A SPONSORED FEATURE BY MEDIAPLANET

ENERGY LITERACY
3
FACTS
ABOUT
GREEN
LIVING
greenlivingnews.ca
WHATS POWERING
OUR PROVINCE?
Ontarios energy landscape is changing. This is
your guide to becoming a smarter energy consumer.
Featuring
SAVE ON ENERGY
Gord Miller talks energy
conservation
GREEN BUILDING
Three phases of
sustainable building
OUR ENERGY
A breakdown of Ontarios
energy supply mix
P
H
O
T
O
:

T
H
I
N
K
S
T
O
C
K
.
C
O
M
O
ntarios elec-
tricity system
serves 13 mil-
lion people
and thousands
of businesses,
spread over an
area larger than France and Spain
combined.We have a highly reliable
system, and thanks to the elimina-
tion of coal-red power,we also have
a cleaner system.
Yet when we think about elec-
tricity, the focus tends to be on
our bills, and what we can do to
save money.
Creating informed citizens
It is also important to understand
how our electricity system works.
When we know where our power
comes from, how it is produced, and
how it gets to our homes, were bet-
ter prepared as consumers. Were
able to efectively take advantage
of the options available to help save
money on our bills as well as make
our system even stronger.
The better informed we are as cit-
izens, the more efectively we can
work together to build tomorrows
electricity system. Energy literacy
prepares us to have meaningful
conversations around such import-
ant topics as energy conservation,
renewables, and energy ef ciency
all key to Ontarios long-term
energy plan.
Long-term energy plan
The plan, called Achieving Balance,
speaks to ve principles that will
guide future decisions: cost efect-
iveness, reliability, clean energy,
community engagement, and an
emphasis on conservation and de-
mand management before building
new energy generation.
Conservation is important be-
cause its the cleanest and cheap-
est energy resource and ofers con-
sumers a way to reduce their energy
bills. For every $1 invested in con-
servation,Ontario has avoided $2 in
costs to the electricity system.
Achieving Balance addresses
transmission enhancements, in-
cluding increasing transmission
capacity to the areas north and west
of Thunder Bay. It reects Ontarios
evolving commitment to renew-
ables, including hydroelectricity.
It also continues to position On-
tario as an innovation leader, with
a planned expansion of the success-
ful Smart Grid Fund and a new focus
on energy storage technologies.
Achieving Balance was developed
with input from thousands of On-
tarians and were counting on
continued public involvement as
we implement it.
The benefit to ratepayers
Meanwhile, issues like affordabil-
ity are highly important to ratepay-
ers. In April 2014 the government an-
nounced the development of the On-
tario Electricity Support Program,
which will provide ongoing assist-
ance directly on the bills of eligible
low-income electricity consumers.
The province is working with the On-
tario Energy Board to develop this pro-
gram in collaboration with utilities
and social service delivery agents.
Energy literacy can help people
stay on top of the issues. Thats why
Achieving Balance calls for a strategy
to enhance public awareness,includ-
ing educational tools and open data
that features accessible information
on the energy needs and supply op-
tions for each of the electricity re-
gions in Ontario.
HON. BOB CHIARELLI MPP
editorial@mediaplanet.com
A BRIGHTER FUTURE THROUGH ENERGY LITERACY
HON. BOB CHIARELLI MPP
MINISTER OF ENERGY
The better informed
we are as citizens, the
more efectively we
can work together
to build tomorrows
electricity system."
I NDUSTRY PERSPECTI VE
A SPONSORED FEATURE BY MEDIAPLANET
2 GREENLIVINGNEWS.CA
Meet Ontarios supply mix
Mediaplanet How is natural gas
produced and distributed?
Timothy M. Egan Natural gas is produced by
tapping naturally occurring underground sup-
ply, but can also be produced from agricultural
waste,biomass,and landll sites.It is transport-
ed by pipeline from processing plants in pro-
ducing areas to distribution pipeline systems
throughout Canada.Today,afordable,clean nat-
ural gas is delivered safely and reliably to over 6.5
million customers by Canadas natural gas dis-
tribution companies. It meets over 30 percent
of energy needs (more than electricity) serving
tens of millions of Canadians in their homes,
businesses,and industry.
