Pizza, jazz and sustainability

Sobey students explore global solutions in Chicago 

Eighteen students from Canada, the US and Mexico participated in the Developing Climate Leaders course, pictured here on-site at Top Pallets in Chicago

SMU students Dakota Burrows and Barbara Ellis (3rd and 4th from left) present with teammates from Dominican University and Universidad Anáhuac at Top Pallets in Chicago

Students visited Top Pallets in Chciago to learn about sustainable supply chain management

SMU students joined Sobey School of Business professor Dr. Rahman Khokhar (pictured speaking) for the Developing Climate Leaders course

Rahman Khokhar, Dakota Burrows and Barbara Ellis among other students during a visit to Top Pallets

The Dean of the Brennan Business School at Dominican University in Chicago, IL welcomes the students and instructors

The vibrant energy of jazz, the universal love for pizza and the critical need for climate change solutions—an unexpected fusion of experiences shaped the Sobey School of Business students' transformative trip to Chicago, proving despite apparent divisions, Canada, the U.S., and Mexico can unite over global sustainability. 

During February's reading week, six ambitious Bachelor of Commerce students from SMU ventured to the Windy City for the "Developing Climate Leaders" course, guided by Dr. Rahman Khokhar, Associate Professor of Finance at the Sobey School of Business.  

Now in its third year, this innovative program showcases how cross-border cooperation can further sustainable business practices. 

International efforts in action 

Teamed with peers from Dominican University (Chicago, IL) and Universidad Anáhuac (Mexico), the students dove into assessing sustainability practices at companies like Top Pallets, Wintrust Financial, and Pepper Construction. 

Their mission was clear: to bring fresh, actionable insights back from their research. This work was supported by funding from the 100k Strong in the Americas Innovation Fund and the Linton Family Sustainability in Business Trust, established by Bill Linton BComm'75, DComm'22 and Marilynne Day-Linton. 

During their stay, the students presented their findings to company executives on-site and toured the facilities, gaining direct insights into operations and real-world experience. 

"Being able to interview the COO of Top Pallets opened my eyes to the critical role of green supply chains,” said Barbara Ellis, a second-year undergraduate student. “I loved collaborating with a cross-cultural group of students. We came up with solutions to practical business problems that could have a real impact."  

Halifax to Chicago: beats and eats  

The cultural experiences formed a core part of their journey. From tasting Chicago's legendary deep-dish pizza to grooving to a live jazz band, the students immersed themselves in the local scene.  

“I am starting to understand how different cultures might approach sustainability initiatives. Before this trip, my perspectives were short-sighted, but now I see the importance of hearing from different viewpoints,” said Zayna Eissa, a second-year undergraduate student and Sobey National Innovator Scholar. “I also loved trying new foods and I really admired the architecture in Chicago. That’s the beauty of international learning."  

“Just getting out of Halifax over the break,” said Cole Fraser, a third-year undergraduate student, on his highlights of the trip. “The food scene, visiting the Morton Arboretum, and the nights spent exploring downtown Chicago with a great group of students were unforgettable.” 

Empowering students as sustainable business leaders 

The course included various team efforts, including a social media campaign promoting carbon neutrality and a real-world sustainability challenge about Walmart and one of its suppliers.  

Through this exercise, students strengthened their problem-solving and presentation skills, gained insight into supplier negotiation dynamics, and explored how sustainability decisions today can significantly shape global supply chains of the future.  

The Sobey School of Business is proud of its commitment to fostering future leaders who are ready to tackle the world's pressing environmental issues with innovative, culturally informed approaches.  

Additional resources 

• Sobey School globally recognized for supporting UN initiative

• Sustainability Initiatives

• Bachelor of Commerce at Saint Mary’s

• Certificate in Sustainability Business

One million pounds of perfectly imperfect food feeds Nova Scotians

Square Roots, a Nova Scotia social enterprise founded at Saint Mary’s University, celebrates major milestone.

