NU presents at Biofor International Conference

Recently, Carolyn DeLoyde, instructor of geography at Nipissing University, and Dr. Warren Mabee, professor and head of the Geography and Planning department at Queen's University, participated in the Biofor International Conference in Montreal.The duo presented a session titled, Obtaining Social License for Canada's Emerging Bioeconomy.
Here’s an abstract on their presentation:
Engineers and scientists have utilized quantitative tools, including life cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic modeling, to optimize the outputs of the bioeconomy. Proposals for new biorefineries are often brought forward in the context of their ability to help Canadians meet international commitments to lower greenhouse gas emissions or increase proportions of renewables in energy supply. A growing body of industrial experience suggests that the public lacks confidence in the ability of the bioeconomy to make substantive contributions to a low carbon future. The social license required to operate may indeed be at risk.
Land use planners can be instrumental in helping to achieve social license, and are necessary to facilitate the ultimate construction and delivery of bioeconomy infrastructure. This presentation explores the ways in which quantitative engineering tools and models can be used by planners to facilitate new, transformational bioeconomy projects. The types of information required to support planning activities including education, mediation, and facilitation of new projects is explored. The role of land use planning, particularly in the assessment of regional impacts associated with new facilities, is discussed. Tools used by planners – including environmental impact assessment – may be informed by traditional engineering tools including LCA. Lessons learned from European experiences, particularly as summarized by the European Bioenergy Research Institute, are applied to the Canadian context. Ultimately, the type of data required to support ongoing planning for the emerging bioeconomy are described. A series of principles to facilitate the engagement of land use planners is proposed.
The three day international conference was attended by academics, industry and government leaders including the Canadian Minister of Natural Resources and the Grand Chief of the Conseil de la Nation Atikamekw (CNA). Participants attended from France, Canada, the Netherlands and the United States. Presentations discussed the possibilities for biorefinery start-ups within the context of creating economic growth in Canada’s forest communities and elsewhere in the world.??