Americana 2023 Program
Program
Over 200 environmental professionals, researchers, technicians, managers, and business leaders, who hail from Quebec, Canada, the United States, South America, Europe, and Africa, will be featured in the program of Americana 2023.
Final Program
Americana 2023’s final program is now available! For an overview of the entire event, check out the summary PDF.
To discover all the speakers that will spice up these three days, check out the sections below.
Day 1 - March 20, 2023
Plenary room
- M. Martin Beaudry, president of Réseau Environnement
- M. Benoit Charette, Member for Deux-Montagnes, minister of the Environment, the Fight Against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks and minister Responsible for the Laurentides Region
- conseillère de ville d’arrondissement du Plateau-Mont-Royal et conseillère associée du comité exécutif, conseillère de ville du conseil municipal et membre de la Commission sur l’inspecteur général
- Miss Marie-Pierre Ippersiel, Co-president of Groupe consultatif pour la carboneutralité and CEO of Prima Québec
- M. Jean-François Bolduc, President of SANEXEN
- Miss Maryse Vermette, CEO of Éco Entreprises Québec
- M. Patrick Blethon, executif president Saur Group
- M. Jon Eaton, AWWA
Presented by Matrec.
With Steven Guilbeault – Minister of Environment and Climate Change of Canada and Member of Parliament for Laurier—Sainte-Marie
Moderators of the session :
- Laure Waridel – Author, Columnist, Co-instigator of Mères au front, Environmental and Social Justice Consultant at Trudel, Johnston & Lespérance and Associate Professor at the Institut des sciences de l’environnement at UQAM
- Louise Hénault-Ethier – Director of the Centre Eau Terre Environnement of the Institut National de la recherche scientifique
Réseau Environnement kicks off this new edition of Americana with a high-level discussion on a range of timely topics. In the context of necessary energy transformations, technological innovations and respect of ecosystems limits, how can we collectively ensure continuity and change in the face of ongoing climate crisis and biodiversity collapse? How can we renew our vision of an economy designed for humans and the planet?
This discussion with Canada’s Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, Steven Guilbeault, will address the timely question of how we can build an economy and a society capable of meeting the great challenges of the 21st century.
Water Sector
Room : 520CF
Session presented by AWWA.
Moderator of the session : John Eaton – AWWA.
In the current context, water is one of the resources most affected by the impact of man on the environment. Indeed, water resources are impacted by several issues: scarcity, increase in pollution, increase in extreme events, etc. It is becoming imperative to be able to react and anticipate these problems which are likely to intensify over the next few years. This session will address several technologies, studies and predictions in order to highlight the current major issues and explore ways to improve to preserve this resource.
- Analyzing and monitoring water and wastewater quality for Industrial Processes by Damien Bourgain – Chromatotec
- Quebec engineering to increase the capacity of aerated ponds by Etienne Boutet – Bionest
- Using artificial intelligence to predict favorable conditions for cyanobacteria development by Sonja Behmel – WaterShed Monitoring Europe
Room : 520BE
Session presented by Nordikeau.
Moderator of the session : Houssine Er-Ray – Nordikeau
Climate change brings with it several problems, including scarcity of water. The management of this resource must be a key issue, at the heart of development strategies of municipalities and industries. This session discusses different solutions in terms of managing, saving and reusing this resource.
- Non Revenue Water reduction by Christophe Tanguy – SAUR
- Building water footprint reduction strategy by Eddy Dureuil and Timothé Roy-Bouchard – Solution Ecotime
- Why the Plant of the Future Will Recycle Its Own Waste and Produce Its Own Energy by Richard Arcos – CALLISTO
Room : 518AB
Moderator of the session : Geneviève Aubry – Cteau
In an ever-changing world, it is essential to adapt and innovate in order to respond to new issues. Our partners have innovative ideas to preserve our resource and will be able to present them to you during this session
- The digitalization of the water sector by Alice Guehennec – SAUR
- Prioritise your metal pipe renewals with the A3DV diagnostic by Maxime Hodemon – Groupe Helios and Ronnie Flannery – Groupe Helios
- Beyond information collection: The benefits of consolidated water cycle data management by Vincent Ethier-Bergeron – Nordikeau
More details TBD.
Room : 520AD
Session presented by FNX-INNOV.
Moderator of the session : Audrey Beaudoin – FNX-INNOV
A significant proportion of Quebec’s population as well as world’s population is supplied with water directly from an aquifer. The climatic situation and the environmental impacts associated with it are advancing rapidly and bring their share of dangers and uncertainties concerning the future state of these aquifers. This panel will focus on groundwater from the perspective of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the UN.
Panelists:
- Marie Larocque – UQAM
- Julie Gauthier – Laforest Nova Aqua
- Christine Rivard – Commission géologique du Canada – Direction Québec
Room : 518AB
Session presented by Stantec.
Moderator of the session : Erica Corbeil – Stantec
Protecting water quality is an increasingly important issue these days. Sanitation is at the heart of this awareness-raising and new tools make it possible to take real steps forward in terms of data collection and analysis monitoring, thus facilitating adaptation to climate change and compliance with ministerial standards. This session will address these different aspects as well as Quebec regulatory control.
