Background
Located in Ecuador, The city of Guayaquil has a vision of becoming more sustainable in the coming decades, especially in terms of improving the quality of life of people and preserving the natural environment. For this reason, the city has made constant efforts since the 1990’s; in particular, in 2001 the Mayor Jaime Nebot successfully started an urban regeneration plan, working with different sectors through specific projects and programs for the sustainable development of the city.
Furthermore, with the emerging green economy in developed countries such as Canada, the public awareness of environmental impact has also grown. Businesses have to meet new consumer demand for sustainable products and services, and adapt to new environmental and energy regulations. Low-carbon energy technologies, renewable energy, green building technologies, infrastructure and design are some of the sectors that represent opportunities for businesses and governments to develop effective adaptation strategies to reduce their environmental footprints. In becoming more sustainable, companies can see innovation as a way to increase profits and shareholder value, by reducing operating costs and risks.
Furthermore, with the emerging green economy in developed countries such as Canada, the public awareness of environmental impact has also grown. Businesses have to meet new consumer demand for sustainable products and services, and adapt to new environmental and energy regulations. Low-carbon energy technologies, renewable energy, green building technologies, infrastructure and design are some of the sectors that represent opportunities for businesses and governments to develop effective adaptation strategies to reduce their environmental footprints. In becoming more sustainable, companies can see innovation as a way to increase profits and shareholder value, by reducing operating costs and risks.
Campaign by the Provincial Government of Guayas, in Ecuador
Canada has a firm commitment to environmental responsibility and is well known for having companies and entrepreneurs dedicated to produce innovative products, technologies and services. According to the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations for 2009, Canada ranks sixth in the world with five sustainable companies in the top 100. The City of Vancouver has a vision of becoming the Greenest city in the world by 2020, and is a great model of a green city. The Economic Intelligence Unit ranked Vancouver as the second greenest city in North America, and the greenest city in Canada.
There is a great opportunity for Vancouver and Guayaquil to share with each other to learn from each other’s experiences and perspectives, especially because of their many similarities, such as both being port cities on the Pacific Coast. Therefore, with the growing interest from Ecuadorians to be more sustainable, the Ecuadorian-Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Guayaquil with the collaboration of the Honorary Consulate of Canada in Guayaquil, presents the conference: "Vancouver: Vision of a Green City," a one day conference to take place on September 8th, 2011 in Guayaquil, Ecuador with several guest speakers from Vancouver, Canada.
There is a great opportunity for Vancouver and Guayaquil to share with each other to learn from each other’s experiences and perspectives, especially because of their many similarities, such as both being port cities on the Pacific Coast. Therefore, with the growing interest from Ecuadorians to be more sustainable, the Ecuadorian-Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Guayaquil with the collaboration of the Honorary Consulate of Canada in Guayaquil, presents the conference: "Vancouver: Vision of a Green City," a one day conference to take place on September 8th, 2011 in Guayaquil, Ecuador with several guest speakers from Vancouver, Canada.
This one day event will be apart of the Hábitat fair, a trade show for real estate developers, which will be at the Convention Center of Guayaquil in Ecuador from September 6th to September 11th, 2011. For years, Habitat has been one of the most prestigious fairs in the construction industry, becoming an integral part of the buying process for those interested in acquiring housing, stimulating the growth of the industry. This event is organized by Expoplaza. During this one-day conference, invited speakers will give presentations Topic as Guayaquil can become more sustainable and greener on the levels of the business, community and individual based on the experience of Vancouver.
