Panel Discussions

Using Bio-Based Resources To Reduce the Environmental Impact of Heavy Industry

Bio-based resources are manufacturing materials that contain organic carbon that is derived from living plants, animals, algae, microorganisms or organic waste streams. In the industrial circular economy, we refer to bio-based resources as biomass or biomaterials. The use of bio-based resources ensures that the carbon used in the manufacturing process is derived from a renewable, biological process.

This exceptional panel discussion features leading practitioners based in the West Kootenays, the hub of Canada’s world-class industrial circular economy. They will explore how bio-based resources can be used to reduce the environmental impact of heavy industry and discuss the latest developments in the field of bio-based resources and technology. They’ll also provide examples of how bio-based resources are a growing part of the renewable energy sector, construction, and industrial processing.

Moderator

Scott Weatherford, CEO, Atco Wood Products and Nelson & Ft. Sheppard Railway Co., Chair of the Board of Governors at Selkirk College

Panelists

Darrel Fry, CEO, Advanced BioCarbon 3D

Dwane Sorenson, General Manager, Kalesnikoff Lumber

Fernando Preto, Team Leader, CanmetENERGY

Bill MacPherson, Managing Director, Mercer Celgar

How Technology is Transforming the Industrial Circular Economy

In this inspiring discussion, a panel of Canadian thought leaders will examine how emerging technologies are influencing the development of the industrial circular economy in North America and around the world. From high-tech sensors and big data to disassembly robots, waste-finding apps and bio-based materials, they’ll discuss how exciting new tech is driving increased sustainability, providing examples from their own work in British Columbia, Canada.

Moderator

Irene Coyle-Preto, Operational Excellence Manager, Mercer Celgar

Panelists

Greg Johnston, President and CEO, Carl Data Solutions

Scot Bryson, Founder and CEO, Orbital Farm

Jason Taylor, Chair and Research Lead, Selkirk Technology Access Centre at Selkirk College

How High Tech is Refining the Metallurgical Sector

Join a panel of Canadian pioneers to explore how technology is transforming the mining, alloying and recycling of the elements we use to build some of humanity’s most powerful and important tools. From solar panels and batteries to semiconductors and gamma rays, the panellists are working at the bleeding edge of this sector. Don’t miss it!

Moderator

Jillian Lennartz, Manager, Sustainability Reporting, TECK

Panelists

Dr. Jian Liu, Assistant Professor, Nanotechnology and Energy Storage Systems, University of British Columbia

Sara Fitzel, Production Engineer, TECK

Jamie Deith, CEO, Eagle Graphite

Recycling to Upcyling

What is the difference between recycling and upcycling in the circular economy? Join these extraordinary panelists for a discussion about their philosophy and approach to leading this important, emerging sector of the North American economy. Retrieve Tech is the only company in North America that recycles Tesla batteries. KC Recycling is the largest car battery recycler in Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest, and also processes electronics and cathode ray tubes — selling all of the commodities they produce. Tervita is a global leader in environmental and energy solutions. Take advantage of this rare opportunity to hear these leaders in discussion!

Moderator

James Woodcock, International Manager, International Synergies Limited

Panelists

Malcolm Shang, Global Mine Closure and Reclamation Specialist and Circular Economy Champion, ArcelorMittal Mining

Pete Stamper, Manager, KC Recycling

Garett White, Operations Manager, Tervita Trail BC