- Control of non-residential discharges: regulatory application on pre-treatment and sewer discharge standards By Martine Lanoue – Ville de Terrebonne
- AuditEAU : Benchmarking the performance of wastewater systems by Gabriel Cliche with Alain Saladzius – Fondation Rivières
- Techno-Economical Analysis of various process intensification technologies for the conversion of high-purity oxygen (HPO) to complete nutrient removal process at Fish Creek WWTP Alberta by Mehran Andalib – Stantec
Waste Management Sector
Room : 520BE
Session presented by Fonds de solidarité FTQ.
Moderator of the session : Marie-Pierre Donati – Fonds de solidarité FTQ
Major projects are planned in the waste management sector for 2023, including the modernization of Quebec’s deposit and curbside recycling systems. We are fortunate to welcome Normand Bisson from the AQRCB and Maryse Vermette from Éco Entreprises Québec so that they can present the next steps for their organization. Finally, Gaëlle Généreux from TIESS will demonstrate that it is possible to reconcile economic, social and environmental development. By presenting concrete examples of non-profit organizations and cooperatives that have circular business models, we will see that the synergy between the social and circular economy is a concrete lever for developing more inclusive and environmentally friendly communities.
- ÉEQ : the new ordering agent for curbside recycling in Quebec by Maryse Vermette – Éco Entreprises Québec
- Modernizing Quebec’s deposit-refund by Normand Bisson – AQRCB
- Circular economy and social economy: A duo of impact! by Gaëlle Généreux – TIESS
Room : 520AD
Moderator of the session : Lyne Latulippe – Université de Sherbrooke
Ecofiscal policies are a key tool in transitioning to a fairer and more sustainable economy. For many years now, we have seen ecofiscal measures be introduced and adjusted to improve waste management. The “polluter pays” principle has emerged as a powerful means of ensuring compliance, through eco-contributions, variable-rate pricing, waste elimination charges, extended producer responsibility and other strategies. With the introduction in 2024 of a contaminated site remediation fee, these ecofiscal measures will also extend to soil management. During this session, we will be tapping into the expertise of participating specialists to identify the next ecofiscal steps to put in place in Quebec to promote greater sustainability in the economy. The findings from this activity will guide the opening panel discussions on March 22.
Room : 520BE
Session presented by Desjardins.
Moderator of the session : Nancy Goudreau – Desjardins
With the evolution of environmental concerns, business economic models have greatly evolved over the years. Nowadays, it is crucial to remember the importance of the circular economic model based on the 3RV-E concept. This hierarchy prioritizes actions to evolve the ultimate residue and that is why it is important to dedicate our efforts to it. It is our duty to optimize the use of our resources at all stages of the life cycle of a good or service, reducing our environmental footprint and contributing to the well-being of individuals and communities. Therefore, the objective of this panel will be to represent, on a global scale, initiatives that advocate this circular logic in its entirety to influence a collective movement towards a continuous improvement of our economic model.
Panelists :
- Daniel Normandin – CERIEC
- Sonia Gagné – RECYC-QUÉBEC
- Florent Bouguin – Groupe OPTEL
Air, Climate Change and Energy Sector
Room : 520AD
Moderator of the session : Vincent Moreau, Fonds Climat du Grand Montréal
In Quebec, the transportation sector is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases (GHG). Therefore, this session will put forward solutions promoting sustainable mobility that contribute to decarbonize the transportation sector.
- Reducing GHG emissions in Quebec : a concrete plan and tools for action by Jean-François Béland and Ingrid Zamboni – Investissement Québec
- Structural actions to reduce our transportation footprint through land use planning by Éline Bonnemains – Vivre en Ville
- The REM, a lever for the decarbonization of transportation in Montreal by Elizabeth Boivin – CDPQ Infra
Room : 520CF
Session presented by The Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs contributes to the sustainable development of Québec (MELCCFP)
Moderator of the session : Stéphan Gagnon – MELCCFP
Waste heat recovery is a solution that can help contribute directly to improving energy efficiency and conservation by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy consumption. Recovering waste heat and using it to meet heating needs elsewhere is the very embodiment of the principles of reuse and reduction inherent in the circular economy.
- Opening conference – Waste heat recovery by Stéphan Gagnon – MELCCFP
- Toundra Greenhouse by Eric Dubé – Serres Toundra
- Zibi Project by Geneviève Lussier – Eequinox
- Humano District by Simon Bérubé – Énergère
Room : 520BE
Session presented by Desjardins.
Moderator of the session : Nancy Goudreau – Desjardins
With the evolution of environmental concerns, business economic models have greatly evolved over the years. Nowadays, it is crucial to remember the importance of the circular economic model based on the 3RV-E concept. This hierarchy prioritizes actions to evolve the ultimate residue and that is why it is important to dedicate our efforts to it. It is our duty to optimize the use of our resources at all stages of the life cycle of a good or service, reducing our environmental footprint and contributing to the well-being of individuals and communities. Therefore, the objective of this panel will be to represent, on a global scale, initiatives that advocate this circular logic in its entirety to influence a collective movement towards a continuous improvement of our economic model.
Panelists :
- Daniel Normandin – CERIEC
- Sonia Gagné – RECYC-QUÉBEC
- Florent Bouguin – Groupe OPTEL
Room : 520CF
Moderator of the session : Nicolas Turgeon – Investissement Québec – CRIQ
Air quality and industrial disturbances are important to consider for the well-being of the populations. Thus, this session will present solutions and methodologies that can be used to optimize this management.
