october 2009 issue
|
|
Newsmakers
Permit Holders’ Simple Acts Earn Government Recognition
Compiled By CHRISTINE COTTRELL
The PEGG
One Simple Act is a Government of Alberta public information and education program that supports and inspires Albertans to lead more environmentally friendly lifestyles, whether at home, work or school. Several APEGGA permit holders have been recognized for their contributions to the program.
The City of Grande Prairie made simple changes such as replacing bottled water with reusable pitchers and glasses for meetings in its council chambers. Before, the city would toss 800 plastic bottles annually. Reusable dishes are next on the city’s list.
Employees at Swan Hills Treatment Centre, operated by Earth Tech/AECOM Canada Ltd., cleared a once-popular camping area of illegal dumping, which included domestic waste, and even old appliances and furniture. Many months later the area was still garbage free.
Its paper and plastic recycling programs already well established, what was the Edmonton office of ISL Engineering and Land Services Ltd. going to do next? Answer: compost.
Staff members divert about 190 kilograms of refuse each month from the landfill to the city’s compost facility. Other initiatives include using Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper, upgrading the building’s HVAC system and purchasing a Smart car for business use.
ACEC Presents Young Professional Award
 |
INAUGURAL WINNER |
The Association of Canadian Engineering Companies has named Edmonton’s Kristel Unterschultz, P.Eng., of Sameng Inc., as the winner of its inaugural Allen D. Williams Scholarship Foundation Award. Ms. Unterschultz received the award at the association’s summit in Whistler in June.
The award and foundation honours the memory of Allen Williams, P.Eng., the founder of A.D. Williams Engineering. He died in a small plane crash in October 2007. The $5,000 covered costs to attend the annual International Federation of Consulting Engineers Conference, Sept. 13-16 in London, England.
The scholarship is presented to a young professional who works for an ACEC member firm. The winner must have contributed significantly to the assoc-iation itself or a provincial association, such as the Consulting Engineers of Alberta.
Academic Receives
Highest Honour
From University
Dr. Michael Brett, P.Eng., is this year’s recipient of the prestigious University Cup. The award — the highest honour the University of Alberta can bestow on a member of its academic staff — goes to someone who has achieved outstanding distinction in scholarly research, teaching, and service to the university and the community.
Dr. Brett’s work with thin-film engineering has received global recognition, including numerous research titles and publication in many scientific journals.
 |
TOP TEACHER |
“We are absolutely delighted to award Professor Brett the University Cup,” said U of A President Indira Samarasekera, in a media release on the university website. “Professor Brett has had a most prolific academic career and his discoveries have made a tremendous impact upon a variety of industry sectors.”
Success for Dr. Brett also translates to the classroom where he helps his students realize their dreams by treating them with respect and helping them focus on their career options, says the university.
Golder Names
New Leaders
Golder Associates Ltd., an employee-owned global engineering company founded in 1960, has announced operational changes to its Canadian and worldwide structure. Mark Brightman is now president of the firm’s Canadian operations. Brian Conlin moves up from that position to become global president and CEO.
“For the past five years Mark’s contributions to our team have been integral in leading Golder through unprecedented growth, diversification, and expansion in Canada,” said Mr. Conlin in a Calgary news release from Golder.
CSPG Graduate
Wins Thesis
Competition
Dr. Michael Cooley, P.Eng., of Kingston, has won the Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists’ Graduate Thesis Award — 2008 Best PhD. He earned the recognition for his thesis on an investigation of outcrops in southwestern Alberta, mainly in the Livingstone Range.
The CSPG presents the awards annually for the best PhD and master of science theses originating from a Canadian university.