Students sorting donated food

Square Roots, founded by Saint Mary’s University students in 2016, buys imperfect yet perfectly edible food from local farmers and sells it directly to customers at a price that is 50% less than the grocery store. Nova Scotians benefit from getting healthy food at a more affordable price and farmers benefit because they get revenue from the food that would otherwise go to waste. This month, Square Roots celebrates the major milestone of delivering one million pounds of food since its beginning in 2016.

“We could not have done it without the student teams, the community champions and the farmers. ”

— Courtney Dingle, Square Roots president

“Square Roots is delighted to reach this one million pounds of food milestone. We could not have done it without the student teams, the community champions and the farmers. We believe this is just the beginning of what’s possible. We are currently in 16 communities and want to be in every county in Nova Scotia by April 2025 and we have a vision to take this model nationally,” says Courtney Dingle, Square Roots president and SMU business student.

Square Roots was developed by students at SMU who participate in an international student program called Enactus. Enactus marries entrepreneurial-minded students with social action. Square Roots addresses the twin issues of food waste and food insecurity. At the farm level, 30% of harvested produce is dumped into landfills due to cosmetic imperfections despite being perfectly healthy. Square Roots rescues this "less attractive" produce that would otherwise be discarded, offering it at affordable prices to those with limited access to healthy food.

Working with local contacts, Square Roots is currently bringing food to over 25 communities across Nova Scotia—the newest being Port Hawkesbury, D’Escousse, Sydney, Baddeck, Cornwallis Park, Digby, Yarmouth, Shelburne, Mill Village, and Lunenburg. The team intends to be in all Nova Scotia counties by May 2025 and, in the bigger picture, has plans to expand across Canada by 2026.

The SMU Enactus team is well-recognized in Canada and around the world. They have placed top 4 in the Canadian Enactus championships 11 of the last 13 years and won the national Canadian champion in 2024. With this recognition, the team represented Canada at the global Enactus championship in Kazakhstan in October 2024. The SMU Enactus team recently earned first place in the 2025 Enactus regional competition and heads to the national competition in May 2025.

Enactus Saint Mary's secures first place in Environmental Sustainability, Innovation & Impact and Entrepreneurship Competitions

The Enactus Saint Mary’s team at the Atlantic Regional Exposition in February 2025

Saint Mary's University placed first in three regional challenges at the Enactus Canada Atlantic Regional Exposition: the Canadian Tire Environmental Sustainability Challenge, the Innovation and Impact Challenge powered by Enactus Alumni and the TD Entrepreneurship Challenge.

The team's success solidifies its leadership position in the Enactus network for its continued dedication to positive change through entrepreneurial action and sustainable business practices.

Championing Environmental Sustainability
The judges were impressed with Square Roots and EmerAlt, two projects in the Canadian Tire Environmental Sustainability Challenge. Square Roots provides affordable fruit and vegetables to community members across Nova Scotia. EmerAlt is creating plastic cutlery from potato starch.

Driving Innovation and Impact
In the Innovation and Impact Challenge, powered by Enactus Alumni, Enactus Saint Mary's showcased its ability to identify and address real-world problems with creative solutions. Their project Alaagi, only in its first year of conception, won first place for its powerful combination of ingenuity and practical application. The judges were particularly impressed by the team's ability to develop a solution that focused on sustainability.

Empowering Entrepreneurial Spirit
In the TD Entrepreneurship Challenge, the team showcased Square Roots and their ongoing growth by launching seven new locations, now totalling 16 across Nova Scotia. This expansion further proved the program's dedication to community empowerment. The team provided 25 entrepreneurs with essential skills, valuable tools and knowledge to foster entrepreneurial success within the community. 

With the recent win, Enactus Saint Mary's will compete in four competitions at the Enactus Canada National Exposition from May 6-8 in Calgary, Alberta, including defending its national championship title.  

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About Enactus Saint Mary's

Enactus Saint Mary's is a student-led organization dedicated to creating a better world through entrepreneurial action. They develop and implement projects that address social, environmental and economic challenges, empowering individuals and communities to thrive.  

Sustainability…period!

