9:00AM - Welcome and opening remarks
David Dodge
Green Energy Futures
Master of Ceremonies
We welcome David Dodge of Green Energy Futures as our Master of Ceremonies. Green Energy Futures is an independent media service based in Alberta that tells the stories of inspiring leaders involved in energy transition, renewable energy, green buildings, clean transportation and climate resilience. We have produced more than 350 micro-documentaries in a decade of production. We produce radio features for the tens of thousands of listeners to CKUA.com, videos for the Green Energy Futures YouTube Channel which has 50k subscribers and blogs and podcasts which appear on our web channel at GreenEnergyFutures.ca
Green Energy Futures is produced by David Dodge an award-winning journalist who has published magazines, produced almost 1,000 radio documentaries and is an award-winning photojournalist.
Stuart Cullum
Red Deer Polytechnic President
Welcome & Land Acknowledgement
Mayor Ken Johnston
Welcome Address
9:15AM - Panel Discussion 1 - “Energy Diversification: So What?”
This is an insightful panel discussion on "Energy Diversification: So What?." Our panelists will explore what energy diversification means for local governments, municipalities, community members, the oil and gas industry, academia and the public. It will shed light on its importance and the strategies and initiatives each stakeholder group is employing to promote sustainable energy solutions in Central Alberta. This is your chance to gain a comprehensive understanding of energy diversification, its impact and its opportunities for Central Albertans.
Leanne Kubiseski
Sr. Advisor, Emerging Customer Solutions & Energy Futures Lab Fellow
Leanne has over 16 years’ experience in stakeholder relations, customer service, project management, and regulatory compliance in Alberta’s energy sector.
Todd Becker
Chief Administrative Officer & Energy Futures Lab Fellow
Todd is currently the Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Innisfail and has worked to explore energy diversification through technologies and partnership opportunities.
Pamela Goertzen
Executive Director, SSRIA
Pamela Goertzen is the founding Executive Director of SSRIA. Her role encompasses the development of a robust operational structure and a suite of programs, all aligned with SSRIA's mission to advance low-carbon building solutions.
Grand Chief Desmond Bull
Louis Bull Tribe of Maskwacis Nation
Desmond G. Bull was recently appointed as Grand Chief of the Confederacy of Treaty No. 6 First Nations. Grand Chief Desmond's vision includes co-generation MWH electrical systems, tribal utility grids, biomass waste management, electric vehicles with battery storage, food/water sovereignty programs, and capacity development.
10:30AM - 1st Workshop Sessions
Nick McIntosh - Senior Materials Testing & Fabrication Specialist
Airtightness & Home Energy Efficiency
The airtightness of a home has a direct correlation to the amount of energy that is used for heating and cooling. The more air that can escape a home, the more heat and moisture that will escape with it, resulting in higher energy bills, humidity level issues, and other potentially unseen issues. One of the easiest and most cost effective ways to make a home more energy efficient is to increase how airtight the building envelope is. Come to learn about airtightness and its effects on energy use, how to make your home more airtight, and try making an airtight wall detail yourself with our mini wall testing box.
Kit & Ania Richmond - Community Change-makers
Energy is where the home is
Kit Richmond and Ania Kania-Richmond were selected as one of five families from across Canada to participate in Canadian Geographic’s inaugural Live Net Zero competition.
Many of us are interested in making changes so that we and our families that have a positive impact on our environment. However, for many the starting point is daunting – where do I start? What can I do so that is doable, manageable and financially reasonable. Join us in this practical workshop where Kit and Ania share their experiences and learnings from participating in the LiveNetZero Challenge, building a Passive House, and retrofitting an existing 25-year old house for energy efficiency. You will get ideas and tips on financing a retrofit, what can be done to retrofit, as well practical ways to adjust daily activities with sustainability in mind.
In this workshop, participants will discover practical ways to reduce their carbon footprint, retrofit their home for eco-friendliness, and explore financing, grants and loans for home retrofit.
Erin Hanrahan & Taylor Ennis - Environmental Program Specialists
EnergyWise Workshop
Erin Hanrahan & Taylor Ennis are hosting the EnergyWise Workshop.
EnergyWise is an educational program aimed at showing simple ways of improving energy efficiency at homes. Participants will learn how their homes act as a system and where that system may be failing, how to better understand their energy bills, and simple renter friendly ways to help increase energy efficiency at home. Having an energy efficient home not only saves energy but can also improve home health and comfort. More information on how to save energy at home or at your organization can be found at www.reddeer.ca/EnergyWise.