- Using citizen input in a beneficial way by Elisabeth Lord – Air & Odeur Inc.
- Continuous detection and quantification of odorous compounds on site by integrated automatic analyzer by Manuel Almarcha – Chromatotec with Jean-Michel Amiet
- For a better representation of fugitive dust emissions by François Châteauneuf – INO
Room : 518C
Moderator of the session : Nathalie Oum – Société québécoise des infrastructures
Green and blue infrastructures have an important role to play in adapting urban environments to climate hazards. This session will address the role that these infrastructures can play in a sustainable urban development.
- Reconnecting nature and care: a perspective on the design and integration of green spaces in healthcare facilities by Samuel Charlebois – Nature Québec
- Performance of green infrastructure for stormwater management in Quebec
by Sophie Duchesne – INRS - Making Room for Nature in Industrial Zones by Jeanne-Hélène Jugie – CRE-Montréal
Soil and Groundwater Sector
Room : 518C
Moderator of the session : Patrick Fournier – Tetra Tech
The development of new technologies, sustainable innovations and effective practices are crucial to rehabilitate our soils and achieve the objectives of revitalization of territories, in Quebec and around the world. The conferences of this session will present some of these global practices and technological innovations in order to inspire and equip all actors in the field.
- Reference framework for managing contaminated sites under public stewardship
by Éric Hardy SNC-Lavalin, Olivia Dawson MELCCFP, Sarah Blondin SNC-Lavalin, Matthieu François SNC-Lavalin - In Situ Biogeochemical Process for the Treatment of Chlorinated Organics and Metals by Malika Bendouz – Chemco
- Combined Technologies and In Situ Remediation in a Geologically Sensitive Area (Utica Shale): Using Chemical and Biological Oxidation to Treat Fuel Oil Contamination by Christophe Gamsonré – Enutech
Room : 520AD
Moderator of the session : Lyne Latulippe – Université de Sherbrooke
Ecofiscal policies are a key tool in transitioning to a fairer and more sustainable economy. For many years now, we have seen ecofiscal measures be introduced and adjusted to improve waste management. The “polluter pays” principle has emerged as a powerful means of ensuring compliance, through eco-contributions, variable-rate pricing, waste elimination charges, extended producer responsibility and other strategies. With the introduction in 2024 of a contaminated site remediation fee, these ecofiscal measures will also extend to soil management. During this session, we will be tapping into the expertise of participating specialists to identify the next ecofiscal steps to put in place in Quebec to promote greater sustainability in the economy. The findings from this activity will guide the opening panel discussions on March 22.
Room : 518C
Moderator of the session : Christophe Gamsonré – Enutech
Degraded sites such as sandpits, quarries and roadsides can be found throughout Quebec in varying numbers and sizes. This series of presentations will take a closer look at various strategies that have been put in place both within the province and elsewhere in order to shed light on some of the more effective and long-term remediation solutions that can be used to address this issue of growing concern.
- Lending nature a helping hand in reclaiming sandpits by Jonathan Doucet – MRC de Maria-Chapdelaine
- Enhanced Bioremediation of Contaminated Soils using Sustainable Soil Amendments by Fayaz Lakhwala – Evonik
- Remediation methods by risk analysis adapted to complex degraded sites by Simon Meunier – SANEXEN
Room : 520AD
Session presented by FNX-INNOV.
Moderator of the session : Audrey Beaudoin – FNX-INNOV
A significant proportion of Quebec’s population as well as world’s population is supplied with water directly from an aquifer. The climatic situation and the environmental impacts associated with it are advancing rapidly and bring their share of dangers and uncertainties concerning the future state of these aquifers. This panel will focus on groundwater from the perspective of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the UN.
Panelists:
- Marie Larocque – UQAM
- Julie Gauthier – Laforest Nova Aqua
- Christine Rivard – Commission géologique du Canada – Direction Québec
Biodiversity Sector
Room : 518C
Moderator of the session : Nathalie Oum – Société québécoise des infrastructures
Green and blue infrastructures have an important role to play in adapting urban environments to climate hazards. This session will address the role that these infrastructures can play in a sustainable urban development.
- Reconnecting nature and care: a perspective on the design and integration of green spaces in healthcare facilities by Samuel Charlebois – Nature Québec
- Performance of green infrastructure for stormwater management in Quebec
by Sophie Duchesne – INRS - Making Room for Nature in Industrial Zones by Jeanne-Hélène Jugie – CRE-Montréal
Multi-sector
Room : 518AB
Session presented by Sanexen.
Moderator of the session : Martin Bureau – Sanexen
Quebec is recognized for its strong performance in energy and electricity and its advances in innovation and the environment. More than $7.5 billion will be invested in the next few years to provide Quebec with a solid foundation in research and innovation. In this context, there are real opportunities for Quebec companies to further integrate their innovations, whether in Canada or abroad.
This session aims to facilitate the conversations, meetings and collaborations that are essential to nurture innovation and raise awareness of the ecosystem of support available to Quebec-based environmental companies to reach their full potential and execute their commercialization plans abroad. In the context of an accelerated global transition, the competitiveness of Quebec’s innovation sector will only improve.