From classroom to Aruna Revolution: how Bridget's MBAN is helping make menstrual products eco-friendly

Bridget Osundiji MBAN’24 blends her passion for business, sustainability and women’s health at Aruna Revolution

Fresh off her master’s from the Sobey School of Business, Bridget Osundiji, a young powerhouse, has found her calling as a Growth Marketing Specialist at Aruna Revolution, a Halifax-based start-up reimagining menstrual care products.

Bridget’s story is not just about academic achievement. It’s about purpose, passion and the power of using business to spark meaningful change.

Originally from Nigeria, Bridget relocated to Canada to pursue her dreams of higher education and living abroad. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Landmark University in Nigeria before coming to Saint Mary's, looking for a place to not only further her education but also launch her career. The Sobey School of Business Master of Business Analytics (MBAN), with its emphasis on responsible leadership and global perspectives, proved to be the right environment for her growth.

“For me, the master's program was a reality check. I knew it would be challenging, but I wasn’t prepared for how intense it would be—it was very fast-paced. There was always something to do, like assignments, rotations and workshops. It was go go go. I realized I had to prioritize and cut out unnecessary distractions. The program was tough, but it taught me a lot.”

After graduation, Bridget joined Aruna Revolution, a company focused on creating sustainable, compostable menstrual pads made from plant-based materials.

“The MBAN program was not just about education—it was about building relationships. SMU actually really helped with that. I got the internship at Aruna originally through a networking event. A lot of my classmates were able to secure job positions through those workshops.””

Bridget displays the plant-based materials used to create compostable menstrual pads at the Aruna Revolution warehouse in Dartmouth, NS

“Michael Zhang, the director of the MBAN program, is someone who is very passionate about the department and very passionate about the students. He wants to make sure that everybody's fine, everybody gets their job, and everybody understands what's going on in class. He helped with everything I needed. I really appreciate his support.”

The MBAN provides critical knowledge but also helps students develop a deep sense of purpose—one that now fuels Bridget’s work at Aruna Revolution. She continues to thrive in her now more permanent role, helping to develop strategies that not only promote the company's products but also raise awareness about the importance of sustainable menstrual care.

Bridget was recently recognized as Tribe Scholar of the Year at the Tribe Leader Summit, an event hosted by Tribe Network. Tribe Network is a community that supports racialized individuals in entrepreneurship and innovation by providing resources, opportunities and networks to help them succeed.

Empowering women, protecting the planet

Aruna Revolution’s mission of reducing plastic waste and empowering menstruators aligns perfectly with Bridget’s values. As someone passionate about sustainability and women’s health, she feels like she’s found her calling.

“Aruna is not just offering an alternative to traditional menstrual pads—we are offering a solution that’s better for the planet and the people who use them. It’s exciting to be part of a company that’s working toward real change in an industry that has long relied on plastic.”

Compostable menstrual pads are made from cattail, soybean raw material and extracted processed corn fibers

The bioreactors shown behind Bridget process the raw materials in a chemical solution to create the pad material

The company’s innovative approach to menstrual care is a direct response to the environmental harm caused by traditional products.

“It is about more than just creating and selling biodegradable menstrual products. I believe we are part of a larger movement toward a circular economy, where every product is designed with its full lifecycle in mind—from creation to composting.”

Aruna Revolution recently secured a deal on Dragons' Den with Michele Romanow and Manjit Minhas, who offered $300,000 for a 25% stake.

Bridget’s story exemplifies the transformative power of an education that blends business expertise with social responsibility. Her journey shows the profound impact responsible leadership, paired with a strong educational foundation, can have in today’s workplace and serves as a reminder that defining success in business can be found beyond just the numbers.

““Saint Mary’s gave me the tools to pursue a career that not only drives business success but also aligns with my values. I am proud to be part of a company that’s doing important work for both people and the planet.””

— Bridget Osundiji MBAN'24

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Related:

• Master of Business Analytics

• Celebrating International Women’s Day at Saint Mary’s

• Sustainability at SMU

Tallest solar-integrated building in North America wins Clean50 Award

Saint Mary’s University: bringing sustainability to life

Saint Mary’s University was honoured at the Clean50 Top Projects Awards, which annually recognizes Canada’s most innovative projects tackling climate change and sustainability.

