PRISM :: Browsing by Author "Herremans, Irene"

Browsing by Author "Herremans, Irene"

Now showing 1 - 20 of 30

Open Access
Accounting for greenhouse gas emissions
(2004) Goldenberg, Ariel; Herremans, Irene
The Canadian government is in the process of developing legislation and policies to reduce national levels of greenhouse gas emissions. The first wave of these initiatives is aimed at large industrial emitters. The goal of this project is to provide the latter with recommendations on how they can best account for their emissions to facilitate compliance with the emerging regulatory regime. The project begins by considering the technical constraints associated with accurately developing a greenhouse gas inventory. It then looks at constitutional issues that inform the types of laws and policies that may be developed at the federal and provincial level. It continues by detailing the emerging reporting framework and the trading markets. Best current industry accounting and reporting practices are then documented. The project concludes with a case study that evaluates the potential of an alternative accounting methodology - activity-based costing (ABC) - to provide higher quality data to decision makers in emitting firms. ABC was found to provide a number of advantages over current best practices. These include its ability to help identify internal emission reduction opportunities and their associated costs, improve the quality of internal reports to management and external reports to stakeholders, and provide valuable information for emissions management strategies. Together these advantages can assist firms in more effectively meeting the identified policies and legislation, reducing their exposure to emissions-related liabilities, and participating effectively in emissions trading markets.
Open Access
Alternative Solutions for Fruit and Vegetable Price Look-Up Stickers Generating Waste in the Environment
(2020-08) Mukesh, Kruti; Herremans, Irene
Waste generation impacts the environment, energy, economy, and society. Price Look-Up stickers used on the fresh produce become environment litter, can cause compost contamination, and contribute to climate change. This research was conducted to identify alternative and sustainable solutions for Price Look-Up stickers. Two surveys were conducted for the purpose of this research. Survey I was geared towards identifying the potential for adoption of alternative solutions among produce processors and distributors . Survey II was intended for analysing sticker waste disposal practices and attitudes among end consumers. Representatives from the sticker manufacturing industry were interviewed to gain information for analysing the prospects for innovation, availability, and adoption of alternative solutions. I consulted with officials at the Canadian Produce Marketing Association to understand their position on need for alternatives. Findings from the surveys and industry consultations were used to develop recommendations for The City of Calgary.
Open Access
An investigation of the relationship between the intellectual capital components and firm's financial performance
(2010) Nazari, Jamal Aldin; Herremans, Irene
Open Access
Barriers and incentives for residential solar PV in the Calgary area
(2019-08) Bagherzadegan, Elshan; Herremans, Irene; Yu, Alice
Solar energy holds great promise for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, especially in sunny places such as the Calgary area. While its cost has decreased and its efficiency has improved, there is no proportionate increase in adoption. An increase in adoption not only reduces environmental concerns but has potential benefits for the economy. In this capstone project, I analyze the barriers and incentives for solar photovoltaic (PV) adoption by residents in the Calgary area. Specifically, I conduct a survey to better understand the residents’ motivations and concerns. I perform statistical analyses on the data using t-test and regression analysis. I find that age, salary, and other factors have significant impacts on adoption. Moreover, I emphasize the importance of looking at the adoption decision more holistically, and considering factors such as lifestyle and environment, along with economic factors. Based on my analyses, I provide several recommendations for policy-makers and companies.
Open Access
Changing children's awareness and behavior toward environmentally sustainable practices through educative programs
(2020-08) Ordaz, Karla Gabriela; Herremans, Irene; Skett, Sarah; Tan, Kelvin
Education plays a valuable role in sustainable development if linked to behavior change. This research has evaluated environmental education effectiveness to change children’s, teachers’, and Sustainable Energy Development (SEDV) residents’ awareness and behavior toward the impact that energy has on the environment. Implementing the Theory of Planned Behavior developed by Ajzen in 1990, questionnaires were designed with queries about attitude and perceived behavioral control as variables that most influence the intention to perform a behavior. Although learning may not produce rapid behavior change, it can be useful to motivate people to adopt the desired attitude and awareness. The findings demonstrated that elementary school students are capable to learn about energy and environment, and that the educative program impacted participants' attitudes and awareness favorably. Overall students and SEDV residents gained more knowledge about environmentally sustainable practices by engaging in environmental activities. Consequently, they acquired a stronger intention to portray pro-environmental behavior.
