Category: News Release

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.

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

For Immediate Release
March 20, 2013

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) held its Annual General Meeting yesterday. Hon. Tom Hedderson, Minister of Environment and Conservation, opened the event with an address to the environmental sector businesses and organizations in attendance.

The event also included the election of NEIA’s officers. City of St. John’s Councillor Sheilagh O’Leary acted as the special guest Returning Officer for the election, which saw four positions filled.

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 2013-2014 Board of Directors include:

• Steve Bonnell – AMEC Environmental & Infrastructure
• Stephanie Curran – WorleyParsons
• David Fay – Fay Environmental
• Kaylen Hill – Altius Minerals
• Michelle Marley – Terra Sustainability Consulting
• Elisabeth Poirier-Garneau – Alderon
• Deidre Puddister – Pennecon
• Frank Ricketts – Nalcor Energy
• Perry Trimper – Stantec Consulting Ltd.

Outgoing Director and former Chair Susan Sherk from AMEC Environment & Infrastructure was thanked and recognized for her outstanding contribution to the environmental sector and significant contribution to NEIA during her tenure.

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.

For Immediate Release:
February 13, 2013

ST. JOHN’S, NL – As government, business, and researchers celebrate Oil and Gas Week, the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) says the industry must address its oil spill preparedness.

“The oil and gas industry is a critical component of our province’s economy,” says Ted Lomond, Executive Director of NEIA. “It is also an industry that maintains a delicate balance between resource extraction and environmental impact. We must always be vigilant in ensuring we are doing everything we can to mitigate the impact on our environment.”

Lomond references the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development’s recent report which outlined possible gaps in oil spill response plans and capacity. “Oil and gas week presents an excellent opportunity for all levels of governance and the operators to ensure they coordinate their plans on improving our oil spill response strategies.”

There is considerable expertise in oil spill response and cleanup in Newfoundland and Labrador to draw upon, says Lomond. “The environmental sector, whether it be through research in our schools and colleges or the day-to-day business operations of our members, is well-equipped to meet this challenge.”

Lomond notes that many of NEIA’s members are intricately involved in the oil and gas industry. “From oil spill preparedness, to environmental consulting, to the operators themselves, the environmental sector is an important contributor to the province’s oil and gas industry.”

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

The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) has moved its operations up a level – literally. Effective immediately, NEIA has moved its offices from the first floor of 90 O’Leary Avenue… to a brand new space on the second floor of 90 O’Leary Avenue.

As a result of NEIA’s move, staff phone numbers have changed. To get in touch with NEIA staff, please see our new contact information here. In an effort to reduce paper use, NEIA will no longer be using a fax number. Once we are settled in, we will take you on a virtual tour of our space.

With new surroundings and an environmental sector carrying great momentum, NEIA is looking forward to the possibilities of 2013.

Stay tuned for some exciting new initiatives for the environmental sector, and some new NEIA developments!

For Immediate Release
January 7, 2013

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) has released ‘Opportunities in the Green Economy’, a report comprised from the ideas and input of its October 24th NewLeef 2012 Conference.

Focusing on the connection between environment and the economy, NewLeef 2012 featured presentations from sector experts and convened breakout sessions with attendees in the areas of waste management, green building, and sustainable resource management. Ideas were captured by conference facilitators in real time, and NEIA staff have analyzed and organized the data.

“The data coming from our NewLeef 2012 conference showed that there was consensus within the sector on several possible initiatives,” said Ted Lomond, NEIA’s Executive Director. “This report captures those initiatives, and sets the stage for the environmental sector to take action”.

‘Opportunities in the Green Economy’ outlines eight opportunities identified at the conference in five categories: education, waste, by-products, green building, and buying local.

Where appropriate, NEIA will work on behalf of its members to push the sector’s agenda forward.

‘Opportunities in the Green Economy’ can be downloaded here.

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 130 members.

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Media Contact
Kieran Hanley: 709.772.3342