Dennis Gillis, Senior Director of Facilities Management at Saint Mary’s accepts the Clean50 Top Project Award

The Loyola Residence Recladding Project, a 22-storey student residence with an integrated, retrofitted solar exterior wall, was selected for its environmental leadership and innovation. Saint Mary’s is proud to represent the post-secondary sector among leading organizations from across Canada.

"Sustainability is at the heart of Saint Mary’s University and is a key pillar of our strategic plan," said Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, President of Saint Mary’s University. "The Clean50 Award reflects our commitment to building a sustainable future. We are thrilled to see our efforts recognized and hope to inspire similar initiatives across Canada. Universities are driving forces of innovation in green energy research and climate action. Through transformative projects such as this one, Saint Mary’s has become a leader and hub for groundbreaking sustainability efforts.”

Setting new standards for sustainable urban infrastructure

Originally built over 50 years ago, the Loyola Residence faced challenges such as heat retention, leaks, and structural issues. Instead of simply replacing worn-out concrete, Saint Mary’s took advantage of the opportunity to do something unique.

Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) are solar power systems built directly into walls, a roof, or windows, generating electricity from the sun but also acting as part of the building’s structure. Saint Mary’s worked with Toronto-based company Mitrex to install BIPV across the entire south-facing wall.

The Loyola Residence tower BIPV system shown on the right, along with solar panelling on the roof of the Sobeys Inspiration Hub

The retrofit includes work from DSRA Architects, Dillon Consulting, Able Electric, Markland Associates, and BMR Structural Engineering, with construction overseen by EllisDon Corporation and Grey Cardinal Management Inc.

According to Clean50, the project is a model for sustainable urban infrastructure, showcasing how older buildings can be revitalized to meet today’s energy efficiency standards.

Saint Mary’s has installed an interactive energy production display in the Loyola Residence lobby, allowing students and visitors to track solar energy generation in real-time. This display further demonstrates the university’s commitment to education and transparency in sustainability.

An interactive display in the Loyola building shows real-time solar energy information

Carbon footprint cut by 51.7% since 2005

Beyond the Loyola recladding project, Saint Mary’s offers a range of campus spaces and programs that bring sustainability to life. Upcoming initiatives include a green roof on the Patrick Power Library, new roof designs for McNally East and Homburg Centre, and a solar canopy for the science parking lot.

Initiatives already completed include:

• replacing the steam heating plant with a high-efficiency hot water plant;

• switching from oil to natural gas for heating; 

• using compact fluorescent lights; 

• replacing less efficient lights with LED lights; and 

• increases in Nova Scotia Power’s energy blend from renewable sources.   

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 Related reading

• Clean 50 Top Project: Saint Mary’s University Loyola Residence Recladding

• Loyola integrated solar installation wins Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Engineering

• Sustainability at Saint Mary’s

Saint Mary’s University announces Dr. Tony Charles as Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada

Dr. Tony Charles

Saint Mary’s University is delighted to announce that Dr. Tony Charles, a distinguished scholar from the School of the Environment and the Sobey School of Business, has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. This celebrated honour recognizes Dr. Charles’s exceptional contributions to environmental research and his pioneering work in sustainability and participatory governance.

Dr. Charles is internationally renowned for his leadership in transdisciplinary partnerships that foster people-centred conservation and sustainable management of natural resources and biodiversity. His influential fishery systems approach has revolutionized our understanding and management of fisheries, coasts, and oceans by integrating social, cultural, economic, community, and institutional aspects into a holistic framework.

“We are incredibly proud of Dr. Charles’s achievements and his election to the Royal Society of Canada,” said Dr. Adam Sarty, Associate Vice-President, Research and Dean of Graduate Studies and Research. “His interdisciplinary approaches to understanding and helping community responses to the impacts of climate change, and his dedication to sustainability, have made profound impacts on the academic community, on government policies, on coastal communities, and on the broader field of environmental science.”

The Royal Society of Canada Fellowship is one of the highest honours a Canadian scholar can receive, celebrating outstanding achievement in the arts, humanities, and sciences. One hundred and four new Fellows have been elected by their peers for their outstanding scholarly achievements. 

