October 5, 2005 Source: Acadia University:
http://www.acadiau.ca/whatsnew/newsrelease/2005/GIN_5oct.html Acadia University to host Atlantic Canada's first Greening of Industry Network Conference (Wolfville, NS) - The Arthur Irving Academy for the Environment at Acadia University will host the first Greening of Industry Network (GIN) Conference in Atlantic Canada, October 20-22. The international conference will examine the intertwined issues of energy, agriculture, and finance. Discussions will include: current challenges and successes within these sectors in creating a sustainable regional environment and economy; how these sectors impact and influence one another and society at large; and how to manage future challenges within these sectors so as to create the type of economy, environment, and society that will allow future generations of citizens to meet their needs. These issues are particularly relevant to Nova Scotia and the other Maritime Provinces. The Maritime Provinces have a strong economic dependence on the land and sea. As a region highly dependent upon the energy sector for transportation of food and products, what are the potential outcomes as energy prices continue to rise? What types of investments make sense with respect to these realities? The GIN Conference will facilitate open discussion on this and related development issues affecting the Maritime Provinces and the Eastern seaboard. "Local businesses need to begin to think about their own sustainability. What do increasing energy costs mean to businesses in this region, how can they maintain competitiveness and be responsible users of energy resources," said conference chair Dr. Edith Callaghan, Business professor and council member of the Arthur Irving Academy for the Environment. "The conference is not just about the environment, we will also look at community sustainability and economic vibrancy. Our approach is to go beyond traditional silos and look at sustainable development from different perspectives, facilitating discussion and providing networking opportunities for people dealing with similar issues." Global shifts in industrial governments, trade, and technology are creating significant environmental and social impacts, and inequities around the world. Major changes in production and consumption systems are required in order to meet the needs of a growing world population, while using environmental resources in a sustainable manner. To address this change, broad, social engagement is required. The GIN conference will provide delegates with a forum to develop a blueprint for change, strategies for regional sustainable development and competitiveness in a global economy. "Sustainable development, particularly at the local level, is imperative. It strengthens our local economy, improves and protects the quality of the environment and enhances our quality of life and the well-being of all the people in our community," said Dr. Callaghan. "As our community's environment, economy and quality of life grow stronger, so does our future. That’s because sustainable development produces long lasting benefits, not just today, but for future generations. Sustainable development projects can offer real benefits in the short term, too. They create jobs. They lower operating costs for homes, businesses and taxpayers. They make our community a more attractive place to live and do business." The conference, which starts on the afternoon of October 20th, with a welcoming reception, and tours of the K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre and Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens, will feature a roster of international guest speakers from the private business sector, government and non-government organizations. "The vision of the Greening of Industry Network is to create new sustainable development concepts that work across disciplines, nations, and sectors. The Arthur Irving Academy for the Environment was a natural choice for hosting the conference with its cross network of academics, from all disciplines, working to solve a wide variety of environmental issues," said Kurt Fischer, GIN Americas Coordinator. "In addition, Acadia’s community involvement and action projects, such as Dr. Callaghan with the Centre for Rural Sustainability and Dr. Graham Daborn with the Centre for Estuarine Research, demonstrate the best of university-community partnerships." To learn more about the Greening of Industry Network Conference at Acadia University, or to register visit http://www.acadiau.ca/academy/2005GIN/GIN2005Index.html The Greening of Industry Network is an international association of researchers, business leaders, activists, and policy makers dedicated to building a sustainable future. Through linked conferences, publications and communications, the Network creates new relationships, visions, and practices for sustainability. The GIN conferences, 23 events in 12 countries around the world since 1991, comprise a unique experience and record of bringing people and the issues together for a big perspective on sustainable development, forging productive connections among research, policy, and practice.
For more information visit http://www.greeningofindustry.org/ The Arthur Irving Academy for the Environment supports a diverse, trans-disciplinary program of scholarly activity, education, and community activities, focused on environmental issues of local, national, and international scope. For more information visit http://www.acadiau.ca/academy/index.html -30- For more information contact:
Scott Roberts
Senior Director, Communications and Public Affairs
Acadia University
P: 902.585.1705
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