MP What are some environmental
benefits of natural gas?
TE Natural gas is an ef cient and clean burn-
ing energy choice with very low emissions. Nat-
ural gas is also an important partner for many
intermittent renewable technologies like wind
and solar,assuring that energy will be available
when the wind doesnt blow and the sun doesnt
shine. Further,in the case of inadvertent releas-
es of natural gas, it dissipates in the air avoid-
ing land or water contamination. And natural
gas distribution companies are leaders in work-
ing with customers to identify ways to improve
energy ef ciency in homes and businesses.
Mediaplanets business is to create new customers for
our advertisers by providing readers with high-quality
editorial content that motivates them to act.
Mediaplanet How is nuclear energy
produced and distributed?
Dr. John Barrett A nuclear reactor splits
uranium atoms, releasing massive amounts
of heat used to boil water. Steam turns huge
turbines, generating electricity that reaches
you via the provincial power grid. The nucle-
ar reaction produces zero carbon emissions.
The used nuclear fuel, which is radioactive,
is stored safely in large concrete casks, com-
pletely isolated from the environment.
Canadas 19 operating nuclear reactors pro-
duce about 15 percent of Canadas electricity.
In Ontario, 18 reactors produced 59 percent of
the provinces needs.
MP What are some environmental
benefits of nuclear energy?
JB A nuclear generating station generates
zero greenhouse gas, making it an important
tool in managing climate change. Even when
compared to fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natur-
al gas) on emissions from plant construction
through to decommissioning, nuclear power
releases far less greenhouse gases.It compares
very favourably to hydro, wind, and solar. Un-
like wind and solar, a nuclear generating sta-
tion runs 24/7, producing electricity around
the clock safely,reliably,and afordably.
Dr. John Barrett
PRESIDENT & CEO,
CANADIAN NUCLEAR ASSOCIATION
editorial@mediaplanet.com
ENERGY LITERACY
FIRST EDITION, JUNE 2014
Publisher: Benjamin Chacon & Richard Liorti
Business Developer: Matthew Dyer & Martin Kocandrle
Managing Director: Joshua Nagel
Production Manager: Laura Shaw
Lead Designer: Matthew Senra
Designer: Scott Dixon
Contributors:
Patrick Bissett, Hon. Bob Chiarelli,
Linda Franklin, Elianna Lev, D.F. McCourt,
Gord Miller, Julia Zeeman
Send all inquiries to
editorial@mediaplanet.com
Distributed within:
The Toronto Star, June 2014
This section was created by Mediaplanet and did not
involve the Toronto Star or its Editorial Departments.
Chris Hadfield
talks education
and energy
FOR MORE
ON ENERGY
LITERACY FROM
OUR PARTNERS
PAGE 6
EDITORS
PICK
BOMACANADA.CA
CANDU.COM
CANWEA.CA
ECOSYSTEM.CA
ENERSOURCE.COM
IVANHOECAMBRIDGE.COM
OPG.COM
PWU.CA
SBCANADA.ORG
VISIT US ONLINE FOR
EXCLUSIVE CONTENT AT
GREENLIVINGNEWS.CA
MEDIAPLANETCA
Mediaplanet How is hydropower
produced and distributed?
Jacob Irving Hydropower draws energy
from falling or owing water and converts it
into electricity, without consuming, wasting,
or depleting water in the process. With a res-
ervoir to store energy, hydropower becomes
more exible than any other electricity source
and can support the integration of other,more
variable renewable power sources, such as
wind or solar. Hydropower brings reliability
and stability to the electricity system to help
meet uctuations in electricity demand.
MP What are some environmental
benefits of hydropower?
JI Hydropower produces no air pollutants and
has ultra-low greenhouse gas emissions.From
a full life cycle assessment basis,hydropowers
greenhouse gases are as low as wind power
and in many cases, even lower. In Canada,
all hydropower projects are subject to a com-
prehensive environmental assessment. Each
stage of a project, from planning to construc-
tion to operation, is assessed to avoid, mini-
mize, mitigate, or compensate any potential
negative impacts on the environment, while
optimizing positive efects.
