Company news round-up: Ecosystem, SNC-Lavalin, IBI, Aercoustics, Roche

Two projects by Ecosystem, an energy performance consulting company based in Quebec have won international awards from the Association of Energy Engineers. The awards were handed out in Orlando, Florida on September 30. The Montreal Biodôme upgrade received the International Energy Project of the Year Award. The Samaras School Board (Commission Scolaire des Samaras) in Quebec won the Institutional Energy Management Award. The Montreal Biodôme features a heat recovery system and innovative open-loop geothermal system that is one of the largest of its kind in Canada. The systems meet 100% of the heating and cooling needs of the large indoor ecosystem exhibition space. See video. The Samares School Board project involved upgrading 80 different schools and cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 5,000 metric tons per year.

SNC-Lavalin has reached a settlement with the African Development Bank Group regarding contracts the bank financed in Mozambique and Uganda. Under the agreement SNC-Lavalin International, a subsidiary of SNC-Lavalin, will not be debarred from projects, provided the company meets certain conditions for two years and 10 months. It also has to pay $1.5-million to support anti-corruption initiatives in Africa. The agreement relates to alleged actions of former employees in connection with contracts awarded in 2008 and 2010.

IBI Group announced on October 6 that it has entered a $90-million agreement with its senior lenders to refinance at a lower interest rate. In a release the Toronto-based consulting company said: “The new senior credit facility will allow IBI to continue to execute its strategic plan, pursue growth opportunities and address stakeholder interests…. IBI’s management team, led by Scott Stewart, David Thom, and Stephen Taylor have shown extraordinary leadership, commitment and tenacity in their efforts to restructure and reposition IBI.” To read the full release, click here.

A principal in Aercoustics Engineering of Toronto has been appointed to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Standards Technical Committee 88, which reviews and sets all the worldwide electrical standards for wind turbines. Payam Ashtiani will be the only Canadian representative on the IET working group MT11 working group dedicated to measuring the noise from wind turbines.

Roche Consulting Group of Quebec City has become the first engineering firm in Canada to receive a Silver Level Progressive Aboriginal Relations certification. The award is given by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business.  “We seek to establish and develop sustainable and innovative partnerships in the regions where we conduct our activities,” said Alex Brisson, president and chief executive officer. “Our goal is to generate a positive impact in the communities, but also to contribute to the greater welfare and development of the people who live there. The Silver Level PAR certification recognizes our efforts in this area.” Click here.