Category: News

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org
709.237.8190

For Immediate Release
June 4, 2014

Online Tool will Capture and Visually Represent Your Ideas and Input

ST. JOHN’S, NL – June 5, 2014 is World Environment Day and the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) wants to hear what your environmental concerns are in the province through an online tool.

“We want to help ensure that decision-makers have a better understanding of the environmental issues that are important to Newfoundland and Labradorians,” says Ted Lomond, Executive Director of NEIA. Lomond explains that what some see as environmental problems, others can view as economic opportunities. “Many of NEIA’s member-firms started with a single individual who identified an environmental challenge – and then created or modified their firm to provide a solution to that challenge.”

That is why being able to identify the problems we face is so critical, says Lomond. “What environmental issues are we experiencing in Newfoundland and Labrador? And the next question should be: Where are the opportunities?”

The online tool available on NEIA’s website will capture your individual concerns and visually represent them – along with every other submission – in real-time through a ‘word cloud’. A word cloud weighs the frequency of words or ideas by representing them at varying sizes.

NEIA is hoping that the collection and sharing of results may promote entrepreneurship in the sector. “NEIA’s members are forward-thinking businesses which provide sustainable products and services globally,” says Lomond. “With the environmental problems we face today and will face in the future, we need to ask ourselves what the businesses opportunities are for Newfoundland and Labrador.”

Visit www.neia.org/environment to express any or all of your concerns.

World Environment Day was designated by the United Nations in 1972 to stimulate action on the environment and empower people from every corner of the globe to become agents of sustainable and equitable development. June 1-7, 2014 is Canadian Environment 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 160 members.

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Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org
709.237.8190

For Immediate Release
June 2, 2014

ST. JOHN’S, NL – June 1-7, 2014 is Canadian Environment Week and the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is issuing a challenge to all residents of the province: this week choose a healthier and cleaner mode of commuting.

“Our routine is to get in the car and drive ourselves to and from work each day,” says Ted Lomond, Executive Director of NEIA. “But this is an opportunity to consider other means of transportation – such as the bus, taking your bicycle, or even walking.”

The Commuter Challenge is a nation-wide event that promotes citizens opting out of single occupancy vehicles. “By leaving the car at home, we can reduce air pollution, decrease fuel usage, and ease congestion on the roads,” says Lomond.

Each alternative to the single occupancy vehicle has its merits. One bus replaces an average of 45 cars on the road. “Simply by carpooling you reduce your greenhouse gas emissions – and your expenses – in half,” notes Lomond. But the benefits can be even more substantial. “Walking is one of the best and easiest ways to improve your overall fitness and health”.

NEIA’s Board of Directors has committed to taking the Commuter Challenge, and the association is encouraging its membership to register too. “As individuals we can make a personal decision. Collectively these decisions can make a significant difference.” says Lomond. “At the end of the week we will be able to estimate the carbon emissions avoided, fuel saved, and calories burned.”

Individuals and businesses can participate in the Commuter Challenge by registering at http://commuterchallenge.ca/.

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

For Immediate Release
May 29, 2014

Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture; Export Development Canada’s Chief Economist; and local businessman Paul Antle among Speakers

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is holding its second annual International Business Development Symposium this Friday – an event which focuses on building the capacity of local firms to be active on a global scale.

“Supporting the efforts of Newfoundland and Labrador businesses to engage in international markets is critical for two reasons,” says Ted Lomond, Executive Director of NEIA. “First, the provincial marketplace is limited and international business is an opportunity for growth and expansion for individual firms.”

The second reason, Lomond notes, is related to the overall provincial economy. “Companies that are involved in international business contribute significantly to the diversification and strength of Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy.”

Lomond says the International Business Development Symposium will provide important information for businesses who are involved with or are exploring conducting business abroad. “Firms attending the event will hear the latest information on how Canada’s international trade agreements will affect local industry; on expert insight into the global economy from Export Development Canada’s Chief Economist; and benefit from the past experiences of local individuals who have been quite successful in international markets.”

The event features:

“International Trade Agreements and Opportunities for the Provincial Fishery”
Hon. Keith Hutchings, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture / Member for Ferryland

“Making Sense of the Market: What’s Happening and What’s Next”
Catherine Murray, Co-Host and Anchor for BNN / Former VP at Deutsche Bank

“Doing Business in China”
Paul Antle, CEO of Phase Separation Solutions and West Mountain Capital Corp.

“Developing International Markets”
Ron Collier, Vice-President Business Development, SubC Imaging

“Let’s Talk Exports”
Peter Hall, Vice President & Chief Economist of Export Development Canada

“The International Business Development Symposium is an opportunity for businesses, support agencies, academia and aspiring entrepreneurs to network and learn from each other,” says Lomond.

For more information on NEIA’s International Business Development Symposium, including speaker biographies, visit the event website at www.neia.org/ibds2014. The event is open to businesses and organizations in all sectors of the economy.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

For Immediate Release
May 5, 2014

Innovation Week is a five-day series of events happening in St. John’s May 5th- 9th, 2014. The local business community, leading provincial industry associations and our public sector partners have come together with one common vision: to shine a light on the incredible innovation advances being made in Newfoundland and Labrador.

By bringing together startups, youth, business, and private and public partners, Innovation Week hopes to forge new connections and collectively raise the profile of our innovative endeavors. It will focus on furthering growth and developing new opportunities in sectors that include information technology, ocean technology, manufacturing, aerospace and defense, the green economy and more.

Scheduled events include StartupNL’s Fireside Chat and Demo Camp for entrepreneurs, the Youth in Technology (YIT) conference for 400 Grade 9 students, NATI’s Knowledge Summit, TEDxStJohns 2014 (Dis)Connect, Unconventional Conventions, the Innovation Outlook conference at Memorial University’s Bruneau Centre, and CME NL’s Manufacturing Productivity conference.

Details of each event can be found at http://www.innovationweek.ca/schedule/.

Innovation Week partners include:

• Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Technology Industries (NATI)
• Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA)
• Aerospace and Defence Industry Association of NL (ADIANL)
• Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) Association of NL
• OceansAdvance
• StartupNL
• TEDxStJohns
• College of the North Atlantic
• Genesis Centre
• Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
• The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development (IBRD)

For further information, please visit www.innovationweek.ca. You can also follow us on Twitter: @InnovateWeekNL.