Category: News Release

The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is accepting expressions of interest for presentations at its NewLeef 2013 conference.

As the forum’s agenda is being finalized, NEIA is canvassing those involved in the province’s green economy for their ideas on timely and valuable topics of business and environmental interest. The focus for NewLeef 2013 is “adaptation”: how businesses in the environmental sector can adapt to a changing climate, changing markets, changing regulations and processes, and changing technology.

Are there issues that you would like to see addressed at NewLeef? Are there topics that you would like to see covered that would benefit your business? Is there a presentation that you would like to give that you feel would benefit the sector?

Contact Kieran Hanley at kieran@neia.org with your ideas.

NewLeef 2013 is being held on October 10-11, at the Holiday Inn in St. John’, NL.

Program and registration details coming soon.

For Immediate Release
September 3, 2013

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) today launched a new website which will both represent and service the province’s green economy.

“NEIA’s role is to grow and develop the environmental sector of business in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Ted Lomond, NEIA’s Executive Director. “Our new website outlines our priorities and initiatives in helping drive business growth and economic development in the sector.”

Lomond says that NEIA’s new website is also an enhanced resource for businesses operating within the sector. “The information we are providing our visitors is much more robust and accessible that it ever has been,” he said. “We aim to give participants in the green economy information on all the opportunities at their disposal to help their businesses succeed.”

NEIA is inviting firms, organizations, and individuals with interest in the province’s green economy to contact the association with their own ideas and suggestions for the NEIA website. “The environmental sector is a growing and ever-changing segment of the economy,” said Lomond, “and our website will reflect that.”

NEIA’s new website can be viewed at www.neia.org. Comments, ideas, and suggestions can be made to Kieran Hanley, NEIA’s Marketing and Communications Coordinator at kieran@neia.org.

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the growth and development of the environmental industry in this province. It is Newfoundland and Labrador’s 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 140 members.

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Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley
709.237.8190

Date: Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Time: 9:00am to 3:00pm
Location: Holiday Inn St. John’s

Join NEIA for a discussion of Aboriginal Consultation requirements, processes, and recent practice for proposed development projects in Newfoundland and Labrador, from the perspective of environmental firms and practitioners with recent and on-going experience in this field.

This session will include an overview of current and asserted land claims in Labrador; the new provincial Aboriginal Consultation Policy; the process in establishing agreements with Aboriginal groups; and a panel discussion on recent approaches and experiences. The panel will include representatives from both the provincial government and industry.

Click here to download the agenda.

For Immediate Release
August 14, 2013

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is applauding the provincial government’s launch of its final phase in the New Harbour Remediation Project and is encouraging the Department of Environment and Conservation to address other sites throughout the province which require attention.

“By launching the final phase of its remediation of the New Harbour landfill, the provincial government is doing what is right for the residents of New Harbour, and the natural environment,” said Ted Lomond, Executive Director of NEIA.

In 1994 a number of transformer casings, which were contaminated with polychloinated biphenyls (PCBs), were land-filled at the New Harbour Barrens waste disposal site. The New Harbour landfill was closed in 2009 when the government moved towards a regional waste management structure, however the casings and hazard to the natural environment remained.

“These casings have presented an environmental danger to aquatic life, plant life, and animal life in the area. Their removal will eliminate that risk” said Lomond.

NEIA believes the government’s work in New Harbour is commendable, and suggests that the same approach be taken on other contaminated sites that may exist across Newfoundland and Labrador.

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the growth and development of the environmental industry in this province. It is Newfoundland and Labrador’s 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 140 members.

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Media Contact:
Ted Lomond
709.237.8390

For Immediate Release
June 13, 2013

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is applauding the provincial government’s initiative in the collection, analysis, and release of climate change data and projections for the province.

“In order to ensure we are addressing climate change issues in Newfoundland and Labrador most effectively, it is critical we know where we are in terms of our impact,” said Ted Lomond, Executive Director of NEIA. “Tracking and benchmarking this data is the first step in ensuring our path forward is the most efficient and impactful it can be.”