On Friday, November 8, 2024, the RSC will induct the 2024 Fellows and Members of the RSC College at a ceremony as part of the Celebration of Excellence and Engagement in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Dr. Erin Cameron co-authors paper on airborne DNA in Nature journal

Dr. Erin Cameron, an associate professor in the Department of Environmental Science, is a co-author of a recently published paper in the journal Nature. 

Researchers based at the University of Jyväskylä in Finland are using airborne DNA to map biodiversity. Dr. Cameron was part of an international, multidisciplinary team of scientists who used DNA sequencing to identify fungi from air samples collected around the world. 

Dr. Cameron ran the collection site in Alberta along with another researcher, Dr. Tan Bao (MacEwan University). The team’s lead researchers were able to use DNA sequencing to identify fungi in the air samples collected by Dr. Cameron and others around the world.

This new method increases understanding of the climatic and evolutionary factors that influence spatial and seasonal variations of fungi. Mean annual air temperature was the strongest predictor of fungal species diversity, and polar and continental sites (including the site in Alberta) showed greater turnover in species composition across seasons than lower latitude sites. The importance of temperature suggests that warming climates will play a major role in restructuring fungal communities in the future.

For more about this method, read the full article in Nature: Airborne DNA reveals predictable spatial and seasonal dynamics of fungi. 

This project is far from the first international collaboration for Dr. Cameron, whose research examines the effects of global change on species distributions, community composition, and ecosystem functioning. She is a key member of research teams that are building a global biodiversity network focusing on soil and the organisms that live in it. The effects of human activities on soil biodiversity and the organisms that live within—a vital part of a functioning ecosystem—are not yet fully understood, and the research conducted by Dr. Cameron and colleagues plays an important role in environmental conservation globally.

Dr. Cameron was recently awarded a grant through the eDNA Innovation Funding program from Genome Atlantic to test the use of eDNA methods as a tool to monitor microbial communities in grazed ecosystems.

Her previous work in this field includes:

•  “Tracking, Targeting, and Conserving Soil Biodiversity (Science Magazine)

• SMU Researcher’s groundbreaking earthworm study on recent cover of Science Magazine (Science, 2019)

Sobey School of Business recognized for social impact and sustainability achievements

The Sobey School of Business has been acknowledged for its outstanding social impact and sustainability achievements in the recently launched Positive Impact Rating (PIR) results. Among 77 business schools from 30 countries worldwide participating in this year’s rating, the Sobey School achieved Level 4, positioning it as a Transforming institution within the PIR framework.

A student-driven assessment

The PIR is a unique rating conducted by students and for students. For the third consecutive time, students worldwide evaluated their business schools based on their perceived positive impact on the world. Beyond contributing to business and the economy, business schools are crucial in addressing societal needs.

Students assessed how the Sobey School of Business tackles societal and sustainable challenges, equipping its students to become responsible business leaders. The data collection process was led by the Business Sustainability Society, which distributed the PIR survey across campus. This year, 150 Sobey School students actively participated in the assessment.

Participation in the PIR underscores the Sobey School’s commitment to student feedback and engagement. Associate Dean Margaret McKee emphasized, “The PIR is an important opportunity to capture the students' perspective on our social impact and sustainability, and we are inspired by their commitment to working together with us to transform business education.”

The PIR survey comprises 20 questions across seven relevant impact dimensions, categorized into three areas: Energizing, Educating, and Engaging. The overall PIR score positions business schools within five levels, reflecting their developmental stage and achievement. The Sobey School has a defined social impact metric to guide its ongoing efforts.

Prof. Thomas Dyllick, PIR Founder & Member of the Supervisory Board, highlighted the significance of student input: “As future students seek alternatives to select their business school, the PIR serves as a reliable resource. Schools, including the Sobey School, use the PIR to measure and communicate their transformational progress.”

The PIR was developed by business school experts in collaboration with global NGOs—WWF, Oxfam, and UN Global Compact. International student associations oikos, AIESEC, and Net Impact are proud partners of the PIR initiative, supported by VIVA Idea (Costa Rica), The Institute for Business Sustainability Foundation, and Fehr Advice (both from Switzerland).