Conferences :
- Economic outlook on the innovation sector and major international opportunities by Marie-Ève Jean – Investissement Québec
- The major issues of innovation by Martin Bureau – SANEXEN
- Discussion on the opportunities, the major challenges, the ecosystem of support from which Quebec companies benefit in order to reach their full potential and their competitiveness in the international innovation sector by Marie-Claude Lagacé – Conseil de l’Innovation
Florent Bouguin – OPTEL
Serge Bessette et Martin Pressé – Groupe Lavergne
Christophe Charbault – PremierTech
Day 2 - March 21, 2023
Plenary room
Session presented by the CPQ.
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria encompass all of a company’s activities and take into account the effects they have on society or the environment. But ESG is primarily a risk management tool to improve long-term risk-adjusted returns. ESG thus invites the financial system to contribute to the transition to a more inclusive world and a sustainable planet for the next generations. This panel will present current and future ESG perspectives and how they can contribute to business success. Guest speakers from industry, insurance and finance will share their own backgrounds and experiences and answer questions from the moderator and participants.
Panelists :
- Nancy Goudreau, Managing Director, Sustainable financing at Desjardins
- Paul Copti, Senior Vice President in the Construction & Infrastructure practice at Marsh Canada
- Karl Blackburn, President and CEO of the Quebec Employers Council
- Matthew Rusk, Head of Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) North America
Water Sector
Room : 520AD
Moderator of the session : Justin Leroux – HEC Montréal
More details to come.
Room : 520CF
Session prensented by CentrEau.
Moderator of the session : Janie Masse-Dufresne – École de technologie supérieure (ETS)
Scientific research plays a key role in understanding how water resources can impact on human health on the one hand, and serve public health on the other. It enables the development of innovative approaches at all stages of the water cycle to constantly strive for improved management of the resource. CentrEau, the Quebec Water Management Research Centre, works in this direction by federating and mobilising the scientific knowledge developed by its research members. Through this session, CentrEau proposes a journey through the water cycle that will address wastewater, groundwater and drinking water, and will allow us to learn more about the major advances related to the role of water and research in the protection of human health.
- StaRRE for infectious disease epidemiology, or recovering information from wastewater to manage public health by Dominic Frigon – Université McGill & co-animateur Peter Vanrolleghem – Université Laval
- Prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in the water cycle and impact of people’s lifestyles by Helena Ferreira Leal de Carvalho Toledo – Polytechnique Montréal / Université de Montréal
- Comprehensive set of decision criteria for the evaluation of wastewater management alternatives; application to a municipality in Quebec, Canada by Pouria Soleimani – Polytechnique Montréal
- From rock to tap : Metal contaminants threaten groundwater resources by Debra Hausladen – Université de Sherbrooke
Room : 520CF
Session presented by Nordikeau.
Moderator of the session : Jean-François Bergeron – Nordikeau
Challenges that future generations will have to face are new and growing every year. The asset maintenance deficit is one of these challenges and it is essential to act now. This panel will focus on management of water assets in Quebec and abroad and on the tools aimed at enhancing and improving the practices of water services.
Panelists :
- Maéva Ambros – CERIU (co-conférencier Marc Didier Joseph)
- Justin Leroux – HEC Montréal
- Catherine Loriot – FCM
Waste Management Sector
Room : 520BE
Moderator of the session : Janie-Claude Viens – Concertation Montréal
Due to the growing phenomenon of ephemeral fashion, the continuous increase of the world’s population as well as the difficulty of treating the materials from this exploitation, the textile industry is one of the most polluting industries. It is therefore crucial to leverage everyone’s efforts to move towards a circular economy model for this industry. The goal of this session is to demonstrate solutions and alternatives to the entire cycle of the textile industry, from production to treatment, on a global scale, to reinvigorate people’s hope for this industry and to inspire participants in the transition to a circular textile economy.
- Circular economy and consumer awareness in the fashion and apparel sector by Ennouri Triki – Vestechpro
- Opportunities for Textile Waste Diversion by Sabine Weber
- Post-consumption textiles : a field of opportunities by Marianne-Coquelicot Mercier – Consultant in ciruclar economy in textil industry
Room : 520BE
Session presented by Englobe.
Moderator of the session : Serge Loubier – Englobe
Around the world, innovations never cease to surprise us. With the climate crisis, we can see that emerging technologies in the environmental field are growing rapidly. The field of waste management is no exception to the rule. Several new technologies now make it possible for residual waste to be genuinely disposed of. The improvement of the management of our end-of-life materials depends imperatively on technological advances and therefore the sharing of expertise becomes an important asset in the improvement of our practices on a large scale. The goal of this session is to present international technological innovations that will inspire and equip all stakeholders in the field to continuously improve the management of our waste.
- The environmental impact of electrification: challenges, obstacles, issues and solutions for optimal management of materials related to the energy transition in a circular economy perspective by Laura Cicciarelli – RECYC-QUÉBEC
- From waste to fuel: looking at the technological core of energy recovery by Alexandre Roux – Machinex
- Sorting of household waste and detour of materials to landfill in the MRC Beauce-Sartigan by François Léveillée – Environnement Viridis
- Discover the potential of artificial intelligence to improve waste management by Michel Dubois – MILA
Room : 520BE
Session presented by Englobe.