Luke Pasishnik - Residential & Commercial Manager
Solar Workshop
Luke Pasishnik will be hosting a workshop exploring all avenues of taking the steps towards a net zero home. He’ll be answering your questions about the process, the equipment, and the ins and outs of what it means to go solar. Come learn about how solar photovoltaic panels work, what programs are available to help fund solar energy and more!
11:30AM - 2nd Workshop Sessions
Frank Crawford - Energy Efficiency COnsultant
Electrification without service upgrade
Frank Crawford is a Professional Civil Engineer and a Certified Passive House Designer and Tradesperson. Learn about practical techniques and equipment that can be used to fully Electrify a home without increasing the existing electrical service connection size, even in cold climates. Watt Diets, Load Share Devices, Smart Electrical Panels, and Splitters will all be introduced and their applications explained. Lessons learned from a number of Alberta installations will be shared. Individual and societal reasons to not increase the electrical service size and probable cost saving will also be discussed
Darren & Darcy Crichton - Local ChanGemakers with Steve Oslanski - VP of Sales
Journey to Net Zero
What started as an effort to make their 1968 built home cheaper to maintain and more comfortable has turned into a 20 year renovation journey resulting in net zero. Insulation, solar, geothermal…and more! Darren, a chemist, and Darcy, a teacher, will share their story with science and heart. Steve with Envirotech Geothermal will share about his companies contribution to this net zero home through geothermal technology. Curious? Join us!
Trevor Hoffart - Consultant
Electrifying the Future: Debunking Myths and Unveiling Truths About Electric Vehicles
Trevor, a nationally recognized sales leader with nearly four years of outstanding performance at Gary Moe Hyundai. In this presentation, we will demystify common misconceptions surrounding Electric Vehicles (EVs) while shedding light on crucial aspects one should know when considering the transition to electric mobility. We'll delve into the facts and fiction surrounding EV range anxiety, charging infrastructure, and environmental impact, providing a comprehensive understanding of their true potential. From government incentives to advancements in EV technology, we'll equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions. As we navigate through these insights, we'll open the floor for a lively Q&A session, encouraging a deeper exploration of the electrifying world of EVs. We hope to see you there!
Dean Bye - Electrical and alternative lab technician
Electrical & Energy Innovation Lab
Discover the practical side of renewable energy at our workshop with Dean Bye, of Red Deer Polytechnic. We'll have a Wind and Solar Trainer demo set up down at The Patch. This trainer is typically used for teaching students how to connect electrical components in solar and wind systems.
At the workshop, you can watch wind and solar energy in action, gaining insight into their electricity generation processes. Our instructors will simplify the fundamentals of renewable energy system components and connections, and our experts will be on hand to address any queries you may have.
1:30pM - Panel Discussion 2 - “Energy Diversification: So What? now what?”
Panelists will examine the opportunities stemming from energy diversification and the ways in which communities are adapting to support sustainable initiatives. Gain insights into current actions and future plans that contribute to this transition in Central Alberta.
Mark Chidwick
Cheif Technology Officer
Mark founded eDecisions (Enermetrics), a software firm that has developed tools and methodologies focused on accelerating the adoption of clean technologies.
Brad Nickel
Business OPPORTUNITY Specialist & Energy Futures Lab Fellow
Brad Nickel is engineer with a knack and a passion for technology and people. He specializes in combining innovative technology with business strategy to advance the energy transition and improve quality of life and sustainability.
Keith Hirsche
Founder
Jim Jorgensen
Utilities Manager
Keith, founder of Renuwell Energy Services, has worked extensively with key stakeholders to realize the potential of using Alberta’s extensive inventory of abandoned oil and gas sites as a foundation for solar energy development.
Jim brings over 25 years of project management, general management, and leadership experience in the manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, and public utility sectors to The City of Red Deer.
3:00pM - 3rd Workshop Sessions
Glenn Harasym - Environmental Scientist
Sustainable Living Made Attainable: The Story of the leo project
The best argument against sustainable housing is that it is just too darn expensive. Well, what if it wasn't?
Project Leo is an award-nominated home that achieved net-zero operation for less cost than a code-built home. Due to its innovative design and unique financial goals the project team managed to secure grant funding from the SSRIA. This funding is being used to study and report on the home's feel and operation by owner and environmental scientist, Glenn Harasym. Come learn about the tactics, learnings, environmental impacts, and financials that the team realized during this unique project.
Calvin Lechelt - Program Manager & Danielle Wies - Director Transportation Initiatives
Empowering Alberta: Accelerating Electric Vehicle Adoption in Communities
Local governments play a pivotal role in facilitating the adoption of zero-emission vehicles by residents and businesses. They achieve this through strategic investments in infrastructure, the enactment of supportive policies, and by fostering collaborations with organizations operating large fleets, such as car-sharing and ride-hailing providers. Additionally, local governments take on the vital task of community outreach and education, empowering their constituents with information about zero-emission transportation options.