Commerce student wins Excellence Award for PRME North America Student Leadership

Adrianna Timmons, center, accepts her PRME award

Adrianna Timmons, a dedicated third-year Bachelor of Commerce student at the Sobey School of Business, has been honoured with the Excellence Award for PRME North America Student Leadership. This prestigious award is presented to a remarkable student leader who demonstrates exceptional commitment to advancing the principles of sustainability and responsible business practices, both on their campus and in the broader community.

Her deep-seated involvement with the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) is at the heart of Adrianna's commendable achievements. This initiative, a pivotal program under the United Nations Global Compact, champions the cause of sustainability and responsible management education.

Adrianna formed the Sustainable Business Society at Saint Mary’s

As one of two Regional Leaders for North America, Adrianna plays a crucial role in expanding the network of students focused on sustainable development. Her responsibilities encompass working with student organizations, identifying new ones to enhance the network and attending global meetings to refine and advance the initiatives of PRME Global Students. As a representative of PRME, Adrianna actively engages with and speaks at events focused on sustainability, responsibility, and development, furthering the mission of creating a sustainable global economy.

Adrianna was inspired to bring sustainability initiatives to more students at Saint Mary's after attending a PRME Student Leadership Global Forum in New York. Her participation in the forum was funded through the Linton Family Sustainability in Business Trust, established through the generosity of Bill Linton BComm’75 DComm’22 and his wife Marilynne Day-Linton. Accelerating a wide range of initiatives for students, faculty and staff, the Linton Family Trust provides critical support to expand and elevate the Sobey School’s leadership in educating the next generation of business leaders committed to sustainable business.  

Adrianna said of her trip to the PRME Global Forum in New York, "Last year, I had the opportunity to attend the forum, where I spoke with students who had successfully started sustainability societies at their schools. This gave me the courage to start the sustainability society here at Saint Mary's."  

In the Fall of 2023, Adrianna launched the Saint Mary’s University Sustainable Business Society, uniting like-minded students from the Commerce Faculty focusing on sustainability. As its founding President, she rapidly expanded the group to over 80 members in its first year. The society aims to spotlight local, sustainable businesses and entrepreneurial efforts, enhancing student engagement with Halifax's business community and fostering real-world sustainability application and networking opportunities. A notable achievement under her leadership was the organization of a "Careers in a Clean Economy" panel, drawing insights from industry leaders on sustainable business careers to 50 attendees. The Society also initiated The Halifax Green Map project, highlighting ethical, sustainable local businesses and promoting responsible business practices.

In addition to her academic and PRME commitments, Adrianna has demonstrated exceptional entrepreneurial initiative and social responsibility through her endeavours outside of the university. Her creation of Accessories for Access exemplifies how she seamlessly integrates her passion for sustainable development with entrepreneurship. This venture is not just a business; it's a mission-driven effort to make a tangible difference in girls' lives in sub-Saharan Africa by funding their education and leadership opportunities.

Adrianna's blend of global perspective and local action truly sets her apart as a leader who envisions a better world and actively works towards creating it.

Loyola integrated solar installation wins Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Engineering

Loyola Residence tower

Saint Mary’s University’s solar installation on the Loyola Residence tower has won this year’s Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Engineering. It is a fitting tribute to SMU and Dillon Consulting, who, with this project, transformed this 22-storey student residence into the tallest integrated solar exterior in North America.

“This project demonstrates the tangible contribution of Canadian engineers towards solving the global challenge of climate change,” says Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, Saint Mary’s University President and Vice-Chancellor. “When the opportunity came along, the team at SMU and Dillon Consulting did not hesitate to try something new, something truly innovative. We sincerely hope this is just the first of many similar integrated photovoltaic installations.” 

The project, which began in 2023 and was completed in 2024, involved replacing the worn south-facing exterior wall with new building-integrated photovoltaic cells (BIPVs). Instead of attaching solar panels, the building surface itself generates electricity when in direct contact with sunlight. The project was carried out by DSRA Architects, Dillon Consulting, BMR Structural Engineering, EllisDon, Grey Cardinal Management Inc., Able Electric and Markland. 