Open Access
Community-Based Biowaste Circularity: Achieving Sustained Waste Management through an Open Free-range Black Soldier Fly Biowaste Treatment System
(2024-09-20) Chineme, Atinuke; Assefa, Getachew; Herremans, Irene; Wylant, Barry; Shumo, Marwa
Sustainable waste management systems lack universal applicability, as technological solutions alone are insufficient to tackle all waste-related issues. Neglecting socio-cultural factors can impede effective and continuous waste management efforts, rendering technology counterproductive in this regard. Instances of abandoned waste treatment facilities lacking essential expertise and motivation serve as a testament to these failures (Oteng-Ababio et al., 2013). Cultural sensitivity is especially crucial in middle- and low-income communities and countries where relational values supersede transactional ones (Owusu-Ansah & Mji, 2013). This study tried to tackle this challenge by answering the research question, how can a community-based female group that utilizes the Black Soldier Fly (BSF) treatment method achieve sustainable biowaste management? The research implemented an affordable, open Black Soldier Fly biowaste treatment system in peri-urban Tanzania, with a focus on assessing project longevity as a critical indicator of its success. Employing a mixed-method approach, the study combined quantitative analysis for technical and environmental evaluations with qualitative analysis for socio-cultural assessment. Technical evaluations included system implementation and comparison of outputs with existing literature. Over a 148-day study period, employing a localized circular economy model, the system processed two tons of waste, yielding 19.15 kg of Black Soldier Fly larvae (BSFL) (wet weight) and 201 kg of biowaste (dry weight), which were notably better than literature benchmarks. A comparative Life Cycle Assessment revealed environmental benefits such as reduced climate change (33%) and decreased water, land, and energy use (55%, 37%, and 32% reductions, respectively) compared to the ubiquitous closed Black Soldier Fly system. The biowaste treatment system was developed and operated collaboratively with a women’s community-based organization to enhance project localization and knowledge transfer. Gradual project ownership was established through a staged handoff process, thus easing the transition toward greater self-sufficiency as per the community group's request. The research emphasized the importance of conducting an extensive socio-cultural feasibility study before implementing a biowaste treatment system or any technology in low-income communities. While the technology demonstrated ease of use and effectiveness, sustained utilization required commitment from stewards, cooperation within the community group, an extended case study duration, iterative infrastructure design, and leadership endorsement.
Open Access
Conservation easements
(2009) Smith, James L. (James Leslie), 1950-; Herremans, Irene
Open Access
Contribution of the University of Calgary Institutional Sustainability Strategy to the Sustainable Development Goals
(2020-08) Gomez Blanco, Andres; Herremans, Irene; Keogh, Áine
This project addresses the following question: to what extent does the University of Calgary Institutional Sustainability Strategy (ISS) contribute the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Recent studies do not report the contribution of the higher education sector to the SDGs. Also, the use of frameworks and guidelines is not clearly stated. This research gap is addressed by applying the SDG Compass steps to the ISS and reviewing the U of C’s materiality matrix. The findings demonstrate that the Compass serves as a tool to identify the ISS contribution. Besides, the materiality matrix is a key driver in determining the material aspects in the ISS scope. Six SDGs, eight targets, and nine indicators comprise the Strategy’s contribution with specific actions regarding education, clean energy, innovation, responsible consumption, and climate change. Finally, 25 indicators were designed to measure the ISS contribution from 2020 to 2021.
Open Access
Corporate governance and the board of directors: study of the importance of the role of the formal and informal systems
(2007) Maharaj, Rookmin; Herremans, Irene
Open Access
Creating Cohesion in Energy Strategy: An Analysis of Risk Management in the Western Canadian Petroleum Industry
(2023-11-16) Hoang, Christopher; Herremans, Irene
Strategic synergy can lead to operational efficiencies and improved performance, a phenomenon not sufficiently explored within the environmental strategies of the Western Canadian petroleum industry (WCPI). This study, therefore, explores, “to what extent does the WCPI demonstrate synergy in the discussion of risk between their environmental and corporate strategies?” and, “how is this relationship moderated by industry subsector and firm size?”. Through textual analysis of published environmental and corporate reports, firms demonstrated a lack of strategic synergy and inconsistent risk disclosures: citing more environmental risks in their environmental reporting, with inconsistent financial and operational risks within corporate reporting. Although some relationship to the moderating variables is observable, statistical analysis provided mixed results. Moreover, firms demonstrated homogeneity in risk disclosures and strategic methodologies, with evidence of coercive and mimetic institutional isomorphic forces. Stricter ESG frameworks or adopting integrated reporting could drive greater consistency but will still require additional oversight and regulation.
Open Access
Development of an Analytical Tool to Assess a Communitys Sustainable Energy Needs
(2018) O’Driscoll, Caroline; Coloso, John; Herremans, Irene
Governments and industry support community energy initiatives with various funding sources. However, we have observed that some proposed renewable energy projects are not properly identified, evaluated or implemented, especially in indigenous communities,
Open Access
Environmental management in corporations in southeastern China
(2006) Chen, Jia; Herremans, Irene
Open Access
Environmental Policy, indicators, and reporting: the University of Calgary experience
(2001) Adair, Leah N.; Herremans, Irene
Open Access
Evolution of Social Institutions in the Journey Towards Sustainability: The Case of the Galápagos Islands
(Latin American Research Centre, 2011) Herremans, Irene; Ambrosie, Linda M.