Moderator of the session : Benoit Nantel – Englobe
With the increasing amount of waste worldwide, it is now common to see new regulations regarding the management of waste. With most engineered landfills reaching their maximum capacity, not to mention those that have already exceeded it, it is of particular interest to learn about the regulations in place that are influencing the reduction of materials sent to landfill. The purpose of this session will be to share regulatory applications from around the world, to recognize successes from one continent to another, and to open the door to the replicability of regulatory systems to reduce the disposal of our waste.
- The right to repair in order to reduce the need for disposal by Amélie Côté – Équiterre
- Waste reduction: regulations as a lever in Gatineau by Annie-France Major – Ville de Gatineau
- Mascouche and Terrebonne: Two by-laws to ban and implement eco-taxes on single-use items by Pascal Dubé and Andréanne Fiola – Ville de Mascouche
Air, Climate Change and Energy Sector
Room : 518AB
Presented by Desjardins.
Moderator of the session : Gildas Poissonnier – Desjardins
This panel looks at the path to carbon neutrality. The challenges and opportunities of this process will be discussed. In order to reach our GHG emission reduction goals, it is necessary to review our current practices and to be innovative.
Panelists :
- Hélène Lauzon – Conseil Patronal de l’Environnement du Québec (CPEQ)
- Dr Stephan Williams – Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM)
- Jonathan Théorêt – Ville de Montréal
Room : 520AD
Moderator of the session : Justin Leroux – HEC Montréal
More details to come.
Room : 518C
Session presented by The Net-Zero Advisory Body.
Moderator of the session : Marie-Pierre Ippersiel – The Net-Zero Advisory Body / PRIMA Québec
What does Canada need to do to compete and stand out in a Net-Zero emissions future? Get the latest advice from Canada’s Net-Zero Advisory Body, and learn about the ties that bind the various players, all of whom have a role to play.
Marie-Pierre Ippersiel, Co-Chair of the NZAB, will present the NZAB, some of the solutions from the NZAB’s annual report, Compete and Succeed in a Net-Zero Future, to set the table for a discussion on the roles of different actors in all areas of society in achieving carbon neutrality in Canada.
She will be joined by Julien Bourque of the Canadian Climate Institute, Dr. Alain Webster, Chair of the Quebec Government’s Advisory Committee on Climate Change, Senator Rosa Galvez of the Senate of Canada and Jean-Philippe Hardy, Director, Buildings at Dunsky Energy + Climate. All of them will share their thoughts on the risks and opportunities in a net-zero emissions economy.
Panelists :
- Julien Bourque – L’Institut climatique du Canada
- Sénatrice Rosa Galvez – Sénat du Canada
- Alain Webster – Université de Sherbrooke / Comité consultatif sur les changements climatiques
Room : 520AD
Moderator of the session : Didier Octeau – Construction de Défense Canada
Recent climatic events, such as drought and heavy rainfall, have caused countries to take a closer look at the issues surrounding soil conservation. Although often overlooked when discussing climate change, our soils are a fundamental tool to mitigate and reduce the impacts of this new reality. In this panel, our panelists will highlight the many benefits that we can gain from using and managing soils in the fight against climate change.
Panelists :
- Antoine Bianchi – ABi Enviro-Solutions
- Marie-Josée Lamothe – Northex Environment Inc.
- Berend Velderman – Geosyntec
Room : 518AB
Session presented by Canadian Renewal Energy Association
Moderator of the session : Jean Habel – Canadian Renewal Energy Association
These conferences will illustrate the capacity of important actors to act for a green and ecological transition. The Net-Zero Advisory Body (NZAB) will present its 10 values and principles that will guide organisations and governments in achieving carbon neutrality, while Quebec City’s 2021-2025 Climate Transition and Action Plan will be presented with the latest results and orientations. Governments and organisations around the world no longer have a choice when it comes to reducing GHG emissions and achieving carbon neutrality. Learn about inspiring examples and recommendations to initiate the green transition.
- Achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2050: Applying the Values and Principles of the Net-Zero Advisory Body by Marie-Pierre Ippersiel – GCPC / PRIMA Québec
- Quebec City’s Climate Change and Transition Plan: Leveraging Innovation to Drive the Sustainability Transition by William Grou – Ville de Québec
Soil and Groundwater Sector
Room : 520AD
Moderator of the session : Benoit Lacroix Vachon – Les Services EXP inc.
- Highlights of the Regulation respecting the reclamation of residual materials by Karine Boies – Cain Lamarre avocats et notaires
More details to come.
Room : 518AB
Moderator of the session : Samuel Roger – Signaterre
Dubbed “eternal chemicals” by the media, PFAS pose unique challenges due to their persistence, rotating life cycle, and distinctive chemical characteristics. As per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) become a growing concern in the soil sector, this conferences session will explore PFAS sources, potential alternatives, and current regulatory approaches and guidance in the field to further the understanding of the presence and persistence of volatile PFAS in industrially contaminated soils.