“Through the seamless combination of photovoltaic cladding, we redefine not just the skyline in Halifax but also the standards of professional engineering,” said Benjamin Doucet, P.Eng., Project Manager, Dillon Consulting Limited. “This project not only uplifts the image of our profession but firmly establishes Nova Scotia as a leader in adopting out-of-the-box engineering solutions. It encapsulates our commitment to excellence, economic sustainability and the bright future of green technology. Together, we're not just building structures; we're engineering a brighter, sustainable future.” 

The $6-million retrofit project will provide approximately 100,000 kWh of clean energy to the campus annually, including 50 percent of the energy required by the Loyola building, lowering its carbon footprint.

Senior Director of Facilities Management Dennis Gillis said, “We are grateful for the opportunity to make an impact on the environment, to push the envelope and to show people that it is ok to do things a little differently—we must do things differently when it comes to the environment. We are hoping the recognition from this award will further encourage others to take similar steps to help in the area of climate change.” 

A ceremony will be held at the Government House in May 2024. The Honourable Arthur K. LeBlanc, ONS, KC, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, will present the award to representatives of Saint Mary’s University and Dillon Consulting Ltd.

BComm student with focus on sustainability wins prestigious Frank H. Sobey Award

Madeline (Maddie) Bristol

Sobey School of Business student Madeline (Maddie) Bristol has been named one of only eight undergraduate students from across Atlantic Canada to win this year's  Frank H. Sobey Award for Excellence in Business Studies.  

Maddie is in her final year of studying for a Bachelor of Commerce at the Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary's. In addition to her studies, Maddie actively seeks opportunities to gain practical, real-world experience. 

Maddie served two consecutive year-long terms as president of Enactus Saint Mary's. During her presidency, she managed projects aimed at reducing food waste at the farm level, eliminating food insecurity, teaching at-risk youth financial literacy, and clearing oceans of plastic waste. Under her leadership, the team was named national champions in both the Scotiabank Climate Action Challenge and the TD Entrepreneurship Challenge. 

Plastarch Packaging team at the 2023 Innovation Cup

As her passion for entrepreneurship and sustainability grew, Maddie launched Plastarch Packaging. The business provides a bioplastic solution to single-use cutlery and packaging for environmentally conscious business owners without compromising durability and affordability. Plastarch Packaging was the recipient of a $10,000 award at December’s Innovation Cup, hosted by the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre.

Maddie's commitment to entrepreneurship and sustainability, as demonstrated through her leadership of Enactus Saint Mary's and the founding of Plastarch Packaging, played a significant role in her selection for the Frank H. Sobey Award for Excellence in Business Studies. Her innovative approach to addressing environmental challenges and her dedication to making a positive impact on the community exemplify the qualities that the award aims to recognize and celebrate. 

“I extend my warmest congratulations to Maddie Bristol,” says Mark Raymond, Interim Dean, Sobey School of Business. “Maddie embodies the SMU experience. Our students develop an entrepreneurial mindset and are equipped with the knowledge, insights, real work experiences and network to lead and make a positive impact on business and on the community.” 

About the Frank H. Sobey Award for Excellence in Business Studies

All full-time business students attending Atlantic Canadian universities are eligible for consideration for the award. Deans at each university nominate candidates who have demonstrated a high level of entrepreneurship, a commitment to supporting the communities in which they live and work and relevant employment experience. Each award winner receives $45,000 in recognition of their achievements and gains access to mentorship support from members of the business community across the Atlantic region.  

TransCoastal Adaptations helping coastal communities become resilient to climate change

Environment and Climate Change Minister Timothy Halman (second from right) with recipients of the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund. Kelly Umlah (center) represents the TransCoastal Adaptations Green Shores for Homes project.

Kelly Umlah BES’17, TransCoastal’s Education and Outreach Coordinator

Environment and Climate Change Minister Timothy Halman

Minister Halman speaks with representatives of the community-led projects which received funding from the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund

Signage at Mahone Bay Beach

TransCoastal Adaptations is building on the success of a program that helps homeowners in coastal communities protect and revitalize their shorelines, thanks to an injection of funding from the provincial government.

