On January 19th and 20th, the sixth annual ECO IMPACT learning series was held in Calgary, Alberta.
Hosted by the Environmental Careers Organization of Canada (ECO Canada), the awards gala portion of the 2-day event recognizes the contributions of Canadian Environmental Professionals in the environmental sector. This year’s festivities were held in person at the Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire.
In addition to the awards, the ECO IMPACT event puts on a series of presentations and workshops focused on the environmental workforce. It is a significant networking event for environmental industry experts, community advocates, and organizations. This year saw representatives from TELUS, Cenovus, Pathways Alliance, SLR Consulting, AGAT Laboratories, and Silvacom all in attendance.
The Environmental Professional (EP) designation is the only nationally recognized credential for people working in the environmental job sector. This year’s recipients, as chosen by an industry committee, included:
EPt Award Winner (for Environmental Professionals in Training), Clarissa Huffman, Climate Risk Analyst and Project Manager with Morrison Hershfield
EP Award Winner (for Environmental Professionals), Jeff Robertson, Director of Environment & Sustainability for Bimbo Canada
EP Auditor Winner (for Environmental Professional Auditors, Compliance Environmental Auditors, and EP Environmental Management Systems Lead Auditors), Jag Bilkhu, Senior Environmental Auditor, SNC-Lavalin
Top Employer (for companies with EP, EP Auditors and EPt members on their staff), Conuma Resources
Community Award (for groups or individuals making an environmental impact), Friends of Fish Creek Calgary
Winners in the Top Employer Award and Community Award categories were voted on by the public based on nominees selected by the judging panel.
Conuma Resources is an environmentally conscious coal producer in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. In business since 2016, the company has played an important role in global steel production through their sustainable coal exports.
With approximately 200 volunteers and over 800 sponsors, members, and contributing donors, Friends of Fish Creek Calgary oversees the protection and conservation of Fish Creek Provincial Park. The group’s activities generate interest and awareness to maintain the area for future generations.
Speakers at this year’s event included Kevin Nilsen, President and CEO of ECO Canada, and international speaker, author and performance coach Tina Varughese. A variety of business professionals from various sectors were invited to speak during the event’s many breakout sessions.
This year’s plenary session, titled ‘Bridging the HR Gap – Adapting to a New Era in Workforce Investment,’ was moderated by ECO Canada’s Kevin Nilson. The discussion featured esteemed panellists, including Colin Guldimann, Economist for RBC; Tricia Williams, Director of Research for Evaluation and Knowledge Mobilization and Future Skills Centre; Robin Cox, Program Head, Climate Action Leadership at Royal Roads University; and Ian Gilchrist, Environment & Sustainability Lead for Western Canada at Hatch.
If you’re interested in attending next year’s festivities, check back with the ECO Impact website for future details. https://ecoimpact.ca/registration/
