Contributions to Sustainable Communities

Our presenter today was Maria Topalovic.  Maria spoke to the group on Contributions to Sustainable Communities.   Maria provided a most interesting an informative perspective into a topic that is of concern to all.

Maria, an environmental professional completed a Masters of Engineering and Public Policy at McMaster and is a resident of Hamilton.  In addition to her work with Holcim Canada she is also Chair of the Hamilton Sustainability Network.  Holcim Canada manufactures cement, aggregate and ready mix concrete and provides construction services to many of Canada’s largest infrastructure projects.  Corporate social responsibility is a major force in this organization.  To that end the company operates local Community Advisory Panels in communities where facilities are located.  The company works alongside local communities on initiatives related to education and training, sustainable community development and improvements in local infrastructure.  Maria suggests a typical day could a range of activities from taking field samples and data analysis to working collaboratively with a varied group of stakeholders.

The Hamilton Sustainability Professionals Network (SPN) was established to engage both individuals and groups that work in or study the field of sustainability. The purpose is to provide networking opportunities to allow collaboration on projects and potentially to develop new projects to further sustainability in Hamilton.