The Minister responsible for the Office of Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Emissions Trading, Hon. Tom Hedderson, unveiled the projections today. The study downscales four internationally recognized global models to develop the projections for every 50km2 in the province.

“The availability of this data will enable individuals, firms, organizations, and government to make evidence-informed decisions when it comes to how we interact with our natural environment,” said Lomond. “The changing climate will require that we as a province are better prepared for conditions of the future, which means a greater demand in environmental products and services.”

“The release of this data presents an opportunity for us all to make a difference and combat climate change.”

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the growth and development of the environmental industry in this province. It is Newfoundland and Labrador’s 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 140 members.

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Media Contact
Kieran Hanley: 709.237.8190

For Immediate Release
June 5, 2013

ST. JOHN’S, NL – On Tuesday, the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) marked Canadian Environment Week by meeting with the Minister of Environment and Conservation, Hon. Tom Hedderson.

The meeting between Mr. Hedderson and NEIA’s Board of Directors explored the current issues facing the environmental sector in Newfoundland and Labrador, and how to best approach growing that sector.

“Through the work of its Department of Environment and Conservation, and the Office of Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Emissions Trading, the provincial government has been an excellent supporter of the environmental sector in this province,” said Ted Lomond, Executive Director of NEIA.

Lomond points to a recent report published by GLOBE Advisors and AMEC Environment & Infrastructure, “An Analysis of the Economic Development Opportunities Associated with the Green Economy in Newfoundland and Labrador”, which states the province has the potential to grow its environmental sector – in terms of employment – by 30% before 2020.

“There are tremendous growth opportunities for the environmental sector in our province,” says Ted Lomond, NEIA’s Executive Director. “We are working closely with the provincial government to put the policies and mechanisms in place to ensure we achieve that potential.”

“A stronger environmental sector increases employment opportunities, strengthens the competitiveness of local firms, opens international markets, diversifies the provincial economy,” said Lomond, “and it does this while better protecting our natural environment which is so highly valued by Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the growth and development of the environmental industry in this province. It is Newfoundland and Labrador’s 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 140 members.

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For Immediate Release
May 28, 2013

NEIA’s Oil Spill Response Technology Seminars brings businesses from Norway and Newfoundland & Labrador together to share the latest in best practices and equipment

ST. JOHN’S, NL – On May 27th and 28th, in partnership with the Norwegian Oil Spill Control Association (NOSCA) and Innovation Norway, the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) held the Oil Spill Response Technology Seminar – a conference aimed at building new international business relationships and sharing the latest in environmental response products.

“NEIA exists to grow and strengthen the environmental sector in Newfoundland and Labrador,” explained Ted Lomond, Executive Director of NEIA. “International business will play a vital role in the continued growth of the sector. Our Oil Spill Response Technology Seminar was an important first step in exploring those opportunities for a segment of the environmental sector that is critical to our province’s economy and that protects our ocean resources.”

The seminar featured a series of presentations from Norwegian and local firms, on topics exploring technologies ranging from oil spill detection, to mechanical recovery, to response planning, to operating in arctic and ice conditions. Attendees also had the opportunity to see some of those technologies up-close during their site visits to Canadian Coast Guard and ECRC facilities.

The second day of the seminar focused on live product demonstrations which took place at the Marine Institute’s Marine Base in Holyrood. Oil spill response equipment – including inshore booms, skimmers, and harbour busters – were deployed in response exercises conducted with the help of the Canadian Coast Guard.

Lomond says that the advancement of local oil spill response capabilities is not just about the environment or even the oil and gas sector.

“The ocean is a shared resource relied upon by many sectors of our province’s economy, from fisheries to aquaculture to tourism,” said Lomond. “The growth of Newfoundland and Labrador’s capacity in environmental technologies and processes allows for the continued development of the oil and gas sector – while protecting the valuable resources required for our other industries to flourish.”

The Oil Spill Response Technology Seminar was organized with support from the Canadian Coast Guard, ECRC, Nord Marine, the Marine Institute, and the Town of Holyrood.

