2023 TITLE PRESENTATIONS
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Energy vs Climate is a live, interactive webinar, a podcast, and an occasional newsletter where energy experts David Keith, Sara Hastings-Simon and Ed Whittingham break down the trade-offs and hard truths of the energy transition in Alberta, Canada, and beyond.
Energy vs Climate is your no-nonsense discussion source for the nuanced reality we face. We’ll cover news and speak with industry, government and civil society guests. You won’t always agree with us, but this series is for you if you care about our energy future.
David Keith has worked on energy and climate since 1990 when he switched out of physics. Now, he’s a prof at the University of Chicago, and, in a detour from academia, he founded Carbon Engineering, a cleantech startup.
Sara Hastings-Simon studies energy transitions at the intersection of policy, business, and technology. She’s a policy wonk; a physicist turned management consultant, a professor at the University of Calgary and a Director of the Master of Science in Sustainable Energy Development.
Ed Whittingham isn’t a physicist but has worked on climate and energy for the past 20 years, first as head of the Pembina Institute, a Canadian clean energy think tank, and now as a consultant helping develop and finance clean energy projects. He is also a mentor with the Creative Destruction Lab and a co-founder of the Academy for Sustainable Innovation Canada.
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Details coming soon!
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David Dodge is the producer and host of GreenEnergyFutures.ca. In the last decade, he has produced more than 300 blogs, videos and CKUA radio micro-documentaries on clean energy, energy transition and the most inspiring green people and projects in Canada.
David served as the founding chair of the board of Energy Efficiency Alberta and founding cochair of Edmonton’s Energy Transition Advisory Committee. David is a sought-after public speaker and has delivered more than 150 talks and keynote addresses on clean energy solutions and energy transition.
David is an award-winning photojournalist, writer and publisher.
David has researched, filmed and produced documentaries on solar, wind, geothermal, biogas, biomass, biodiesel, landfill gas, industrial symbiosis, hydrogen, net-zero buildings, energy efficiency, energy transition and much more.
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When it comes to Building for Sustainability, David Dodge has seen it all! In this rollicking, uplifting keynote address, Dave will draw upon his extensive archives to bring us his best and most inspirational Building for Sustainability stories, touching on the themes of our homes, the future of energy and an economy of sustainability.
WORKSHOPS
Please review the following workshop offerings, choose your preferred workshops, and click the registration button below the listings to confirm your selections when purchasing your ticket.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
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The world of Netzero Renovations or Deep Energy Retrofits is challenging. Navigating the unknowns and achieving the desired outcomes of lowered emissions, occupant comfort, air quality and Return on Investment is complicated. This workshop will introduce participants to the practices and techniques of Net Zero Renovations.
Learn from Tyler Hermansen of 4 Elements Integrated Design about their recent Calgary pilot, where they renovated three homes to very high levels of performance and electrification, including increasing insulation to R30+, adding heat pump technology for heating and hot water, and planning for solar.
Peter Darlington of Solar Homes Inc will then share his experiences of the past 20 years of Deep Energy Retrofits. His focus will include construction challenges, details and images of completed projects.
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Tyler Hermanson is co-owner and Director of Innovation at 4 Elements. An architectural technologist by training and long-time Energy Advisor with over 15 years of experience in energy-efficient, sustainable homes and buildings. Tyler leads a diverse team of green building experts while tackling the more complex energy and verification/certification projects as a Certified Professional Building Commissioner. Tyler is Primary Quality Assurance Designee as a LEED for Homes Provider and worked extensively in the early adoption and development of both Built Green High Density and Net Zero Energy Homes programs in Alberta and continues to support them through training.
Peter Darlington spent the first couple of decades of his career operating a building envelope company. When he began his personal renovation in 2015, it became apparent that he could leverage this experience to design his renovation to Netzero standards, meaning his home would generate all the energy it would need over the course of a year. Having successfully completed Solar Homes Inc’s first project, he has since been helping homeowners on their path to Netzero. He has also spent his time working with the Canadian Home Builders' Association developing a national program to label homes that reach this milestone of performance. Peter’s home recently became the first home in Canada to be labelled under the CHBA’s Netzero Renovation Pilot Program.
