Research & Development

The overriding issue of our time is the rapid degradation of the ecosphere. It affects all of us. Recent climate change impact events have served to forcefully inform, if not shock us, into the realization that “systems” originally designed to manage and protect water or air may very well be broken or, at best, not operating effectively. In some case the realty may be worse – the environmental infrastructure may not exist.


Since 1994, GREENLAND® has been responsible for health & wellness and environmental systems research, including:

  • Stormwater management facility performance and maintenance;
  • Surface and groundwater modelling and development web-based information platforms;
  • Watershed health and stream restoration monitoring tools & best practices;
  • Remote sensing applications for collaborative river basin protection projects;
  • Green roof and vegetated or “breathing wall” technologies for new buildings and retrofitted facilities;
  • Intuitive mobility access systems (incl. “Smart Door” prototype); and,
  • Design performance verification of Low Impact Development (LID) practices and development of Smart stormwater technologies.


For example, in partnership with other teams, we initiated a research program about a new (yet "natural") water treatment technology for storm water management facilities and waterways. A number of demonstration sites in North America and overseas were identified. Pilot sites were initially constructed. GREENLAND® was responsible for the monitoring of the Canadian projects and assisted with the preparation of technical publications and conference presentations about the global project findings. The concept for these natural treatment systems is rooted in biomimicry and hydroponics. While these structures are initially being marketed as aesthetically beautiful and able to enhance biodiversity and nurture fish and wildlife, more scientific applications were identified to naturally clean and oxygenate waterways.


Finally, GREENLAND® was retained to identify alternatives to eradicate invasive fish species in Canadian waterways by using new / existing mechanical and chemical treatment technologies and again to test marketable global products for removing filterable reactive phosphorous from water bodies. Engineering and natural science advice was required on how best to manipulate site-specific problem areas and to design the most effective water body treatment systems, and set of protocols / procedures, while minimizing environmental and property impacts.


Social Media

 
LinkedIn 
YouTube

Client Testimonials

Town of Collingwood

On behalf of the Town of Collingwood, I would like to thank the Greenland Group of Companies for their design and execution of the Town’s vision for Heritage Park, coordination of all consultants, contract administration and construction inspection.

Greenland always strives for thoroughness, professionalism and addressing their clients needs on each of their projects – this was no exception.

Peter G. Dunbar
Director, Leisure Services
Town of Collingwood

August 30, 2010
 

Walton Development and Management

The Walton Group of Companies is a multinational real estate investment and development firm concentrating on the research, acquisition, administration, planning and development of strategically located land in major North American growth corridors. With nearly 90,000 acres of land under administration including 22 development projects, Walton is one of North America’s premier land asset managers.

Walton Development and Management L.P. (“Walton”) has retained Greenland International Consulting Ltd. (“Greenland”) to assist with our municipal infrastructure planning and engineering design for several new communities in the County of Simcoe, Ontario including environmental assessments and water resource analysis. Greenland is highly regarded in the industry for their professional approach to the environmental aspects of these projects and state-of-the-art decision support tools (such as CANWETTM) to address climate change adaptation, cumulative watershed impact, and adaptive management such as post-construction performance monitoring. Greenland’s business model is unique and has provided Walton with value-added deliverables through the use of best available science and solution-based methodology. This includes forming a landmark public/private sector phosphorous reduction program to protect a sensitive fishery habitat system within headwaters of the Nottawasaga River Basin for one of Walton’s projects in Simcoe County. Greenland’s CANWETTM model and other in-house stormwater management and climate change impact assessment tools were instrumental for Walton to establish long-term partnerships in this community, including the local municipality, Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority and other key stakeholders.

Paolo Sacilotto
General Manager, Simcoe
Walton Development and Management L.P

February 13, 2015
 

Town of Collingwood

RE: Town of Collingwood ‘Smart’ Stormwater Project
 
I would like to thank and recognize GREENLAND® for their leadership role in the above project. Your firm identified the opportunity to work together with other private firms and public sector organizations, together with the support of the Town of Collingwood and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, to address a growing Concern in communities related to lot-level flood mitigation.
 
GREENLAND® strategized and implemented, over almost 3 years, the “first-ever in Canada” work plan to mitigate problems of climate-change induced stormwater flooding which impacts many residential, commercial and institutional properties. The innovative project approach monitored 4 different Low Impact Development (LID) approaches for reducing lot-level flooding and their ability to redirect site drainage away from municipal sewer systems. Using innovative real-time (aka ‘Smart’) technologies, GREENLAND® was also able to generate ‘Big Data’ that provided new insights into the effectiveness of these different approaches. The GREENLAND® team’s level of commitment, thoroughness and professionalism was appreciated by the municipality. GREENLAND® maintained open lines of communication with Town staff, contractors, participating residents, and promptly responded to all questions and issues raised by the public.
 
We commend your firm’s efforts as a pioneer in implementing this project approach.
 
Sonya Skinner
Acting Chief Administrative Officer
Town of Collingwood

June 2, 2020
 

Corporate Partnerships & Associations

Partnerships and Accreditations