Unlikely Partners in Sustainability: Networking Event Panel Discussion

Expert: TOVA DAVIDSON
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SUSTAINABLE WATERLOO REGION

Tova is the Executive Director at Sustainable Waterloo Region. She is a graduate of the University of Guelph where she completed a Master of Arts in Philosophy. Throughout her career, Tova has worked in communications, public relations, marketing and leadership roles. Before joining Sustainable Waterloo Region, Tova was the Vice President of The Letter M Marketing, where she provided strategic planning, business consulting, project management and leadership to the business as well as her clients. Tova has been selected by The Guelph Mercury as one the 40 Under 40, and was the recipient of the Mayor’s Award of Excellence. When Tova heard “unlikely partners in sustainability” she thought of manufacturers and business in general. For SWR, it is the heart and soul of what we do. These partners are so very important to the solution.

Expert: SCOTT FREIBURGER
DIRECTOR AND CEO, AET

Scott Freiburger is Managing Director and CEO at AET Group. As the founding principal of AET Group, Scott pioneered the development, implementation and monitoring of solid waste management programs for the construction and demolition industries. The programs were designed to put industry in compliance with regulations, reduce waste generation and increase waste diversion. Since founding AET Group in 1998, Scott has positioned AET Group as a leading and sought after multi-disciplinary environmental consulting, auditing and scientific services company through numerous mergers and acquisitions across Canada. Scott has 19 years of experience in environmental consulting and auditing, providing technical advice and senior project management including first-hand expertise in municipal solid waste management, regulatory compliance, drinking water systems, indoor air and groundwater mitigation, management systems, sustainability planning and public consultation. He has contributed to the environmental field through numerous articles, technical papers, presentations and speaking engagements including guest lecturing and being a sessional instructor at the University of Waterloo School of Environment, Enterprise and Development, Faculty of the Environment. Scott is a graduate of Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo and has a diploma in Environmental Engineering from Conestoga College. Scott is an Applied Science Technologist, a Certified Environmental Auditor, a Certified Energy Advisor, a Certified Environmental Management System Lead Auditor and a Certified Environmental Professional in Sustainability, Water Quality, Waste Management, Energy and Environmental Management. He also is a LEED Accredited Professional with the Canada Green Building Council and a Certified Facilitator. Scott has had the privilege to sit on numerous committees and community working groups including Sustainable Waterloo Region as an RCI Silver Pledging Partner, the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce Environmental Committee, the Region of Waterloo Ecological and Environmental Advisory Committee, and the Region of Waterloo Water Efficiency Advisory Committee. Scott currently is a Board of Director with the Canadian Environmental Approvals Board with ECO Canada. Scott is a results-oriented individual with a passion for developing and fostering positive sustainable change. He believes in giving back and in 2014 he launched the Project Plant a Tree Program committing 1% of annual profits to planting trees through partnerships with communities in which we do business. Outside of his professional life, Scott enjoys spending quality time with his wife and teaching their 3 children about sustainable living practices and how to protect the natural environment.

Expert: DR. JENNIFER LYNES
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR AND DIRECTOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO’S ENVIRONMENT AND BUSINESS PROGRAM

Dr. Jennifer Lynes is an associate professor and program director for the top-ranked environment and business program at the University of Waterloo’s School of Environment, Enterprise and Development (SEED). Dr. Lynes is also on the Board of Directors for REEP Green Solutions and Avocado Co-op, as well as a founding member of the North American-based Sustainable Concerts initiative. With educational and professional experience in Canada, France and Australia, her expertise intersects business and the environment, where she investigates ways to achieve environmental change through application of social and green marketing tools. In particular, her research focuses on the music industry, residential energy conservation behaviour, socially conscious consumerism and engaging youth in environmental initiatives. For over a decade Dr. Lynes has been applying a hands-on approach to this research by working with organizations to encourage sustainability at both the individual, institutional and corporate level. Examples include: Musician Jack Johnson’s All At Once campaign, Brisbane City Council’s Efficient Brisbane campaign, the Ontario Power Authority’s energy conservation program, Scandinavian Airlines’ sustainability initiatives and the youth-led program Reduce the Juice.