JACOB IRVING
PRESIDENT, CANADIAN
HYDROPOWER ASSOCIATION
Timothy M. Egan
PRESIDENT & CEO,
CANADIAN GAS ASSOCIATION
Mediaplanet How is wind energy
produced and distributed?
Robert Hornung As the blades of a wind
turbine turn, the kinetic energy of the wind
is converted into mechanical energy, which
is transmitted through a drive shaft to an
electrical generator in the nacelle. The re-
sulting electrical current travels via under-
ground cables to a substation, where it is
converted to a higher voltage for the larger
electricity transmission or distribution grid.
From there, its delivered to the electric util-
ity and customers.
MP What are some environmental
benefits of wind energy?
RH Wind energy is recognized as one of the
safest and most environmentally friendly
forms of new electricity generation around
the world. It is recognized by progressive
governments around the world as an inte-
gral part of a modern electricity grid that
is more decentralized, nimble and exible
than traditional forms of generation in re-
sponding to changing economic and en-
vironmental circumstances.
Wind energy uses no fossil fuels to gener-
ate electricity, producing no greenhouse gas
emissions or air pollution. When generat-
ing electricity, wind energy uses much less
water than other sources of electricity gen-
eration and also produces no nuclear, toxic
or hazardous wastes.
Robert Hornung
PRESIDENT,
CANADIAN WIND ENERGY ASSOCIATION
Exporting Canadian
expertise. Importing
quality jobs.
International exports of CANDU

nuclear technology represent
new high-tech jobs for Canadians.
In fact, with each CANDU reactor we build abroad, Canada
gains about 35,000 person-years of work and a $3.5 billion
boost to the economy.
Candu Energy is pursuing a number of promising opportunities
to provide nuclear power to countries that are looking to meet an
increasing demand for energy and a desire for cleaner air.
The opportunities are out there, and were ready to meet them.
www.candu.com
Ontario's electricity comes from a diverse mix of sources nuclear, hydro,
gas, wind, and to a smaller degree solar and biofuels. Learn how Ontarios
energy is generated, distributed, and why it matters to you.
VISIT LIVINGGREENNEWS.CA
FOR ADDITIONAL ANSWERS FROM OUR PANELISTS
Its only through
the engineering,
math, and
science that were
going to nd the
most ef cient and
least polluting
ways of powering,
heating, and
feeding the entire
world.
A SPONSORED FEATURE BY MEDIAPLANET A SPONSORED FEATURE BY MEDIAPLANET
NEWS
GREENLIVINGNEWS.CA 3
F
or humanity, says re-
tired colonel Chris Had-
field in a recent article
for Wired Magazine, the
basic limitation is power. His point
is twofold: the only thing hold-
ing humanity back is our power
generation technology, and simul-
taneously, the biggest risk human-
ity faces is the fallout of our hunger
for energy, particularly fossil fuels.
It says something when the worlds
most beloved astronaut, and a Can-
adian national treasure, hones in
on power production and fuel as the
most important issues of the day.
The topic is one of particular rel-
evance in colonel Hadelds home
province of Ontario. For the rst
half of the 20th century, Ontario
was able to satisfy nearly all elec-
tricity demands with clean hydro-
electric power. That legacy is still
evident today in the uniquely Can-
adian term hydro for consumer
electricity. In the 1960s, we intro-
duced coal into the fuel mix to meet
growing demand,in the 70s and 80s
Ontario invested heavily in nucle-
ar power and, over the last 20 years,
weve become a global leader in re-
newable energy.
Strength through diversity
The result is an extremely di-
verse power system, unlike that
of any other province. And, ac-
cording to Kim Warren, Vice Presi-
dent of Operations and COO at
the Independent Electricity Sys-
tem Operator of Ontario, thats a
very good thing. Diversity allevi-
ates the efects of extreme weather
events, like that tornado that went
through Angus, Ontario [on June
17], says Warren. It also prevents
what we call common mode fail-
ures. Imagine you have ten cars in
your driveway all of the same make
and model; a single parts recall can
take out your entire eet. If you
have ten cars of all from diferent
manufacturers, most of your eet
will almost always be available.