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the growth and development of the environmental industry in this province. It is Newfoundland and Labrador’s 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 140 members.

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Media Contact
Kieran Hanley: 709.237.8190

For Immediate Release
May 24, 2013

Local businesses in the environmental sector learn how international markets can help them grow at NEIA’s International Business Development Symposium

ST. JOHN’S, NL – On May 24th the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) held the first International Business Development Symposium, aimed at providing the environmental sector the support it needs to succeed internationally.

“Export and international business can play an important role in a firm’s growth strategy,” said Ted Lomond, Executive Director or NEIA. Lomond said the symposium presented firms with a number of opportunities to learn how international tools can play a role in their success.

“Firms were able to choose presentations, by experts, that were most relevant to them,” said Lomond. “Today we had presentations geared towards international business beginners to those looking to expand their established operations. Presentations ranged from ‘Trade Shows Do’s and Don’ts’, to ‘Seizing Opportunities Available through International Financial Institutions’, to ‘Understanding International Trade and Investment Law’”.

The symposium, which was presented in partnership with Oceanex, opened with a presentation by Ocean Choice International CEO Martin Sullivan, who spoke about his experiences operating in international markets.

Keynote speaker Peter Hall, Export Development Canada’s Chief Economist, spoke to a capacity audience on his analysis of the global economy’s future, and how that will affect business at home in Newfoundland and Labrador. Peter’s presentation was a highlight for guests, as it was both informative and accessible. EDC is a valuable partner in the growth of the local green economy.

“NEIA exists to grow and strengthen the environmental sector in Newfoundland and Labrador,” explained Lomond. “International business will play a vital role in the continued growth of the sector. Our first International Business Development Symposium was an important first step in encouraging businesses in the environmental sector to explore their international potential.”

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the growth and development of the environmental industry in this province. It is Newfoundland and Labrador’s 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 140 members.

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Media Contact
Kieran Hanley: 709.237.8190

For Immediate Release
April 22, 2013

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is celebrating Earth Day today, and is encouraging people, businesses, and government in Newfoundland and Labrador to do the same.

Each year on April 22, more than one billion people across the world observe Earth Day. From St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador to Sydney, Australia, individuals, communities, organizations, and governments take time to recognize the value of the planet and to take action to protect it.

“All of us, whether it’s at work or at home – or even while you’re on the run – can make a difference to the health of our planet,” says Ted Lomond, Executive Director of NEIA. Lomond pointed to energy conservation and waste reduction as simple ways we, as individuals and businesses, can collectively make a significant difference.

NEIA, for example, is taking the opportunity, presented by its recent move into a new office space, to develop a new ‘green office’ strategy.

“We are taking a close look at how we manage our waste, how we use our energy, and what the impact of the products we consume are,” explained Lomond. “We will identify areas where we can improve, and make those adjustments.”

Lomond says that making a ‘green office’ plan is a simple exercise that can both help the environment and save money too.

“NEIA represents a sector of businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador that believes what is good for the environment can also be good for the bottom line,” says Lomond. “A proper green office plan will decrease energy costs, reduce waste, and help make a difference.”

“Every day can be Earth Day.”

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the growth and development of the environmental industry in this province. It is Newfoundland and Labrador’s 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 140 members.

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Media Contact
Kieran Hanley: 709.237.8190

For Immediate Release
March 22, 2013

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

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

“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, meaning more employment opportunities for Newfoundland and Labradorians” said Lomond.

Lomond notes the success of the Provincial Government’s ‘Turn Back the Tide’ public awareness campaign on climate change and energy efficiency. “NEIA is pleased that government is acting on the important issue of climate change,” said Lomond.

“The cleanest energy is the energy we don’t use,” said Lomond. “Strong participation in Earth Hour will help educate Newfoundland and Labradorians on how they consume energy, what impacts that consumption has, and what difference their day-to-day choices can make”.

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the growth and development of the environmental industry in this province. It is Newfoundland and Labrador’s 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 140 members.

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Media Contact
Kieran Hanley: 709.237.8190