the loss of aquatic habitat; the loss of wetlands; and can even contribute to human health concerns.

Working Together for Responsible Erosion and Sediment Control is a free workshop delivered by industry targeted towards professionals, contractors, municipalities, and the public. “The workshop includes a review of the environmental need for control; an overview of development regulations; and a look at industry best practices in the field,” says Lomond.

“From wetlands, ground water and springs to creeks, streams, ponds, rivers and oceans, our water is connected,” says Lomond. “The workshop presents an opportunity to share knowledge, experiences, and to foster working relationships between stakeholders to ensure that sedimentation of local waterways is avoided.”

More information on the workshop can be found at www.neia.org/workingtogether.

NAACAP is an environmental non-government organization (NGO) that works with all sectors of the community, to protect and enhance the aquatic environmental quality of the watersheds and coastline of the Northeast Avalon region. NAACAP works with the communities, government agencies, university researchers, volunteer groups and businesses to protect and enhance our natural surroundings.

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the growth and development of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. The organization offers a diverse range of expert knowledge and support services for members working to grow economic opportunity while respecting the natural environment. NEIA is The Business of the Environment, and has over 160 members.

Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org
709.237.8190