Session 1A: Trends in Sustainable Chemistry 1

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Academic research is where it all begins. Green chemists from across Canada and all over the world are discovering new chemical products and processes with the potential to address global challenges of sustainability.

The three speakers in this session will discuss the discovery of innovative applications of non-fossil fuel based biological materials. All three speakers will not only present their newest research but will also share their personal experiences and the challenges they have encountered in commercializing green technologies.

Moderator:
Dr. Thomas Baumgartner, Associate Professor, University of Calgary

Speakers:
Dr. Emily Cranston, Assistant Professor, McMaster University
Dr. Audrey Moores, Assistant Professor, McGill University
Jonathan Carley, Vice President, Business Development, CO2 Solution

Session 2A: Case Studies in Achieving Sustainability Goals

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“Sustainability” is a goal many companies are trumpeting in their communications to shareholders and the public. Nevertheless, implementing corporate change that has a real impact on the environment has to clear many hurdles and the scrutiny of skeptics. This session is intended to highlight stories of corporate initiatives that have an impact within the core functions of chemical manufacturing operations. We hear the “why” and the “how” of reaching sustainability goals.

Moderator:
Richard Skorpenske, Polyurethane Advocacy and Sustainability, Bayer MaterialScience

Panel:
Dr. Hamdy Khalil, Global Director, Woodbridge Group
Dr. Nathalie Martin-Ionesco, Hydrex Global Director, Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies
Ellen McGregor, CEO, Fielding Chemical Technologies Inc.

Session 4A: How Do You Know if it’s Green?

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Some have said that instead of talking about “green” chemistry we should only be talking about “greener” chemistry. Every natural or manufacturing process has some measureable environmental impact. How do we compare different processes or materials? How deeply do we need to dig into the total life cycle of every component to make an educated choice? Do we have the right tools (toxicology, environmental impact data) to make informed decisions?
Experts on green chemistry explain the tools and approaches to assessing the real meaning of “green.”

Moderator:
Dr. Michael Cunningham, Professor, Queen’s University

Panel:
Dr. John Peterson Myers, Chief Scientist, Environmental Health Sciences
Charlene Wall-Warren, Sustainability Leader, BASF
Joy Romero, Vice President Technology Development, Canadian Natural Resources Ltd