Two hundred years after the birth of Charles Darwin, whose theory of evolution was influenced by the Galápagos Islands, we investigate the myriad of institutions that influence the domain’s governance. We provide insight into the complex web of economic, environmental, and social factors that result in a lack of clear direction and thus lead UNESCO to list the Islands as “at risk” in the past. Using institutional theory, with specific interest in competing logics or differences in senses of place among the major organizational populations in the Islands, we investigate the context in which the Islands exist. Several forces, both positive and negative, are driving change, and despite attempts to achieve equilibrium in the Islands, governance is in constant flux due to high turnover among key personnel in the organization populations. Instability and lack of continuity exist not only in the domain but also within the organizational populations themselves.
Open Access
Exploring Renewable Energy Opportunties for Nunavut
(2018) Byrne, Dixon Louis; Herremans, Irene
The Canadian territory of Nunavut covers one fifth of Canada’s landmass and, without a road network or linked power grid, residents rely exclusively on off-grid diesel generated power stations to supply electricity. Once considered convenient, these syste
Open Access
Factors Influencing Energy Transition in a Local Community – A Case Study of Hinton Alberta
(2023-11-16) Ubani, Chijindu; Herremans, Irene
Canada has experienced an increase in the frequency of extreme weather events in recent times. Energy transition offers a potential solution to mitigating these climatic effects. However, several factors influence energy transition in a community. This research sought to investigate factors influencing energy transition in a local community by conducting a case study of Hinton, Alberta. The research also sought to compare community sentiments observed in this study to the communication and transition policy recommendations of the Alberta Narrative Project (ANP). This study found that economic, governmental, social, and overlapping factors, both negatively and positively, influenced energy transition in the community, while environmental factors drive energy transition. Additionally, study sentiments were similar to the ANP’s communication and transition policy recommendations. This study’s findings can be applied in developing and implementing energy transition policies and developments that are more applicable and suitable for communities in Alberta.
Open Access
Feasibility study for installation of solar panels in a school in Zacatecas Mexico
(2018) Ghajari, Zeinab; Herremans, Irene
This project investigates the relevance and effectiveness of solar energy as a sustainable and cost-effective solution for providing electricity to the education sector in developing economies. We assess the feasibility of powering a school in Mexico with
Open Access
Financial Feasibility of Village-Based Solar Projects An Example in Burkina Faso
(2018) Illingworth, Spencer; Herremans, Irene
This research project identifies revenue generating scenarios for a small village-based solar project in Pa Village, Burkina Faso, and the impact they have on overall project economics. Assumptions and input values have been taken from industry experts, P
Open Access
Gender Diversity, Board Interlocks and Environmental Performance
(2016-01-15) Lu, Jing; Herremans, Irene; Gordon, Irene; Anderson, Mark; Dick, David; Nazari, Jamal; Kline, Theresa
My dissertation consists of three studies that investigate gender diversity, board interlocks, and environmental performance. In the first study, I investigate whether gender diversity is related to firms’ environmental performance. Built on resource dependence theory, I argue that compared to male directors, female directors provide different human resources. Thus, gender diversity in the boardroom leads to better environmental performance by providing a greater pool of resources. Using a sample of S&P 1500 firms in the US between 2009 and 2012, I find a positive relationship between gender diversity and environmental performance using regressions. This study provides a recent snapshot of gender diversity practice and firms’ environmental performance after Sarbanes-Oxley and the 2007-2008 financial crisis, using a much larger sample size than previous research. In the second study, I delve deeper into the relational dimension of corporate governance, specifically the link between board interlocks and environmental performance. Social network theory argues that an organization’s outcome is affected by its position in the network and board interlocks create channels for sharing of information between firms. Using the same sample as study No. 1, I find an interesting phenomenon that board interlocks serve as channels of information diffusion that result in good environmental performance, but poor environmental performing firms do not share information as much. This study provides empirical evidence that board interlocks serve an information filtering function depending on directors’ values alignment. In my last study, I test the link between board interlocks, the interlocking directors’ sustainability-related human and social capital, and environmental performance. I combine resource dependence theory and social network theory, which suggest that board interlocks serve as effective channels of sharing information and the interlocking directors’ experiences play a role in the process of diffusion. Using regressions, I find that both interlocking directors’ sustainability-related human and social capital contribute to environmental performance positively. My work responds to numerous research studies that call for empirical evidence of the relationship among board interlocks, interlocking directors’ characteristics, and organizational outcomes.
Open Access
Harvesting Human Energy
(2020-08) Estrada, Guillermo; Herremans, Irene
Nowadays, different technologies are being developed to harvest energy from human movement. Different companies and researchers are looking to store, produce, and increase conversion rates to generate and supply power to the utility sector reliably and cleanly. This paper evaluates the economic benefit, energy impact, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction of harvesting human energy. The paper presents three economic analyses to determine if it is feasible to invest in green machines (i.e. bikes, treadmills), showing the pros, cons, and quantitative economic returns. Moreover, it assesses the energy supply from humans and the impact this has on the electricity sector. Results are built with information from two different institutions (Peloton Cycling and the University of Calgary Fitness Centre). In the end, even though the economic benefit is not attractive at this time, harvesting human energy holds great potential for the future when the cost of the technology decreases