More than that, the robustness
that comes from this sort of di-
versity means that Ontario always
has options in developing ongoing
energy policies. If we didnt have a
system as strong as the one we do,
says Amir Shalaby, Vice President of
Power System Planning at the On-
tario Power Authority, we wouldnt
be able to support policy decisions
like the elimination of coal. When
the Thunder Bay Generating Sta-
tion burned the last of its coal fu-
el reserves this April and began the
process of converting to clean bio-
mass, in accordance with Minister
of Energy Bob Chiarellis long term
energy plan, Ontario became the
rst jurisdiction in North America
to entirely transition to a post-coal
power system.
Interconnection, redundancy,
and modernization
It is not just Ontarios unique fuel
mix that makes the provinces elec-
tricity network so strong, though,
it is also a world-leading transmis-
sion grid. Were about the size of
Texas and California combined,
Warren points out. So we must
maintain an extensive and robust
transmission system. We also have
a great set of interconnections with
Quebec,the Midwest,New York,and
Manitoba. These bode very well for
us in times of emergent need and
extreme scenarios.
Of course, these cross-border
connections do not come without
a cost. In the great northeastern
blackout of 2003, Ontario was the
hardest hit jurisdiction, despite
the fact that the event that started
the cascade and took the grid down
(a sagging transmission line strik-
ing a tree) happened in Ohio. The
reason that blackout happened at
all,both Warren and Shalaby agree,
was the absence of what they call
mandatory enforceable stan-
dards in transmission grid main-
tenance.These regulations,already
mandatory in Ontario, were, at
the time, voluntary in the United
States. The blackout was a wake-
up call and now American jurisdic-
tions have fallen in line with these
Canadian standards.
Further, the ongoing computeri-
zation of Ontarios energy system
has provided gains in both reliabil-
ity and ef ciency. The sophistica-
tion of our modern control center
means we are looking at literally
thousands of pieces of information
every minute, says Warren. The
more ef ciently we can monitor
the system,the harder we can push
the generation, and the more cost-
efective our power delivery to con-
sumers can be.
Worth the price tag
Of course, in Ontario today, when
people talk about electricity, what
they talk about is cost. But its im-
portant to remember that not
every kilowatt is created equal.The
price we pay for electricity in On-
tario is the price paid for a clean,
modern, and reliable power sys-
tem. When you consider the al-
ternative, everybody would agree,
especially colonel Hadeld, that
Ontario is doing things right.
ONTARIOS ELECTRICITY GRID:
A ROBUST POWER SYSTEM
D.F. MCCOURT
editorial@mediaplanet.com
1
FACT
COAL MADE UP 25% OF
ONTARIOS SUPPLY MIX
IN 2003. NOW
ITS 0 %
If we didnt have a system as strong as the one
we do, we wouldnt be able to support policy
decisions like the elimination of coal.
TRIPLE THREAT
Ontario has a reliable, robust, and
cost-competitive electricity system.
Pictured is one of Ontarios many power
generating turbines.
PHOTO: ONTARIO POWER GENERATION
GREEN BUI LDI NG
A SPONSORED FEATURE BY MEDIAPLANET
4 GREENLIVINGNEWS.CA
Ontario is currently in the
grip of a major building
boom. Nowhere is this boom
more apparent than in Toron-
to, its skyline peppered with
construction cranes atop
buildings in progress. How-
ever, while such progress is
welcome, its important to
note just how green these
buildings are, and what can
be done to improve overall
sustainability.
There are three phases in the lifespan
of sustainable buildings: design,con-
struction, and operation. The rst
phase focuses on elements necessary
to create a sustainable building. It is
at this point that architects and en-
gineers will consider features such
as appropriate HVAC units, energy-
ef cient lighting,water conservation
systems,and so on.
