Nova Scotia developed a solid waste strategy in 1995 that committed the province to achieving a national waste diversion target of 50 per cent by the year 2000. Not only did Nova Scotia reach that goal, but the initiative helped develop an environmental industries sector that now employs close to 5,000 and contributes $360 million to the provincial economy.

There are 350 environmental industry firms in Nova Scotia. They hold a broad range of expertise and knowledge. The sector is characterized by innovative companies with specialist technologies and services in water and wastewater treatment, solid waste management, pollution prevention, climate change, engineering, environmental systems, instrumentation and air monitoring, and others. A significant number of firms manufacture products from materials that have traditionally gone to landfills.

Nova Scotia has been approached by organizations from the Caribbean, Middle East, Europe and Asia who have learned of the province’s innovative environmental practices. Nova Scotia is also actively pursuing opportunities related to its solid waste expertise in several parts of the world. As well, Nova Scotia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with member countries of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States and has other MOU’s in place with several individual nations.

In 2007, the province enacted the goal of having one of the cleanest and most sustainable environments in the world by 2020. Further to this, it has made a significant investment in renewable energies and clean technologies through its ecoNova Scotia program, which is supporting a variety of initiatives to significantly reduce greenhouse gases and air pollutant emissions.

Trade Team Nova Scotia Representative: the Nova Scotia Department of the Environment

Industry Association: the Environmental Services Association of Nova Scotia (ESANS)

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