E&T&C Certification Introduced at A&WMA's Odour Management Conference in Toronto
Toronto, Ontario – The Air & Waste Management Association (A&WMA) hosted its first Odour Management Conference, titled "Embracing Global Perspectives," from September 26 to 28, 2023. A key highlight of the event was the presentation of the innovative E&T&C Certification, aimed at enhancing engagement, transparency, and communication between industrial facilities and their neighbouring communities.
Presented by Carlos Nietzsche Diaz, the certification addressed the urgent need for a comprehensive framework that fosters citizen engagement and improves communication, especially in scenarios involving recurrent environmental impacts. Drawing on lessons learned from the past, Carlos emphasised the critical role that Engagement, Transparency, and Communication (E&T&C) play in maintaining or restoring community trust.
The E&T&C Certification is a pioneering initiative designed to evaluate the performance of industrial facilities in their interactions with surrounding communities. It involves rigorous assessments through independent third-party audits, ensuring that the evaluation process is both impartial and thorough. The ultimate goal is to quantify how well an industrial plant adheres to the principles of engagement, transparency, and communication.
"We are moving away from traditional, opaque industrial practices to a more open and accountable approach," stated Carlos Díaz. "The E&T&C Certification is a significant milestone for industries looking to strengthen their relationships with the communities they impact."
The A&WMA conference offered a diverse range of topics, including odour science, policy and regulation, and community impacts, providing a platform for professionals to share insights and best practices. In addition to discussions on global perspectives, the event highlighted local issues specific to Ontario, enabling international attendees to learn about regional challenges and solutions.
As the conference concluded, the introduction of the E&T&C Certification marked a promising step toward fostering greater transparency and collaboration in the industrial sector, ultimately benefiting both facilities and the communities they serve.