Construction focuses on putting
the design together in an ef cient
manner using materials that are
sourced as locally as possible and
that are environmentally friendly.
Finally, the operations phase is
the point where the building is in-
habited and used. At this stage, sus-
tainable best practices are applied in
order to ensure that the building is
maintained ef ciently, and accord-
ing to its green credentials.In terms
of commercial buildings, this may
require that staf fully power down
their computers before leaving or
that cleaning staf work during the
day instead of night.This last meas-
ure circumvents the necessity for
buildings to remain lit for long per-
iods and saves energy, money, and
prevents carbon emissions.
A holistic approach
Thomas Mueller is the CEO and Presi-
dent of the Canada Green Building
Council (CaGBC) and is keen to im-
press the holistic nature of sustaina-
bility: everything has to work togeth-
er, says Thomas. Each phase is re-
lated to the next and theres no point
building green buildings if were not
doing the right things at all times.
This is an argument echoed by the
Building Owners and Managers As-
sociation of Torontos (BOMA) Presi-
dent Chris Conway: people need to
get together at the design phase and
building staf must be trained for
the operations phase so they know
how to use building equipment ef -
ciently. You can have the best build-
ing in the city, but it wont run well
unless people are properly trained
and know what theyre doing. You
need active management to make it
work. And its vital that it does work.
According to Chris, buildings gener-
ate one-third of all carbon emissions.
There are many benets to green
buildings.They decrease energy use,
cost less to run,and have superior air
quality due to using only environ-
mentally friendly materials.
Roger Johnson,Senior VP of Enter-
prise Real Estate at TD Bank,says that
the implementation of Green initia-
tives is not only good for the environ-
ment and peoples health,but can al-
so benet a companys bottom line.
People care deeply for the environ-
ment.We get a lot of business as a dir-
ect result of our sustainable practi-
ces.People come to us and tell us that
they appreciate what were doing,
and that they want to be part of that.
Do the right thing
However, while many buildings are
operated to a high standard, some
still lag behind.Apartment buildings
are typically built to sell, and arent
always constructed with a view to-
wards long-term sustainability.
Unlike in Europe, where the EU
issues directives and legislates for
sustainability, here we rely more on
the private sector to come up with
solutions, says Thomas Mueller.
We are denitely behind the
EU, but are making progress. There
are landlords who understand
that people want to live and work
in sustainable buildings and that
going green can make a building
more competitive and attract bet-
ter rents. We dont need to rely on
government to do the right thing.
The benet of sustainable buildings
then, is clear, and we can expect to
see more in the future.
Building a sustainable future
While much of the momen-
tum for reducing carbon
emissions begins at the de-
sign stage, the relationship
between landlords and ten-
ants remains critical for en-
suring lower emissions.
Data plays a big part in this says
Michael Brooks, CEO of the Re-
al Property Association of Can-
ada (REALpac) When managers
or landlords look at the numbers
of their energy burn on a 24-hour
basis, a lot of them are shocked. At
rst they dont understand why
theyre burning so much at, say,
three in the morning or three in the
afternoon. But once they do, its a
case of getting tenants to see the ef-
fect of things like plug load during
the day, or leaving lights on in un-
used areas and at night.
Getting buy-in
According to Michael, getting buy-
in from tenants is crucial to success-
fully lower carbon emissions. It
starts with explaining how small
changes in behaviour have a big im-
pact is it really necessary to have
an entire building heated to the
daytime standard on winter nights
and weekends or cooled to the day-
time standard on summer nights
and weekends when most or all of it
is not occupied? Lets retrot occu-
pancy sensors so lights come on on-
ly when necessary. In commercial
buildings, a lot of energy is saved
when workers turn of their desk
lamps, cofeemakers and photocopi-
ers, and power down their comput-
ers before leaving for home.
In some newer residential build-
ings, another innovation is the
green switch, says Michael. Green
switches are a great way to save
energy. When you leave your apart-
ment you just hit the switch and it
powers of every appliance and de-
vice in your home, except for things
like the fridge. Its a simple way of
saving massive amounts of energy.