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Our presentation team will guide the audience through the lifecycle of a multi-unit residential project development (MURB) to identify methodologies for defining “sustainability” for new construction and renovation projects, focusing on strategies to integrate and measure performance specifications at all stages of the project development cycle, and combining key insights from multiple stakeholders.
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Jeff Lyness has dedicated his 20+ year professional practice to creating architectural and urban design projects that instil a sense of place and belonging for their occupants and users. He believes that transformational design can only be achieved through a collaborative process that balances the needs of all stakeholders. Throughout his career, Jeff has worked on complex projects with diverse stakeholders, including affordable housing projects and collaborations with non-profit organizations. His leadership skills and unwavering commitment to client service have been instrumental in the successful completion of numerous large-scale projects. Jeff understands the importance of empathy in design and strives to incorporate each project's social, economic, environmental, and cultural context into the built form. He believes that a design that integrates the context of the project can result in a beautiful and memorable experience for all who come into contact with it.
Michelle Ouellette, BSc, MBA, MCIP, is the Executive Director for Canmore Community Housing (CCH). Michelle is a well-rounded and adaptable leadership professional who has an extensive career in facilitating both private and public sector community development and municipal policy initiatives which affect the achievement of broader community objectives related to social, environmental, and financial sustainability. With a background in both environmental science and land use planning (B.Sc.), along with a master’s degree in business (MBA), Michelle offers a unique skill set and perspective in leadership, strategic planning, and community development. Michelle is an active member of (ULI) Urban Land Institute, Alberta Professional Planners Institute (APPI), and the Bow Valley Builders and Developers Association (BOWDA), where she is currently serving on the Board of Directors.
Arsheel Hirji has over 15 years of experience in sustainable and climate-resilient building development, financing, and delivery. Arsheel is a highly-regarded champion in the field. He possesses extensive knowledge in identifying and implementing performance metrics that advance sustainability goals in any project. Having spent more than a dozen years managing a large public sector building and infrastructure portfolio, Arsheel deeply understands the challenges faced by building owners and operators and is well-versed in innovative project delivery methods. His focus on delivering feasible solutions that add value, improve indoor environments, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, address climate change, and demonstrate quality sets him apart. As discipline champion, Arsheel ensures that sustainability is integrated into all METAFOR projects. As a key member of the integrated design team, he supports clients in achieving their corporate and project-level goals.
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Building electrification is the process of disconnecting a building from the fossil fuel distribution network. This workshop will present key findings of Alberta Ecotrust Foundation funded research completed by Frank Crawford and Passive House Alberta on Electrification Without a Service Upgrade.
You will learn key considerations, steps, and strategies that can be incorporated in the electrification of new or existing residential buildings as part of a Net Zero Energy build or retrofit to bring Alberta’s built environment in line with net zero emissions goals.
This presentation will also discuss how electrification is influenced by other building efficiency improvements, such as air sealing and insulation.
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Ben received an Architectural Technologies diploma from SAIT in 2013 and has worked as a building science technologist for several years. During that time, he diagnosed and oversaw the repair of building envelope issues in single and multi-family buildings. He has also served as a building envelope consultant on multiple multi-family and commercial construction projects in Calgary and Fort McMurray. Ben focuses on overseeing building and material science-related research with Green Building Technologies. He also supports the development of a curriculum to help increase the adoption of green, high-performance building design and construction concepts.
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We will workshop the 10 step process to develop your Environmental, Social and Governance journey. Learn what frameworks are available and why credible science-based target setting is key to a solid ESG policy. And we'll make this fun and profitable!
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Shafraaz is a registered architect and Senior Integrated Project Delivery Facilitator with EcoAmmo Sustainable Consulting – and is passionate about creating more net zero energy, carbon neutral and regenerative buildings and initiatives.
