Category: News Release

For Immediate Release
March 25, 2015

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) held its Annual General Meeting Wednesday, March 25th which featured the election of its Board of Directors and the reappointment of Deidre Puddister, the Environmental Manager with Pennecon Limited, as the organization’s Chairperson. This will be the second term as Chair for Puddister.

“I am honoured to have been selected by NEIA’s Board of Directors to serve as their Chair,” said Puddister, “and am excited to work with the excellent team which was elected today to grow the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador.”

NEIA’s Annual General Meeting outlined the robust series of activities and programming the association engaged in over the past year. “2014 was a very active year for NEIA in terms of its advocacy and communications efforts, the events it organized and partnered in, and the sector and firm development initiatives it undertook,” said Puddister.

A full review of NEIA’s activities can be found online in its 2014 Annual Report at:
https://neia.org/2014-annual-report/.

“NEIA’s Board is looking forward to building on the organization’s achievements this past year towards a productive and successful 2015,” said Puddister.

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 2015-2016 Board of Directors include:

• Deidre Puddister (Chair) – Pennecon Limited
• Sarah Bassler – Amec Foster Wheeler
• Dan Brake – EMSAT Corporation
• Patrick Browne – Puglisevich Crews and Services
• Don Drew – Newco Metal and Auto Recycling Ltd.
• Al Ducey – BMSna
• David Fay – Fay Environmental
• Lyndsay Haynes – WorleyParsons
• Elisabeth Luther – Golder Associates

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 190 members.

Media Contact
Kieran Hanley: 709.237.8190

For Immediate Release
March 3, 2015

St. John’s, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) has announced a series of presentations and speakers for its Oil Industry and the Environment Seminar (NOTES 2015).

Anchored by a keynote address from Preston Manning, President and CEO of the Manning Centre and founder of the Reform Part, NOTES 2015 is taking place April 27-28, 2015 in St. John’s, NL.

“The oil and gas industry is a major contributor to our province’s economy, and an area of significant opportunity for environmental sector growth,” says Ted Lomond, Executive Director of NEIA. Lomond says that businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador have a chance to contribute to the increased efficiency and sustainability of the industry.

“Our NOTES 2015 conference will provide an opportunity for persons involved in all aspects of the province’s oil and gas industry to share information, insights, and experience,” says Lomond. “The conference will showcase the innovative and effective solutions being applied in the region today and explore exciting research underway locally that has the potential to be practically applied.”

Lomond says it is important for local businesses to innovate and develop products and services that are applicable not just in our province’s waters, but worldwide. “Solutions applied in our region could be applicable to other offshore oil developments,” says Lomond. “One day the offshore oil industry will move on from Newfoundland and Labrador, so it is important our businesses make a lasting impact that allows them to exist beyond current local offshore activities.”

The conference is focusing on six main themes: environmental issues and their mitigation; operating in harsh environments; stakeholder management; the development and application of new technologies; and oil spill response. In addition, NOTES 2015 will feature two panel discussions evaluating the socio-economic impacts of offshore petroleum activity, and the future delivery of industry benefits as they pertain to the environment.

NOTES 2015 is a solutions-focused event with the intent to build capacity in the environmental sector of the economy. “Natural resource extraction will always present environmental challenges – challenges which can be met effectively by innovators and entrepreneurs,” says Lomond. “Our conference will support businesses here in Newfoundland and Labrador looking to provide those solutions.”

Visit the NOTES 2015 website at https://neia.org/notes2015 for details on confirmed speakers, registration information, and sponsorship opportunities.

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. Learn more about NEIA at https://neia.org.

Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley
709.237.8190
kieran@neia.org

For Immediate Release
February 26, 2015

Bridgetown, BB – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is leading a trade delegation – featuring a number of local firms – to Barbados, St. Vincent, and Trinidad and Tobago.

“This targeted mission is the third phase in a focused strategy aimed at securing international business opportunities for firms in Newfoundland and Labrador,” says Ted Lomond, NEIA’s Executive Director.

