With over 10,000 participants from all over the world, the Globe 2012 conference truly brings the sustainability and environmental industry to our own doorstep here in Vancouver. With only one day available out of my busy schedule, I set out to make some new connections and learn about some new technologies at Globe’s trade fair.
What is great about Globe is the eclectic and diverse mix of attendees. Companies range from the SME selling a green cleaner that replaces harsh solvents, to the oil sands giants reporting on their environmental progress. Small grassroots organizations share space with huge country delegations from China, UK, Germany, etc. There truly is something for everyone interested in sustainability.
Having been peripherally involved in the industry prior to coming to UBC, Globe was a great chance to meet up with friends and colleagues from across Canada. It seems that there has been a great migration from the biotech industry to the cleantech industry, from researchers to policy makers to venture capitalists. Is the cleantech bubble still growing or has it peaked?
On the technology front, Globe was an opportunity to talk in more depth to companies that I had heard of before, from energy management solutions to reclamation to waste-to-energy. And of course, Globe would not be entertaining if I didn’t get a chance to learn something new (this time about desalination, new directions for the forestry industry, and energy efficient buildings). I must say that exhibitors need to get more innovative with their free giveaways though – I have enough pens and USB sticks and cloth bags to last me a few years. Government of BC wins this year with their maple leaf lollipops!
I came away impressed and exhausted after several hours on the trade show floor. There seems to be ongoing growth and interest in the sustainability industry, with many impactful technologies potentially reaching the broader marketplace in the near future. Vancouver should continue to be one of the central hubs of action, and I look forward to being part of it.