PATRICK BISSETT
editorial@mediaplanet.com
Landlords and tenants:
A partnership for lower
emissions
GREEN REAL ESTATE
There are landlords who understand that people want to live
and work in sustainable buildings and that going green can
make a building more competitive and attract better rents.
PATRICK BISSETT
editorial@mediaplanet.com
2
FACT
82% OF BUILDING
DEVELOPERS WHO
INVESTED IN GREEN
BUILDINGS REPORTED
A DECREASE IN ENERGY
CONSUMPTION
Michael Brooks
CEO, REAL PROPERTY
ASSOCIATION OF CANADA
TEAMWORK IS KEY
Working together at the design,
construction, and operation phases
will help your building receive the
highest level of efficiency.
TOP PHOTO: JAMIE MCCAFFREY / FLICKR
BOTTOM RIGHT PHOTO: DAN BANKO
There are landlords who understand that people want to live
and work in sustainable buildings and that going green can
There are landlords who understand that people want to live
and work in sustainable buildings and that going green can
make a building more competitive and attract better rents.
A SPONSORED FEATURE BY MEDIAPLANET A SPONSORED FEATURE BY MEDIAPLANET
PROJECT SPOTLI GHT
GREENLIVINGNEWS.CA 5
Six interesting facts about
Eighth Avenue Place
It was the rst of ce high-rise in Canada
to attain LEED Platinum certication.
There is close to 2,000,000 ft
2
total gross
leasable area of commercial of ce space.
The building has a 40 percent reduction
in water use through features such as ultra-
low-ow urinals and low-ow water closets.
State-of-the-art building management
and control system to monitor consumption
and tenant comfort requests.
The building boasts Canadas largest
green roof encompassing more than 30,000
ft
2
(of ce tower building).
There is a 50 percent landll diversion of
construction waste.
DONT MISS
D.F. MCCOURT
editorial@mediaplanet.com
The buildings
Eighth Avenue Place is a two-build-
ing site in the heart of downtown
Calgary. Phase One, 49 stories tall,
was completed in 2011 and was the
rst of ce high-rise in Canada to at-
tain LEED Platinum certication.
Phase Two,40 stories tall,is expected
to achieve substantial completion
this summer. Inspired by the Rocky
Mountains, the boldly angled tow-
ers are already a distinctive feature
of the Calgary skyline.
Sustainability
Eighth Avenue Place was conceived
as a class-leading green building
site from the beginning, and that
sensibility has informed every as-
pect of its construction. Integrated
throughout the towers is a state-of-
the-art building management and
control system which ensures max-
imum energy ef ciency. The build-
ing consumes 40 percent less water
than others in its class. The 30,000
square foot green roof is the largest
of its kind in Canada.
Livability
Sustainability breeds livability
seems to be the motto at Eighth Av-
enue Place.A commitment to green
materials,including paints and seal-
ants, means cleaner air for those
who work in the building. The 300
bike stalls with attendant showers
in the parking area promote both
emission reduction and employee
health. An extensive winter garden
provides green space year-round and
connects the buildings to Calgarys
Plus 15 pedestrian network.
The partners
Eighth Avenue Place is a project of
Ivanho Cambridge, in partnership
with AIMCo and Hines. Ivanho
Cambridge is a Canadian property
management and development com-
pany headquartered in Montreal.The
design architecture rm for Eighth
Avenue Place was Pickard Chilton,
who has been responsible for some
of the worlds most important build-
ings, including the Petronas Tow-
ers in Kuala Lumpur.Pickard Chilton
have nearly 25 million square feet of
projects achieving or targeting LEED
Gold status or better.
The tenants
Both towers are fully leased. There
is a great demand for green buildings
in Canada,especially ones with such
exible and adaptable workspaces,
says Pierre-Franois Chapleau,a Sen-
ior VP at Ivanho Cambridge. We
have seen very good response from
the markets. Companies that have
jumped at the chance to make these
iconic towers their home include ATB
Financial,GE Canada,and several ma-
jor energy companies.