Shafraaz is well known for its commitment to sustainable strategies and integrated, community-based, collaborative design through team facilitation and public engagement.
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Self-sufficiency, saving money, comfort, innovation, climate change – the motives are many, and the pathway to green homes includes a kaleidoscope of possibilities. From strawbale homes on the prairies to rebel architect Michael Reynold’s Earthships in the deserts of New Mexico to the passive house pioneered by Harold Orr to the affordable net-zero production homes now appearing on the market, the day of green homes has arrived.
We’ll survey real-life examples of each and discuss the top five components of the high-performance home of today.
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David Dodge is the producer and host of GreenEnergyFutures.ca. In the last decade, he has produced more than 300 blogs, videos and CKUA radio micro-documentaries on clean energy, energy transition and the most inspiring green people and projects in Canada.
David served as the founding chair of the board of Energy Efficiency Alberta and founding cochair of Edmonton’s Energy Transition Advisory Committee. David is a sought-after public speaker and has delivered more than 150 talks and keynote addresses on clean energy solutions and energy transition.
David is an award-winning photojournalist, writer and publisher.
David has researched, filmed and produced documentaries on solar, wind, geothermal, biogas, biomass, biodiesel, landfill gas, industrial symbiosis, hydrogen, net-zero buildings, energy efficiency, energy transition and much more.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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In this presentation, Solar Alberta will share important tips and tricks to ensure single and multi-family homes, as well as businesses, are built or renovated in a solar-ready way. They will also share some great examples of solar-installer and green-builder partnerships. This seminar will have you thinking about sunshine, rooftops, electrical systems, design & build management, and much more!
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Grace is a senior analyst on the Pembina Institute’s electricity team, where her work focuses on regulatory reform and utility business model innovation to enable a reliable, affordable, and equitable electricity system. Prior to joining Pembina, Grace worked for over five years on policy and regulatory issues for the residential solar energy industry in the United States. She is a NABCEP Photovoltaic Associate and a passionate advocate for solar and distributed energy resources. Grace is interested in organizing and advocating for strong policies that support the growth and sustainability of sunny Alberta’s solar energy industry.
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This workshop will explore waste management best practices from a construction industry point of view, with practical advice on source separation, site management and waste reduction. Attendees will be involved in discussions on sustainable waste management systems and opportunities and how to integrate these into construction projects.
Together we will consider all aspects of construction waste, with ideas for delivering construction sites where sustainable waste management is a priority, minimising disposal costs and improving your project’s green credentials. Hosted by Francis Cooke Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre operators, this workshop will provide an opportunity to learn more about the local construction waste management landscape and how we can work together to turn the Bow Valley’s construction waste into valuable resources.
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Andrew Calder is a waste management professional with 20 years of experience in the field. Andrew currently leads the Bow Valley Waste Management Commission, a regional organisation providing waste management services to the construction industry at the Francis Cooke Class III Landfill and Resource Recover Centre in Alberta.
Andrew has held various roles in the private sector and local government throughout his career. He has extensive experience working with communities, municipalities, and industry to develop and operate reliable recycling programs and services.
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Amidst the pressing call for climate action, adopting sustainable practices in construction is imperative. Don't miss an engaging presentation featuring Lafarge's sustainability and product experts.
Join us as we delve into the ways corporate commitments to NetZero propel sustainable initiatives throughout product development and manufacturing, striving to minimize carbon emissions in operations, including the Exshaw Cement Plant. Discover how Lafarge's low-carbon cement and concrete products play a pivotal role in constructing greener buildings.
Explore the impact of sustainable practices on the construction industry's carbon footprint and be part of the solution.
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Connie Yuen - As the Innovation Manager for the Ready Mix product line for Lafarge Western Canada, Connie collaborates with stakeholders across the industry to bring value through Lafarge's portfolio of innovative products and services, focusing on sustainable solutions.
Connie has a background in chemical process engineering, over a decade of project and strategic management experience, and loves identifying solutions to problems and creating productive environments for teams to thrive.