- Quality of Wastewater-Derived Biosolids and Fertilizers : Environmental Monitoring and Risk Assessment for PFAS and Other Contaminants of Emerging Concern to Increase the Efficiency of Recycling Markets by Agathe Vialle – MELCCFP
- Removal of PFAS from landfill leachate using foam fractionation by Martin Bureau – SANEXEN Services Environnementaux
- Innovative In Situ solution to persistent PFAS Groundwater and Soil contamination by Julian Bosch – Intrapore
Room : 520AD
Moderator of the session : Didier Octeau – Construction de Défense Canada
Recent climatic events, such as drought and heavy rainfall, have caused countries to take a closer look at the issues surrounding soil conservation. Although often overlooked when discussing climate change, our soils are a fundamental tool to mitigate and reduce the impacts of this new reality. In this panel, our panelists will highlight the many benefits that we can gain from using and managing soils in the fight against climate change.
Panelists :
- Antoine Bianchi – ABI Enviro-Solutions
- Marie-Josée Lamothe – Northex Environment Inc.
- Berend Velderman – Geosyntec
Biodiversity Sector
Room : 518C
Session presented by ECO Canada.
Moderator of the session : Geni Peters – ECO Canada
Humans have significantly altered the planet’s land and have had a significant negative impact on much of the oceans, so that it is estimated that about a quarter of species are threatened with extinction. In order to stabilize and reduce the current rates of loss of biodiversity and natural areas around the world, threatening the natural life support system, the 30% by 2030 target aims to take ambitious action to address the global biodiversity crisis. The UN High Ambition Coalition for People and Nature’s initiative is pushing countries to commit to these protection targets and sparking new conservation action around the globe. This session will be an opportunity to present some of these actions around the world.
- Investing in Biodiversity: Some Promising Avenues to Explore in Quebec by Jérôme Dupras – UQO et Chaire de recherche du Canada en économie écologique
- Biodiversity indicators to guide the decisions of Quebec financial institutions by Diego Creimer – SNAP Québec
Room : 520AD
Moderator of the session : Justin Leroux – HEC Montréal
More details to come.
Room : 518C
Moderator of the session : Oumoul Sy – Ville de Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu
Communication is an essential element of conservation biology. Over the years, natural environments have been transformed and humans have gradually distanced themselves from nature and its benefits. To counter this trend and make visible the impacts of ecosystem degradation on our daily lives, it is essential to communicate the goods and services that these environments provide. This panel will focus on severals perspectives that can be approached with different audiences in order to get them to take action to protect ecosystems and the quality of life of our planet.
Panelists :
- Fabio Henrique Pereira – Université Laval
- Luc Tittley – Environment and Climate Change Canada
- Nicolas Gruyer – Biôdome de Montréal
Multi-sector
Room : 520CF
Session presented by AWWA.
Moderator of the session : Jon Eaton – AWWA.
Access to quality drinking water is a vital need for all. Nevertheless, fears continue to grow with regard to contaminants of emerging interest. This panel is therefore interested in the challenges, dangers, technologies and existing solutions to better understand and solve the problems related to emerging contaminants of interest.
Panelists :
- Jean Paquin – SANEXEN
- Sébastien Sauvé
- Shirley Ann Smith
Room : 520AD
Moderator of the session : Didier Octeau – Construction de Défense Canada
Recent climatic events, such as drought and heavy rainfall, have caused countries to take a closer look at the issues surrounding soil conservation. Although often overlooked when discussing climate change, our soils are a fundamental tool to mitigate and reduce the impacts of this new reality. In this panel, our panelists will highlight the many benefits that we can gain from using and managing soils in the fight against climate change.
Panelists :
- Antoine Bianchi – ABi Enviro-solutions
- Marie-Josée Lamothe – Northex Environment Inc.
- Marie-Josée Lamothe – Northex Environment Inc.
- Berend Velderman – Geosyntec
Day 3 - March 22, 2023
Plenary room
Moderator of the session : François Delorme – Economist at University of Sherbrooke
Ecofiscal Policy is an essential tool for a successful transition to a more sustainable and fair economy. Implementing such policies requires a rigorous economic vision and a good dose of political determination. Over the course of the three days of Americana 2023, several findings and recommendations related to ecofiscal policy will be made. In this final plenary, which will take the form of a panel, invited speakers will discuss the policy aspects and feasibility of implementing eco-fiscal proposals that have emerged from discussions throughout this edition of Americana. Our panelists are drawn from senior levels of the provincial and federal governments in Canada and Quebec and will share their perspectives, experiences and analysis on the implementation of eco-fiscal measures in the North American political and economic context.
Panelists :
- Yves Giroux – Parliamentary Budget Officer, Canada
- Nicolas Marceau – Quebec Minister of Finance from 2012 to 2014
- Carlos Leitão – Quebec Minister of Finance from 2014 to 2018
Water Sector
Room : 520AD
Session presented by Nordikeau.
Moderator of the session : Benoit Dion – Nordikeau
Currently, preservation and protection of water resources are major issues. Helping citizens understand these issues is a crucial first step in achieving resource preservation objectives. This workshop aims to encourage everyone to reflect on the importance of informing and educating the population from an early age on the necessity of protecting and preserving this resource.
- Benoit Chevrier – Le centre d’interprétation de l’eau
Room : 518AB
Session presented by Nordikeau.
