2020 Conference Program

• Sav Dhaliwal, Chair, Metro Vancouver Board
• Malcolm Brodie, Chair, National Zero Waste Council
• Representative, Government of Canada
• Representative, Province of British Columbia

•  Beau Lotto, Professor of Neuroscience and Author and Founder & CEO, Lab of Misfits

Adapting and Thriving in an Ever-Changing World

Life is rapidly changing, challenging each of us to adapt to an increasingly uncertain world. But for those of us passionate about systems change and innovation, these are also times of great opportunity.

In his opening keynote, neuroscientist and entrepreneur Dr. Beau Lotto will shed light on how we can ‘embrace uncertainty’ to drive positive changes in our local and global communities. Using the latest in brain science, Dr. Lotto will explore the nature of innovation and offer insights into how we may use today’s upheavals as a springboard to a more equitable and sustainable future.

Your ideas and questions take centre stage in an interactive session with Dr. Beau Lotto following the opening keynote.

Moderator: Kathryn Gretsinger, Associate Professor at UBC School of Journalism, Writing and Media

If you’ve been searching for practical examples of the circular economy in action, you need look no further than the two trailblazing companies featured in this session. Learn how business leaders are forging ahead with innovative circular economy business models and finding commercial success.

• Wanjiru Waweru Waithaka, Founder and CEO, Funkidz and FunHomes
• Felix Böck, Founder and CEO, ChopValue Manufacturing
• Dihan Chandra, Founder and Managing Director, The Spent Goods Company
• Josephine Abate, Sustainability Officer, Keilhauer

Moderator: Kathryn Gretsinger, Associate Professor at UBC School of Journalism, Writing and Media

Network, chat, videos and more . . .

• Suzanne Lee, Founder & CEO, Biofabricate

Growing a New Paradigm:

Many of the products we use every day cause untold stress to the planet. Take clothing for example – textiles are one of the fastest growing categories of waste and the industry is responsible for staggering global carbon emissions and water pollution.

The good news is that entrepreneurs, scientists and brands worldwide are pushing the boundaries of design and manufacturing to embrace new techniques and materials that meet practical needs while reducing environmental impacts.

We welcome Suzanne Lee, fashion designer and pioneer of ‘biofabrication,’ a suite of production methods that weave together science, agriculture, design, 3D printing, gardening and even brewing. Suzanne takes us on a journey of microscopic organisms that can reinvent the way we make everything from clothes to couches to buildings.

Moderator: Vanessa Timmer, Co-Founder and Executive Director, One Earth and Board Member, National Zero Waste Council

Moderated Discussion and Q&A

Hear how innovation in next generation materials is moving the market. From biofabrication using ‘mushroom’ technology to using food waste for a range of products, these innovators demonstrate the daring and commitment required to reduce waste and toxics without compromising on performance and quality.

Participants will have an opportunity to directly engage with Suzanne, Eben and Valerie in a moderated Q&A

• Suzanne Lee, Founder & CEO, Biofabricate
• Eben Bayer, Co-Founder and CEO, Ecovative
• Valerie Langer, Fiber Solutions Strategist, Canopy Planet

Moderator: Vanessa Timmer, Co-Founder and Executive Director, One Earth and Board Member, National Zero Waste Council

Network, chat, videos and more . . .

Plastic waste has captured the world’s attention, yet plastic production continues to grow as does the problem. All of the latest scientific research points to the same conclusion: we are at a critical crossroads in reducing plastic waste in the world’s oceans.

Time is short – Canada must take ambitious and concerted actions now to implement circular solutions and innovation in the design of plastic products if we are to solve the plastic problem.

• Peter Schiefke, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada
  
• Chelsea Rochman, Assistant Professor in Ecology, University of Toronto & Scientific Advisor to Ocean Conservancy
• Horacio Barbeito, President & CEO, Walmart Canada

Moderator: Chris Henderson, Chair, GLOBE Series & Executive Director, Indigenous Clean Energy

• Michael Green, Architect & Principal, MGA

Michael Green is an award-winning architect known for his research, leadership, and advocacy in promoting new technologies and techniques for construction. His keynote will challenge traditional ways of designing and constructing buildings and present examples of innovative approaches that reduce waste and enhance our experience within the built environment.

Moderator: Brock Carlton, former CEO, Federation of Canadian Municipalities 

It’s easy to take buildings for granted, but the structures we occupy every day actually have tremendous implications for climate change, waste management and the circular economy.

By 2050, it’s expected that 68% of the world’s population will live in cities and this rapid growth will require the construction of millions of new buildings. Meanwhile, the construction industry accounts for nearly half of all global GHG emissions, and in North America, consumes about 40% of raw materials.

Speakers in this Spotlight will identify new technologies, methods and materials that offer promising opportunities to vastly decrease the waste and greenhouse gas emissions generated from the built environment.

• Michael Green, Architect & Principal, MGA
• Eric Dunford, Director of Sustainability, Carbon Cure
• Amy Marks - Head of Industrialized Construction Strategy and Evangelism, Queen of Prefab, Autodesk
• Vivian Kuan, Executive Director, Terreform ONE
  

Moderator: Brock Carlton, former CEO, Federation of Canadian Municipalities

Network, chat, videos and more . . .

The COVID-19 pandemic has been revealing – we are, despite our built environments and digital fixations, part of the natural world. As we look to recovery, our work is to forge a new, more resilient and equitable future where prosperity and environmental security are assured for generations to come.

The circular economy holds great promise – it creates economic opportunities, restores the environment and fosters an ethos that aligns with equity and social justice. This session will explore how Canadians can work together to make that promise a reality.

Armchair Discussion:

• Tima Bansal, Ivey School of Business, Western University & Chair, Canadian Council of Academics Expert Panel on the Circular Economy
• Richard Florizone, President & CEO, International Institute for Sustainable Development
• Carol Anne Hilton, President & CEO, Indigenomics Institute
• Melissa Barbosa, Head of Sustainability, IKEA Canada

Moderator: Brock Carlton, former CEO, Federation of Canadian Municipalities

• Katie Treggiden, Writer, Journalist, Speaker, championing a circular approach to design. Author of newly released book "Wasted: When Trash Becomes Treasure"

The destructive impact humans are having on the earth – land, oceans and atmosphere – is clearly apparent. Katie is a storyteller and designer and will share how she believes that craft can save the world. She will share how designers are exploring the potential of increasingly plentiful waste streams to become the raw materials of the future. When trash becomes treasure, we create space to restore nature and re-invigorate our communities.

We will close out the day with an interactive discussion with Katie and your ideas and questions.

Moderator: Kathryn Gretsinger, Associate Professor at UBC School of Journalism, Writing and Media

• Jack Froese, Chair, Metro Vancouver’s Zero Waste Committee