Switching to electric vehicles not only benefits the environment but also results in significant cost savings for local governments. This session, co-hosted by the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre and the Community Energy Association, will provide a comprehensive overview of the outcomes achieved through a range of initiatives designed to educate municipalities and residents about electric vehicles. These initiatives have also helped in making the business case for EV adoption, expanding electric vehicle fleets, and bolstering the EV charging infrastructure across Alberta.
Participants in this session will gain valuable insights into the diverse array of resources, tools, and funding opportunities available to them, whether they are representing a municipality or an individual resident interested in making the transition to electric vehicles.
Claude Mindorff - Renewable Energy Innovator & Consultant
Agrivoltaics: Agricultural partnership with Solar Developers in Alberta
Claude will host a workshop on Agrivoltaics. Agrivoltaics combines agriculture and solar power on the same land, globally increasing crop yields, conserving water, and promoting sustainable electricity. Even a small part of Alberta's agricultural land can make the power sector greenhouse gas emissions-free. Agrivoltaics also mitigates land use conflicts seen in traditional solar farms. Agrivoltaics Canada is researching its impact in Canada, with PACE Canada adopting it for solar projects. This initiative seeks to merge sustainable practices into Alberta agriculture, optimize agrivoltaic systems, and replace fossil fuels with solar energy by 2050 while reducing water use in water-stressed areas.
Jim Steil - Owner
Lithium Batteries in Plain English
Clean-Tech or consumer-goods, Lithium batteries are increasingly hyped as part of the future. What to know, and what-lies ahead for Lithium? A basic, practical understanding of the different types of Lithium battery and how they are used can help you speak the language and make informed decisions.
Starting from fundamental, observable phenomena, this relatable seminar will de-mystify batteries and battery technology by:
In this workshop, we will compare Lithium batteries to conventional Lead-Acid batteries, providing insight into battery terminology. We will delve into the various types of Lithium-Ion batteries, shedding light on their differences and applications. Additionally, we aim to demystify the complexities of battery management for electric vehicles (EVs), solar power systems, and other contexts. Feel free to explore safety considerations, affordability, and the future prospects of these advanced energy storage solutions.
4:00pM - 4th Workshop Sessions
Amelie Caron - building scientist
No Demo Net Zero Home Retrofit
Amelie Caron, an energy efficiency expert since 2001, discovered that the common advice of just adding more insulation to achieve NetZero Energy (NZE) in houses could be improved upon. After meeting a geoexchange engineer in Canada, she became intrigued by the idea of using a ground source heat-pump (geoexchange) as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to excessive insulation. She also recognized the wastefulness of demolishing homes to meet energy targets and navigated legal obstacles that limited insulation possibilities on specific sides of houses. Amelie's innovative NZE approach led her to experiment with this new method on an existing home.
Rene Michalak - Owner/Operator
How to Turn Your Garage into a Grow-cery Store
The Canadian Food Garage is a demonstration project to turn everyday detached garages from simple storage units into food growing, rainwater harvesting, and renewable energy-generating systems using urban permaculture design. The basic concept is to partner a garage with an attached "Deep Winter Greenhouse" and renewable energy to create sustainable 4-season growing systems with minimal fossil fuel input. Owners of a Food Garage can then customize how they want the system to function and what and how they want to grow. The prototype Food Garage is demonstrating how to "Feed a Family of Four, For a Year, Forever". Come and hear how this project, now 10 years in the making, has grown and prepares to enter the market in 2024!
Derek Chamberlin - Sales DIrector
Cold Climate Heat Pumps
Derek Represents Daikin in the Canadian Prairies, The World’s No. 1 indoor comfort solutions company. He recently completed an energy retrofit of his own home to use as a sample of what cold climate heat pumps are capable of.
Derek will showcase some of Daikin’s heat pump technology while explaining the real-world practical solutions they deliver to his own home here in Alberta.
5:00pM Closing Remarks
Art vanZanten
ReThink Red Deer
President
All day demonstrations
Get ready to witness groundbreaking demonstrations at the Energy Innovation Fair. Explore a dazzling array of electric vehicles from multiple dealers and brands, offering a glimpse into the future of eco-friendly transportation. Feel the thrill of electric bikes, revolutionizing urban mobility with clean, efficient energy. Join us at the fair to experience these innovative technologies that are shaping the future of energy and sustainability.