Moderator of the session : Jean-François Audet – Nordikeau
Nowadays, stormy episodes are intensifying both in terms of water volume and frequency. These events make the treatment of water in factories more and more difficult. This leads, subsequently, to discharges of waste and untreated water directly into rivers. This session will focus on existing technologies allowing better control and more adequate management of overflow water in order to minimize discharges.
- Options for Managing and Treating Combined Sewer Overflows by Christian Scott – Veolia Water Technologies Canada
- Incorporating Retention Basins into Montreal’s Automated Interceptor Management System (CIDI) by Martin Pleau – Tetra Tech
- Sustainable stormwater management: Exchanging expertise, sharing governance and adaptability – France-Quebec cooperation by Pascale Rouillé – Urbanist and president-founder of Les Ateliers Ublo
Room : 520CF
Session presented by Stantec.
Moderator of the session : Beatriz Ramos – Stantec
Wastewater treatment faces many challenges, especially in the context of climate change. Many different technologies exist to ensure the quality of our releases. This session will focus on innovative biofiltration technologies and provide solutions for treatment plants to maximize their efficiency using advanced technologies.
- Wastewater secondary-treatment using BAF technology : Peacehaven WWTP, Brighton UK – Case study by Arthur Umble – Stantec
- Putting 10 pounds of upgrades in a 5 pound box: What Quebec Can Learn from Seoul’s Recent Wastewater Intensification & Upgrade Program by Jonathan Liberzon – Tomorrow Water
Waste Management Sector
Room : 520BE
Session presented by RECYC-QUÉBEC.
Moderator of the session : Sophie Langlois-Blouin – RECYC-QUÉBEC
Today, climate change initiatives are at the center of many of our ambitions. Around the world, the fight against food loss and waste is gaining momentum. The problem is that these organic materials end up in landfills and produce methane gas, not to mention that the resources needed to produce this material have also been wasted. It is therefore important to look at all the possible initiatives, on a global scale, to fight against this problem linked mainly to overconsumption. The goal of the session will be to present measures that go through the 3RV-E steps to influence the habits of citizens as well as to bring changes within companies.
- The roots of food waste by Estelle Richard – Auteure et organisatrice communautaire au CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale
- Falling in love with an issue! by Guillaume Cantin – La Transformerie
- Taking action to stop food waste in Montreal by Mariane Maltais-Guilbault – Ville de Montréal
Room : 520BE
Session presented by Éco Entreprises Québec.
Moderator of the session : Philippe Cantin – ÉEQ
With the evolution of environmental concerns, business economic models have greatly evolved over the years. Nowadays, it is crucial to remember the importance of the circular economic model based on the 3RV-E concept. The material marketing stage is critical. Indeed, it is easier to foresee the end-of-life management of a product during the post-market stage than once it is already designed, produced, and sold. Eco-design is the key to this stage. With more than 22 million tons of plastic released into the environment each year, the design of consumer goods requires special attention. This panel will showcase international eco-design initiatives to reduce the amount of material send to landfill.
Panelists :
- Louis Papineau – Papineau & Co
- Rémi Boquien – Éco-Plastiques
- Cindy Vaucher – Retournzy
Air, Climate Change and Energy Sector
Room : 518AB
Moderator of the session : Jean-Michel Champagne – HEC Montréal
Building construction involves significant embodied carbon emissions associated with the production of building materials over their entire life cycle. Thanks to computer modeling systems, it is now possible to calculate all the emissions of a building during its construction, operation and demolition. This allows us to make choices at the planning stage of a project that will concretely reduce GHG emissions without affecting its functions. This panel will explore different perspectives on architectural choices, the content of plans and specifications, and the final results of large construction projects through a holistic view and accessible modeling tools.
Panelists:
- Laure Gérard – National Centre of expertise for Public Services and Procurement Canada
- Steve Poulin – Société québécoise des infrastructures
- Philippe St-Jean – McGill University
Room :518C
Session presented by CarbOne Biodiversité.
Moderator of the session : Christine Ouellet – CarbOne Biodiversité Inc.
Man-made climate change is a reality. In all regions of the world, we are seeing risks that were once only theoretical become the new reality of the present day. Although biodiversity provides goods and services that are essential both for adapting to the effects of climate change and for mitigating climate change, it too is directly threatened by climate change. In many parts of the world, species composition has been altered and species have been lost at a rate of 100-1000 times greater than normal. This panel will discuss the links and bi-directional impacts of these two major global challenges, the biodiversity crisis and climate change.
Panelists :
- Rachel Charbonneau – Nature Québec
- Sébastien Angers – Ferme de l’Odyssée
- Evelyne Thiffault – Université Laval
Biodiversity Sector
Room : 518C
Moderator of the session : Caroline Bisson – Corridor Appalachien
It is certainly essential to conserve natural areas and ensure access to nature in all environments, but what about its presence in urbanized areas? The protection of biodiversity has become a priority for many cities and towns. Although it is omnipresent and its actions are not always visible on a daily basis, it is nevertheless at the service of the environment, ensuring the proper functioning of ecosystems, the diversity of our food, etc. This conference session will provide an overview of several initiatives to enhance biodiversity in cities and increase the integration of such solutions in our urban territories.