Matt Dalkie - Matt is currently a Senior Sustainability Manager for Lafarge Canada.
Having spent his entire career in the cement industry in various locations across the globe, Matt has developed a detailed knowledge and understanding of cement manufacturing and cement and concrete products in relation to sustainable construction.
Matt holds a degree in Chemical Technology, is a LEED Accredited Professional in Building Design and Construction, and holds various NRMCA certifications. He is active on CSA Concrete (CSA A23.1/2), Cement (CSA A3000), and lab testing (CSA A283) standards development committees, chairing the sustainability subcommittees, ACI committees for Concrete Sustainability, Alternative Cements, Concrete Durability, and Soil Cementing, and is chair of the ConcreteBC Technical Committee.
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Retrofitting existing buildings will be essential to Canada’s response to meeting GHG reduction goals and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. Executing such a retrofit while addressing multiple stakeholder requirements is a challenge.
This session will describe the process involved in an existing building green retrofit. The intent is to share information on a balanced approach to redesign existing building stock, which will meet the needs of stakeholders for the next 50 years.
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Laurence Kao is a Professional Engineer with project experience across Canada in a wide range of fields including decarbonization, retrofit design, recommissioning, and measurement and verification. He is a Certified Energy Manager and draws on his broad knowledge base to take an integrated approach to projects.
Laurence specializes in the energy and GHG reduction process from study to implementation and monitoring. He was a project manager for several existing building retrofits for clients such as Metro Vancouver, PSPC, CBRE, City of Brampton, and Home Depot.
As National Practice Technical Lead of the Building Performance and Sustainability team at Pinchin, Laurence aims to lead multidisciplinary teams in taking on sustainability and retrofit projects.
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This presentation will:
1) explain and demystify ‘ESG’ (environment, social and governance) expectations of the marketplace and investors;
2) show how entrepreneur peers in this sector do it, and;
3) present a free, online, confidential sustainability & ESG strategic planning tool designed by entrepreneurs and used by 200,000+ companies around the world.
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Craig Ryan is a nationally recognized sustainability and ESG expert with three decades of experience, incl. fifteen at BDC serving entrepreneurs and business managers
Craig Ryan is Director, Corporate Sustainability at the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC). He has more than thirty years of experience providing sustainability advice to decision-makers in business, government and civil society, including federal ministers and private sector CEOs. He never planned to be a banker but gave it a go upon learning that BDC was exclusively dedicated to people creating companies.
Craig has a master’s degree in Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School and is a 2018 Clean16 honoree in recognition of his contribution to sustainability in Canada. He has served on the board of directors of Equiterre, one of Canada’s most influential environmental groups, as well as Rise, a national charity that provides microfinance and support for people who are building companies as they tackle mental health challenges. Presently, he sits on the board of the charitable foundation of NOVAlex, the only B Corp law firm in Quebec.
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
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Given Canada’s commitment to Net Zero Emissions by 2050, our approach to buildings, both existing and new, must shift in favour of sustainable, energy-efficient practices. It is imperative that we build for the future today, incorporating longevity and the latest techniques in sustainable design.
Through an interactive presentation of local case studies and physical models, HSS Design Build will present best practices in sustainable design informed by Passive House principles for both new and existing buildings.
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Raphael Spinner is a licensed builder and certified Passive House Designer and has a Swiss diploma in mass timber and wood construction and project management. He founded HSS Design Build in 2016 to accelerate the transition to sustainable and energy-efficient design and construction practices. Raphael has 20 years of experience building sustainable and energy-efficient structures to the highest quality and performance standards, both residential and
commercial. His passion for Passive House design and timeless mountain architecture is at the heart of HSS Design Build. He is always striving to implement and educate the necessity of Passive House principles in design.
Working under Raphael is a dedicated team of Lead Designer Rayni Kovacs (Certified Passive House Designer, M.Arch), Junior Designer Marina Martin (M.Phil), and our on-site crew of Certified Passive House Tradespeople, Red Seal Journeymen, apprentices and experienced carpenters, all committed to HSS's mission.
