Many of our modern conveniences rely on or produce hazardous substances. Rob Singer, the director of the Atlantic Centre for Green Chemistry, is hoping to change that.
Founded in 2010, the ACGC is based out of Saint Mary’s University but involves researchers at universities throughout the region.

Singer, a chemistry professor, says the Centre’s research is aimed at developing chemical products and processes that use benign substances, reduce waste and energy consumption, and make the most efficient use of non-renewable resources.

As well, the goal is to offer industry a clean sustainable alternative to traditional chemical and manufacturing processes.

“Green Chemistry, also called sustainable chemistry, is a chemical philosophy encouraging the design of products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances,” he says.

Hazardous materials are used in sectors ranging from energy and transportation to agriculture and medicine. But Singer says the chemical industry is attempting to change its ways and reduce its environmental impact.

The ACGC boasts 23 green chemistry researchers working in nine universities across Atlantic Canada. ACGC members are funded from a wide variety of sources including federal (NSERC), provincial (Springboard Atlantic), and municipal sources.

“This program will provide the region’s brightest minds with specialized expertise and resources that will accelerate the pace of innovation and ensure more discoveries make it to market,” Singer concludes. “The ACGC is still in its start-up phase. Despite this, there have been numerous scientific publications and provisional patents submitted based upon the activities of its members.”