Canada:IFAI featured earth-friendly options for textiles industry

Green building and IFAI Canada's manufacturer design and craftsmanship award winners for such well-known clients as Cirque de Soleil were the hot topics at IFAI Canada Expo 2008, held March 6-8 in Montreal.
The Expo hosted more than 350 attendees and 46 exhibitors; and offered education, networking, supplier exhibits and award programs.
Participants also attended an informational tour, starting at Brisebois Canvas Cleaning for a demonstration of cleaning techniques for fabric products. Members can now refer their clients in need of cleaning services to Brisebois.
The tour then moved to CTT Group testing facility, which offered insight into a seldom-seen aspect of the textile industry. CTT Group is a multi-service organization with technical, commercial and information services.
Keynote speaker Rodney Wilts, LLB, LEED AP, discussed green building and green products for the industry. He defined his program, the LOOP IRIS: Integrated Rating Indicator for Sustainability, a method to communicate clear and compelling progress on sustainability, and how to apply it to projects.
Wilts is a green building consultant and writer, and was recently invited to serve on the selection committee for the Canadian Government program Net Zero Energy Housing Initiative.
He previously served as an environmental lawyer for West Coast Environmental Law in Vancouver; and CEO and founder of Healthiest Home & Building Supplies, Canada's firstand largest green building store.

IFAI Canada Awards:
The annual IFAI Canada Awards Program winners were announced during the IFAI Canada Expo 2008. The competition is open to end-product manufacturers of the industrial fabrics industry, and recognizes the latest advancements in 10 categories of specialty fabric design and manufacturing in the Canadian specialty fabrics industry.
The top honor is the Nash Award, given to one Award of Excellence project that best exemplifies the high standards of craftsmanship, function, innovation to which longtime IFAI Canada member Jeff Nash held all of his projects.
In each category, an Award of Excellence and Outstanding Achievement Award may be given depending on the number of entries.
Entries were judged by industry experts using the following criteria: complexity, design, workmanship, uniqueness and function.
IFAI Canada congratulates all companies who received an award. Complete project descriptions are available on the IFAI Canada.