Smart Energy Communities in Cold Climates conference attracts rich offering of expert speakers
WINNIPEG—November 16, 2012—There has been a high level of international interest and support for next week's three-day conference, Smart Energy Communities in Cold Climates, which offers a rich program of speakers on a range of topics related to the creation of integrated community energy solutions (ICES).
With the support of many sponsors, the sixth annual conference and tradeshow hosted by QUEST (Quality Urban Energy Systems of Tomorrow), in partnership with energy concern Manitoba Hydro and the International Institute for Sustainable Development, officially begins on Monday, November 19 in Winnipeg.
The event is expected to be fully subscribed, drawing speakers from around the world and across Canada to advance the development of sustainable energy systems at the community level.
QUEST chair and former premier of British Columbia Michael Harcourt said the meeting will focus on how to improve the efficiency of energy, transportation, land use, water and waste systems in communities and thereby cut costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and take a giant step in the direction of sustainability.
"ICES is a model that is being implemented worldwide to make better use of energy at the community level, where half of our greenhouse gas emissions are generated," said Harcourt, adding that 80 per cent of Canada's population lives in urban centres and that by 2050 half the world's population will be living in large cities. "Better use of energy in communities means reducing greenhouse gases across Canada and around the globe."
Henry David Venema, IISD vice-president, science and innovation, said the broad range of topics being covered reflects the importance of an integrated response to creating sustainable energy solutions. "IISD is pleased to be part of this event and to share our insights on how smart community energy systems generate multiple environmental and economic benefits," he said, adding that IISD's Lake Winnipeg bioeconomy project, which will be featured at the conference, is an example of how multiple co-benefits can be achieved.
Native Winnipegger Walt Patterson, an internationally renowned energy visionary and activist, will be the keynote speaker at a gala dinner to be held at Manitoba Hydro Place, the headquarters of Manitoba Hydro. Conference participants will also have an opportunity to tour this international award-winning green building and the geothermal heat pump system at The Forks.
Manitoba Hydro president & CEO Scott Thomson said: "Searching for innovative and sustainable energy solutions to meet the demands of communities located in cold climates is a challenge that many countries and provinces face. As such, Manitoba Hydro is pleased to be a partner in this event and to contribute to this important international discussion."
Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger said the province was proud to host and support the conference, aimed at fostering more collaboration on the development of ICES. "Investing in smart, green energy solutions of tomorrow is a priority for this government. It is through the work of this conference's participants that we believe true, lasting energy solutions can be developed."
-end-
For more information about the conference please contact Eric Campbell, QUEST manager, communications & engagement at 613-748-0057x322, email [email protected], or Nona Pelletier, IISD manager, public affairs at: +1 (204) 958-7740, mobile: +1 (204) 962-1303, or email [email protected].
About IISD
The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is a globally recognized think tank with 3 decades of experience working to solve the world’s most pressing sustainable development challenges. We combine deep expertise in a wide range of issues with a collaborative approach to research, policy advice, and hands-on support to ensure these solutions are brought to life. Headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, we are a diverse team of over 300 professionals working from offices in Canada, Switzerland, and other locations around the world.
You might also be interested in
Midpoint of the UN Tax Convention Negotiations: Where do talks stand?
The negotiations for a new UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation have hit their halfway point. Here's a look at where things stand, what was on the table this round, and what's coming next.
Canadian Exporters Face New Reporting Costs as Carbon Border Taxes Multiply
The European Union’s carbon border tax will add new compliance costs for Canadian businesses that trade certain products, especially steel and aluminum, to the bloc. The increased costs—linked to differing demands for measuring, reporting, and verifying a product’s greenhouse gas emissions across the growing number of countries adopting border carbon adjustment (BCA) mechanisms—“make it tough for any exporter to those markets,” Aaron Cosbey, senior associate at the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), told The Energy Mix.
Experimental Lakes gets $2M for major facilities upgrade
A one-of-a-kind research station is studying small lakes to inform freshwater science all over the world is getting a new facility with more space for scientists and students. Located between Dryden and Kenora, the International Institute for Sustainable Development’s Experimental Lakes Area allows scientists and students to run experiments on 58 small lakes in the area.
Province investing $2M to ‘ensure northwestern Ontario remains a global leader in freshwater science and research’
The Government of Ontario is making a targeted investment to “strengthen northern Ontario's leadership in freshwater science, support research and innovation and create new educational and economic opportunities in the region.” On Aug. 13, the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) — a regional granting subsidiary of the provincial government — announced that it will be investing $2 million to build a new Centre for Climate and Lake Learning at the International Institute for Sustainable Development Experimental Lakes Area (IISD-ELA), which is located about halfway between Kenora and Dryden.