Audrina Lim is an Australian architect with 20 years of professional experience, and she has been practising in Canada for the past decade. Her interest in ethical, sustainable development has empowered her to shift careers into sustainability within an innovative General Contractor, Chandos Construction. Audrina’s role as the Director of Carbon Transition holds a mandate to help shape internal policy, practise, measurement and research to bring Chandos’ goal of Net Zero 2040 into action. Through her experience as an architect and management professional, Audrina brings a multidisciplinary aspect into her role and is excited to collaborate with industry partners to build a resilient, low-carbon construction sector. Audrina volunteers on the board of directors with the Calgary Construction Association and is a member of the RAIC as an International Associate and mentors newcomer professionals with the Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association.
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Rapid growth, low housing supply, labour shortages, challenging topography, amenity migrants, changing environmental regulations, and Indigenous reconciliation will be covered in this discussion on land development in the beautiful Okanagan. This session will cover some of the differences between planning and land development processes in Alberta and British Columbia and what to expect if you consider taking a development dive into Wine Country.
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Nola Kilmartin, manager of WSP’s BC Planning, Landscape Architecture and Urban Design studio, oversees various official plans, engagement strategies, and strategic plans, from urban forestry to main street improvements. Nola is providing planning and consultation services for several large-scale development projects throughout the interior, including orchards, master-planned waterfront resorts in Westbank First Nation and Vernon, and purpose-built rental multi-family developments in Kelowna, Vernon, Lake Country, and Nelson. Before moving to the Okanagan, Nola worked in the Edmonton region for a decade. Nola recently served as a juror on the City of Kelowna’s Infill 2.0 Competition and is currently the Chair of the PIBC 2023 Conference Planning Committee.
Ryan Smith has worked with the City of Kelowna for 19 years, first as a development planner, then as a Subdivision Approving Officer, Urban Planning Manager, Department Manager of Community Planning and now as Divisional Director of Planning and Development Services. Ryan has also spent time working for a private real estate development company where he collaborated on the development of townhouse and resort projects.
Ryan has a bachelor’s degree in Geography and Certificates in Urban Design and Community Economic Development from Simon Fraser University and is a member of the Canadian Institute of Planners.
Ryan has been a provincial Subdivision Approving Officer’s Committee member since 2010 and CoChair of this committee since 2016. He was instrumental in developing the School for Subdivision Approving Officers and has been helping teach Subdivision since 2010. Ryan also helps teach modules as part of the MATI Community Planning Course and Capilano University Courses.
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Geo-exchange is a promising and exciting technology that uses the earth’s heat, and heat exchange, to provide low-carbon heating and cooling solutions for buildings. You’ll hear from local developer Frank Kernick about his successful use of this technology for several large buildings at his Spring Creek development – and from U of Calgary students, who will share results from their research into the technical and economic feasibility of using this technology. Facilitator Gareth Thomson convened this research and will ensure participants have ample time to have their questions answered.
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Frank Kernick was born and raised in Canmore on the Spring Creek Mountain Village site, and is the developer of this property, which has been in the family since 1927.
Frank graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1985. After working in Calgary for several years, Frank made the decision to move back to his home town in 1990 and began his first development in 1991. To date, he has developed a combination of over 1500 condos, townhome units and single-family lots.
His first Geoexchange project was a conversation of the Lakeview Meadows Recreation Centre from propane to a Geoexchange system, and then he installed the same technologies in his family home and a 26-unit condo in Invermere. He continues this work today in Spring Creek Mountain Village.
Amir Darbandi received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Sharif University of Technology in February 2021. He joined the Sustainable Thermal Energy Systems lab at the Mechanical Engineering Department at the University of Calgary as a Master of Science student in January 2022. His research focuses on the thermal analysis and optimization of foundation heat exchangers for space heating and cooling in cold climates where heating loads are significantly higher than cooling loads. I am developing energy-efficient ground heat exchanger designs and solutions for decarbonizing building space heating.
