New Environmental Research Centre Announced

An environmental engineering research centre that will help the province reach its environmental goals and create economic opportunities was announced today, Nov. 21, in Halifax.

Mark Parent, Minister of Environment and Labour, made the announcement at a breakfast with members of Nova Scotia's academic community.

"Nova Scotia requires a focal point for environmental research," said Mr. Parent. "The centre will bring together researchers from across the province to conduct environmental research that will make a difference in Nova Scotia."

The research centre is a joint project between the province of Nova Scotia and six academic institutions: Nova Scotia Agricultural College, Dalhousie, Saint Mary's, St. Francis Xavier, Acadia and Cape Breton University.

The centre will help university researchers develop and commercialize environmental engineering projects. Research will be conducted on a variety of projects dealing with climate change, water preservation, waste reduction and renewable energy.

"Not only will the centre provide research to help us meet our environmental goals, it will also help create economic opportunities for Nova Scotians," said Mr. Parent. "Scientists and engineers will conduct research that will allow us to export technology to new markets."

The centre, which received $66,000 from the Department of Environment and Labour for administration, will help Nova Scotia reach its goal of being internationally recognized as having one of the greenest and most sustainable environments in the world by 2020.