- Increasing biodiversity: at the heart of Greater Montreal’s ecological transition by Nicolas Milot – Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal
- An innovative approach to urban biodiversity and ecosystem service monitoring
by Christian Messier – Habitat - A new lung for the island east of Montreal by Benoit Tendeng – SNAP Québec
Room : 518C
Session presented by CarbOne Biodiversité.
Moderator of the session : Christine Ouellet – CarbOne Biodiversité Inc.
Man-made climate change is a reality. In all regions of the world, we are seeing risks that were once only theoretical become the new reality of the present day. Although biodiversity provides goods and services that are essential both for adapting to the effects of climate change and for mitigating climate change, it too is directly threatened by climate change. In many parts of the world, species composition has been altered and species have been lost at a rate of 100-1000 times greater than normal. This panel will discuss the links and bi-directional impacts of these two major global challenges, the biodiversity crisis and climate change.
Panelists :
- Rachel Charbonneau – Nature Québec
- Sébastien Angers – Ferme de l’Odyssée
- Evelyne Thiffault – Université Laval
Multi-sector
Room : 520CF
Moderator of the session : Pascal Geneviève – CCG
Adaptation is an issue that affects all spheres of society. Thus, it is necessary to coordinate actions with different stakeholders, such as private, public, academic and civil society actors. This panel will address the necessary elements to consider in order to mobilize and coordinate these actors for the effective implementation of climate change adaptation measures.
- Raphaëlle Fréchon – Chaire de recherche du Canada en économie écologique, Université du Québec en Outaouais
- Pierre Valois – Université Laval
- Vincent Loiselle – Environnement et Changement climatique Canada
- Martijn Pakker – Institute for the European environnemental Policy
Room : 520AD
Session presented by Atout Recrutement.
Moderator of the session : Robert Dubé – Atout Recrutement
The job market is undergoing profound transformation and is forcing all organizations to adapt to this new reality. A better knowledge of major market trends and the particularities of the environmental sector allows agile organizations to better do well. During this conference session, unpublished data from very recent studies on the environmental job market will be provided to you so that you are better equipped to navigate the current job market.
- Geni Peters – ECO Canada
- Dodier Dominique – EnviroCompétences
- Emna Braham- Institut du Québec
Études de cas, informations techniques et scientifiques, résultats de recherches innovantes et présentations de projets inspirants pimenteront les 100 conférences du Salon. Ces conférences, panels et tables rondes seront regroupés sous forme de session thématique, s’inscrivant dans les secteurs de l’eau, Sols et Eaux Souterraines, Air, Changements climatiques et Énergie, Biodiversité, Matières résiduelles.
Vous souhaitez faire partie de la programmation de cet événement incontournable ? L’appel à conférences est maintenant ouvert ! Vous pouvez soumettre une proposition de conférence jusqu’au 4 novembre 2022.
Session 2
Air, Changements climatiques et Énergie
Réduire les émissions de GES grâce à la mobilité durable
Favoriser la décarbonation en améliorant la résilience et la coordination du secteur de l’électricité
Transition énergétique: les défis et les opportunités
La gestion de la qualité de l’air pour protéger la santé des populations
Impressionnez-nous
Biodiversité
Comment atteindre l’objectif de protection de 30% des terres et dans les océans d’ici 2030 ?
La valorisation de la biodiversité dans les villes
Impressionnez-nous
Eau
Les solutions aux pénuries d’eau
La sensibilisation au service de la protection de la ressource en eau
L’assainissement et la protection de la qualité d’eau
L’apport d’une saine gestion des eaux pluviales dans un contexte de préservation de la ressource en eau
L’importance du financement du service d’eau et de la gestion d’actif pour les générations futures
Les solutions innovantes pour protéger l’or bleu
Impressionnez-nous
Matières résiduelles
Les synergies et les bons coups en économie circulaire
Initiatives pour contrer le gaspillage alimentaire (citoyens, ICI, gouvernements) et résultats)
Gestion des textiles (solutions et alternatives, impacts de l’exportation, etc.)
Technologies émergentes en matières résiduelles (gestion des matériaux difficiles à traiter (plastiques d’hôpitaux, palmes d’éolienne, batteries lithium, etc.), projets d’universités, etc.)
Les règlements qui ont un impact sur l’élimination (applications règlementaires, bons coups et résultats)
Impressionnez-nous
Sols et Eaux souterraines
Stratégies de valorisation des sols faiblement contaminés dans un contexte d’économie verte
Qualité des eaux souterraines
Technologies durables, innovations et pratiques efficaces en réhabilitation des sols
Impressionnez-nous
Multisectoriel
Écofiscalité : mécanismes financiers au service de l’environnement
Implantation d’une politique de durabilité au sein d’organisation (ESG)
La cybersécurité et la gestion des données dans les villes de demain
Comment allier développement économique et préservation de l’environnement/des ressources naturelles ?
Liens et impacts des changements climatiques sur la crise de la biodiversité
L’usage des sols pour lutter contre les changements climatiques
Comment mobiliser les différents acteurs pour l’adaptation aux changements climatiques
Le rôle des infrastructures vertes et bleues dans un aménagement urbain durable
Étude de cas à succès et acceptabilité sociale en valorisation énergétique
Rôle des eaux souterraines dans l’atteinte des objectifs de développement durable de l’ONU
La gestion des contaminants d’intérêt émergent
Impressionnez-nous