“Operating in Newfoundland, the technologies and services developed by our firms lend themselves to use in an island setting, so these are strategic investment locations,” says Lomond. “Our firms are looking for international growth, whether that be through sales, distribution, supply chain diversification, or the development of new partnerships.”

Lomond notes this NEIA initiative is unique in that it has been driven from the outset by the common interests of private sector firms. “Over a year ago, our Export and International Business Network members identified the Caribbean as a location of business interest,” explained Lomond. NEIA’s Export and International Business Network is a group of firms in the environmental sector conducting business, or looking to explore opportunities, abroad.

The second phase of the project took place over the course of 2014. “Last April NEIA hosted officials from Barbados to establish personal relationships with key partners and to help them gain an understanding of Newfoundland and Labrador.” Lomond says that since that time, NEIA has worked with participating firms to develop individual market entry strategies, and with consultants and the Canadian High Commission to assemble a program for the mission. “This trade mission is the culmination of a lot of work investigating and confirming growth opportunities within these developing markets,” says Lomond.

While in the Caribbean, NEIA has facilitated – for participating Newfoundland and Labrador firms – a series of meetings with trade officials and potential partners in the region. “Our companies have been busy building contacts which they hope will develop into business relationships,” says Lomond. “The results thus far have exceeded expectations.”

On a broader scale, NEIA staff are investigating further environmental sector opportunities in the region for firms in Newfoundland and Labrador. “In addition to supporting the objectives of the individual firms, NEIA has a program of meetings in place exploring the potential for closer collaboration between our two regions,” says Lomond. NEIA is meeting with Barbados’ Department of Environment, the Inter-American Development Bank, the Canadian High Commission, the Caribbean Export Development Agency, the Barbados Chamber of Commerce, and others.

Lomond says the Caribbean mission is just one of NEIA’s ongoing international initiatives. “The growth of international business activity of local firms is critical to the diversification and strengthening of our province’s economy.” Lomond says NEIA’s role is to help firms work together to explore common markets of interest, where working alone would be cost prohibitive.

“Our network has independently identified a number of regions of interest to the environmental sector,” notes Lomond. “NEIA will work with these firms to help research, outline, and pursue international business opportunities.”

For more information on NEIA’s Export and International Business Network, visit https://neia.org/network/. 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. Learn more about NEIA at www.neia.org.

Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley
709.237.8190
kieran@neia.org

For Immediate Release
February 25, 2015

Gander, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is unveiling a new website at the Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador 2015 Conference and Trade Show in Gander this week.

GreenTourismNL.ca aims to introduce tourism operators in the province to practices and strategies that will enable businesses to contribute to – and benefit from – a greener industry.

“Tourism is a billion dollar industry in Newfoundland and Labrador,” says Ted Lomond, NEIA’s Executive Director. “Much of that industry relies on the beauty of our natural environment. It is important we are aware of the environmental costs of tourism and do what we collectively can to ensure it is prosperous for many years to come.”

But Lomond says the biggest benefit of a more sustainable industry is in the bottom lines of the operators themselves. “Greening your business practices is all about decreasing waste and increasing efficiency,” he says. “This means lower costs and more value for each dollar spent on resources. Green business is good business.”

GreenTourismNL.ca makes the business case for tourism operators by offering best practice information in waste management, energy efficiency, purchase planning, impact assessment, employee and customer buy-in, and more.

“Our site encompasses many areas of sustainable business,” says Lomond. GreenTourismNL.ca directs its visitors to the provincial authorities on each subject. “To learn more about waste management we point operators to the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB). For energy efficiency, takeCHARGE. For food service, the Restaurant Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (RANL). And so on.”

Lomond says NEIA is excited to launch GreenTourismNL.ca at the province’s premiere tourism industry event. “Working together we can build the awareness that ‘being green’ isn’t just the right thing to do for the natural environment,” says Lomond. “It also means a more profitable and enduring sector of Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy”

GreenTourismNL.ca offers its content in downloadable PDF documents for those who want to take a close read, and is formatted for mobile devices for those who want to take a look while away from their computers.

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. Learn more about NEIA at https://neia.org.

Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley
709.237.8190
kieran@neia.org

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