2019 Pacific NorthWest Economic Region Annual Summit

Welcome, Introductions and Opening Remarks
Co-Chairs:
Rick Glumac, Parliamentary Secretary for Technology, MLA, British Columbia
Paul Manson, CEO, DC Grid Development Corporation

The Pacific Northwest is a global leader in energy innovations and clean technology. This session will explore the latest technology and the best policies to support infrastructure resiliency, clean tech, and renewable energy.

PNWER Roadmap to Resilient, Ultra-low Energy Buildings in the Pacific Northwest
PNWER is advancing the development of a “Roadmap” to improve resilience and energy efficiency for new and existing buildings through “net zero” emissions construction targets and deep energy retrofits of existing buildings by 2030.  Efficient buildings encourage job creation, affordability, competitiveness, and resilience. Through consultations with all levels of government and the private sector, the Roadmap will develop market driven strategies to promote energy efficiency including technical research; best
practice sharing; promotion of innovative technologies and construction materials; industry capacity building; and workforce development. Currently, the Energy and Environment Working Group is commissioning research at the University of Victoria to examine synergies in building design and retrofit solutions that advance climate adaptation, resilience, and energy savings objectives. Join the Resilience
Building Network at www.pnwer.org/energy-and-environment.

The connection between infrastructure, energy innovation, and resilient cities
How do we prepare region to take advantage of new energy technologies, adapt to climate stresses, and foster resilient cities? Public leaders and industry experts will examine the connections and interdependencies between infrastructure, energy innovations and resiliency in this panel. Speakers will share their experience with these emerging opportunities as well as explore the role of cities, states/provinces, and the private sector in developing a resilient northwest.

Panelists
Representative Beth Doglio, Washington (via phone)
Ian Loughran, President, Vereco Homes Inc.
Dwight Fitx Bramble, Economic Development Coordinator, City of Estevan
Virginia Wittrock, Climate Research Specialist, Saskatchewan Research Council

Renewable Energy in Northern/Indigenous/Remote Communities 
Remote, indigenous, and northern communities face unique challenges and creative solutions in meeting energy needs for consumers and industry. Each panel participant will showcase the benefits of their project and address the technical, financing, and workforce challenges faced. Participants will discuss the best practices in energy efficiency and resiliency and how can they be applied in the rest of the PNWER jurisdictions

Moderator: Paul Manson, Working Group Co-Chair 

Panelists
Jenna Gall, Community Energy Project Manager, First Nations Power Authority
David Isaac, President, W Dusk Energy Group
Jessica Nixon, Chief Executive Officer, Cowessess Ventures Ltd.
Dr. Greg Poelzer, Co-Director SSHRC Energy Partnership, University of Saskatchewan

Action Item Discussion

Hosted by FortisBC, Insulating Concrete Forms Manufacturers Association, Energy
Trust of Oregon, RDH Building Science, Construction Center of Excellence, & BC
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

More information on the working group here.