More than $2.45 million from the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund will support seven community-led projects that are helping Nova Scotians prepare for and respond to climate change impacts. One of those projects is the Green Shores for Homes program with TransCoastal Adaptations: Centre for Nature-Based Solutions at Saint Mary’s University.

Environment and Climate Change Minister Timothy Halman announced the funding at an event in Mahone Bay on November 23.

“This summer was a heartbreaking reminder of the destruction and loss that climate change is causing,” said Minister Halman. “It was also a reminder that all Nova Scotians must work together to protect each other, our homes, communities and natural areas from climate change. These projects–many of which involve best practices in using nature-based solutions–show exactly the kind of community-led, all-hands-on-deck action that is needed to make our communities and ecosystems more resilient to climate change and to protect all that we hold dear.”

With $238,098 from the fund, TransCoastal Adaptations (TCA) will be able to expand its Green Shores for Homes program, bringing it to coastal communities such as the municipalities of West Hants, Barrington and Pictou County. The new funds will also allow TransCoastal to provide free shoreline assessments for waterfront homeowners in those areas.

“We are thrilled to help increase our local communities’ coastal resilience through the Green Shores for Homes program thanks to this funding, which will ensure that Green Shores helps more vulnerable communities and trains homeowners with nature-based strategies to protect their shorelines in the face of climate change and sea level rise,” says Kelly Umlah BES’17, TransCoastal’s Education and Outreach Coordinator.

Umlah spoke at the funding announcement, thanking the provincial government and Federation of Nova Scotia Municipalities for supporting the project, “Building Community Coastal Resilience in Nova Scotia with Green Shores for Homes”.

British Columbia/Nova Scotia partnership

The Green Shores for Homes program originated with the Stewardship Centre for British Columbia, which partnered with TransCoastal Adaptations to broaden the program’s reach to the Maritime provinces.

Through the training, coastal property owners learn to use nature-based solutions to address issues such as shoreline erosion, sea level rise and climate change adaptation. With programs also created for local governments and commercial developers, the Green Shores initiatives promote sustainable maintenance, restoration and stewardship of healthy, resilient shorelines.

On December 7, all are welcome to learn more in a Green Shores webinar, “Practical strategies and lessons learned from nature-based project implementation in the Maritimes and British Columbia,” co-presented by TransCoastal and the Stewardship Centre for B.C.

Since the expansion of the Green Shores program to the Maritimes, TCA has trained over 150 municipal staff, contractors and members of the public in Green Shores Level 1, with many continuing their training with Level 2. Working with partners in government and NGOs, TCA has provided technical expertise on a few living shoreline projects that will soon be certified Green Shores for Shoreline Development sites. The new funding will allow more time for outreach to homeowners for smaller-scale projects on private properties in need of shoreline protection and habitat, Umlah said.

Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund

The provincial government created the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund to support community-led action and leadership, as part of the Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act. Launched in November 2022, the fund helps municipalities, non-profit/community groups, post-secondary schools and Mi’kmaw communities respond to and prepare for climate change impacts, and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

The projects announced last week were funded through the first round of the program; the call for projects for the second round closed on November 14. Funding was also announced last week for the Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation in Mahone Bay, Friends of the DesBrisay Museum in Bridgewater, Bonny Lea Farm in Chester, Waterfront Baddeck, Kingsburg Coastal Conservancy Association, and the Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq Aquatic Resources and Fisheries Management.

“Communities across the province continue to experience the effects of climate change, such as extreme weather events,” Juanita Spencer, CEO of the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities said at the announcement. “These projects will build resilience in communities and natural habitats, make community infrastructure energy efficient, give us carbon storage research and demonstrate the power and effectiveness of locally-led action on tackling climate change. We are pleased to support these homegrown solutions which will play a role in shaping a more sustainable future for all.”

Read more

• Learn more about Green Shores for Homes in the Maritimes.

• Register for the Green Shores webinar. (December 7, 1-2 p.m.)

• Read the provincial funding announcement from November 23, 2023.