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The Art of Sustainable Storytelling workshop is designed to help businesses connect with their customers on a deeper level by crafting authentic and genuine stories about sustainability. In this interactive session, participants will learn the do's and don'ts of sustainable brand messaging and how to avoid greenwashing while exploring the latest consumer trends and the importance of data-driven storytelling and social proof. Through a range of unique exercises, participants will gain practical tools and strategies to create compelling and impactful stories that resonate with their audience and drive business success. Join us to learn how to inspire and engage your customers through sustainable storytelling.
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Jackie LaRouche, Carmella's marketing manager, is an analytical adventurer with a creative twist! Armed with a social science and marketing background, she uses her unique skills to add some sparkle to everything she does. Jackie is a self-proclaimed perfectionist and problem solver who left the city streets for the mountain peaks. You'll find her exploring the great outdoors with her trusty mountain bike, hiking boots, or snowboarding. When she's not busy helping Carmella's clients conquer the world, Jackie loves to capture life's precious moments with her camera, travel the world, indulge in a good book, perfect her culinary skills, or sip on a hot cup of joe. Overall, Jackie is a playful and adventurous spirit who adds her creative flair to every aspect of her life.
As a 2023 Founder of the Canadian Chamber of the Year, 2022 Coach of the Year, 2022 Woman of Inspiration, CEO of the 2022 Canadian Small Business of The Year and a Business of The Year winner, Steff’s commitment to excellence is unprecedented.
Entrepreneurial at heart, Stephanie O’Brien always looks for opportunities to collaborate and elevate the status quo. With 17 years in business, two degrees, a strategic planning certificate, the world's top MasterCOACH, and fifteen years focused purely on strategic alignment in sales, marketing and business development; your complex business challenges are her jam.
A magnetic presence who leads from the front lines, Steff is an accomplished keynote speaker, facilitator, CEO, business owner, event organizer, influencer, community ambassador, and investor.
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This workshop looks at the finance side of the building for sustainability through full-cost accounting – and grants.
The SEEFAR-Valuation© Total Cost of Building Ownership program calculates the life cycle or “total cost of building ownership” (TCBO) and demonstrates that high-performance, net zero buildings save the equivalent of the capital cost of a new building and the equivalent replacement cost of a deep energy retrofit building over the structure’s useful life. For example, a $10 million net zero facility will save $10 million in operating and maintenance costs over its lifetime.
Looking at this from a different perspective, funding is available to support green building initiatives! Biosphere’s Executive Director Gareth Thomson and friends from the funding community will share info about the grants and other forms of revenue you can access from private and family foundations, entrepreneurs, and three levels of government.
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Jim Nostedt is the President of SEEFAR Building Analytics and co-developer of the SEEFAR-Valuation© program that determines the life cycle cost of buildings or the Total Cost of Building Ownership (TCBO). The vital part of this analysis is that when the TCBO is known, high-performance buildings and deep retrofit buildings have a dramatically lower TCBO. With dramatically lower TCBO, building owners are more likely to build high-performance buildings or perform deep retrofits.
Jim is a seasoned mechanical engineer with over 40 years of experience in design, construction, and project management in the private and public sectors. He has spent most of his career working in energy conservation and sustainability.
Gareth Thomson has been a resident of the Bow Valley since 1989, and served on Canmore Town Council from 1992-1995. He brings over thirty years’ experience in community engagement and environmental education: he founded and led the Alberta Council for Environmental Education as Executive Director for fifteen years, founded the education office of a conservation NGO before that, and began his career an environmental educator with Kananaskis Country.
Gareth has taught high school, been a judge for the Alberta Emerald Awards, and volunteered with Alberta Ecotrust Foundation on their grant review committee. He has an engineering degree, an M.Sc. in Environmental Geology, is a certified teacher, and has received awards for outstanding service in environmental education from provincial, national, and international associations.
