inspiring and Rewarding environmental Leaders • Environmental Stewardship
Solar Energy Society of Alberta Community Group & Non-profit Association Category
Photo credit BR2 Architecture.
Another winner was the Solar Energy Society of Alberta in the community group & non-profit association category. At 39 years old, the Society is one of the oldest solar energy non-profit From left to right: Réal Bouchard - SESA Board Chair; Robyn Campbell - Alberta Minister of Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (presently the Alberta Finance Minister); associations in North America. Rob Harlan - SESA Executive Director; Warren Sarauer - SESA Past Board Chair “We were founded as a non-profit with the goal to provide objective, high-quality information on solar technologies to Albertans, and since we Performing Arts Centre and the Mosaic Centre, which is do not sell products or services, we are a unique source of the world’s most northerly net zero energy commercial information that serves the public and the small but growing building. “It’s a 30,000 square foot commercial building that solar industry,” says Rob Harlan, executive director of the is capable of generating all the energy it uses in a year,” Society. Harlan explains. “Solar is the primary energy source, along Is interest in solar energy growing in this region? “Yes, with some geothermal. It’s designed with energy efficiency absolutely,” confirms Harlan. “There is a tremendous increase in mind at every stage. It’s a wonderful example of what is in interest in Alberta as there is all over the world. I think possible. Alberta is home to a lot of net zero buildings and it’s increasingly clear to people that our existing relationship has become a national leader in this area.” with energy is not sustainable. It is too costly from a health Harlan sees a great future for solar energy. “Solar is and economic standpoint. Proven energy alternatives are incredibly exciting! Ultimately, solar energy represents an now readily available. The cost of solar systems has dropped entirely different paradigm. Presently, in Alberta, our energy dramatically. People are interested in it from a cost savings needs are being met by large facilities owned by larger standpoint but also because they are beginning to understand corporations, and the fuel is typically non-renewable. The the ramifications of global warming. A lot of people want to process of extraction and use come with substantial costs. be part of the solution, not part of the problem.” Solar power is inherently democratic. It empowers individuals Harlan cites several examples of landmark buildings that and communities to meet their own needs and to provide for use solar energy, including: The Edmonton International others. We are talking about our needs for electricity, space Airport, eight Edmonton community leagues, the Camrose heating, water heating and even transportation being met by a clean renewable resource. These are not just utopian ideas; the technology for all of this exists right now. Another big advantage is in terms of economics. Once the capital investment is amortized, the long-term savings can be quite amazing. If you look 25 years out on these systems, you see that the energy costs become minimal. This is true on a residential, commercial, and industrial scale.” The director recalls his excitement upon learning that the Solar Energy Society of Alberta had been nominated for an Emerald Award and his comments perfectly sum up the function of the Foundation: “I think the Emerald Awards are a really important opportunity for us to enjoy what is good, beautiful and hopeful around us and to be reminded that we are not alone. We are a community.” BiC Camrose Performing Arts Centre (currently under construction) is one of the landmark buildings that use solar energy.
58 • April 2015 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | businessincalgary.com