The bottom line
At the end of the day,businesses look
to their bottom line, says Mr. Chap-
leau. The buildings are designed for
the needs of those who will occupy
them.The premium of LEED platinum
construction is ofset by operating cost
reduction and an improved environ-
ment for employees, allowing com-
panies to attract the best workforce.
PROFILE: EIGHTH AVENUE PLACE
CALGARY, ALBERTA
GREEN BUILDING: MAKING ITS WAY ACROSS CANADA
editorial@mediaplanet.com
I NSPI RATI ON
A SPONSORED FEATURE BY MEDIAPLANET
6 GREENLIVINGNEWS.CA
Mediaplanet Why did you
decide to pursue an educa-
tion in the energy sector?
Julia Zeeman After completing
my undergrad I moved to Toronto
and got a job with Ontarios Solar
Provider Inc. Working in the solar
industry exposed me to other areas
of the energy sector, for example
Community Power. Commun-
ity Power refers to community-
owned renewable energy projects
developed and controlled, in part
or in full, by local residents. In the
summer of 2013 I got a job at Toron-
to Renewable Energy Co-op(TREC).
The economic,social,and environ-
mental opportunities that the sec-
tor fosters have demonstrated to
me local sustainability. After this
realization, I knew this was my
calling. The MES program at York
has given me the opportunity to
further explore the role of Com-
munity Power in Ontario.
MP What are some of the
skills you develop in your
program?
JZ In the program the curriculum
is dened by the student through
a self-directed Plan of Study. This
avenue allows you to select which
skills you want to graduate with.
Through my research focus,Finan-
cing Energy, Communities, Tech-
nology and Institutions, I have
learned about key business mod-
els that support energy conserva-
tion and ef ciency. In addition to
the research I am conducting, I
have learned how to tackle prob-
lems using a systems thinking ap-
proach. Furthermore,my program
has given me the chance to hone
my soft skills,such as public speak-
ing, networking, and project man-
agement.
MP What kinds of job
prospects are available to
you when you graduate?
JZ I was thinking I would like to
work for a utility like Powerstream
or Toronto Hydro. The grid in On-
tario is transforming from a cen-
tralized network to a local distribu-
tion system. I feel there are great
employment opportunities with-
in utilities because they will play
a contributing role in this transi-
tion.However,I am also interested
in equity and debt crowdfunding
(which is the practice of funding a
project or venture by raising many
small amounts of money from a
large number of people, typically
via the internet). Crowdfunding is
being used as a nancial mechan-
ism for renewable energy projects
and is starting to take shape in On-
tario. I would like to nd employ-
ment within this movement so
that I can help renewable energy
achieve the scale.
MP How has your educa-
tion choice provided you
with opportunities that
other educations do not?
JZ The program has given me dir-
ection, and allowed me to steer
that direction. With the support
of my adviser Christina Hoicka, I
am being pushed academically to
be the best that I can be. Interdisci-
plinary is a key pillar within the
MES program and accepts students
from all backgrounds. In addition,
The York University master pro-
gram has an excellent Graduate
Assistant and Research Assistant
placement program which means
every student in the MES program
is placed in complimentary G.A or
R.A positions.
ELIANNA LEV
editorial@mediaplanet.com
Take it from Chris Hadfield,
the man whos explored Earth
from all different angles:
when it comes to sustaining
the planet, the world needs
more inspired thinkers.
The retired astronaut and inspira-
tion to thousands of Canadians is
condent that our country can con-
tinue to be a leader in nding ways
to create clean energy.
Our necessity to be able to pro-
duce and compete is vital to Can-
ada, economically and politically,
Hadeld says. I think its absolute-
ly critical. Providing the workforce
that we need starts with education.
Learning from the past
While the planet has obviously man-
aged to sustain us thus far, theres a
lot more to explore in order to keep
things on track.
The worlds been here four-and-
a-half billion years, so its commen-
sally sustainable. Were just looking
for what is going to be the maximum
population of humanity on earth,
Hadeld says. How many mouths
do we have to feed and homes do we
have to heat? What then do we have
to generate to make that happen?
He says by tracing back 6,000 years,
we can learn a lot about sustainability
from the rise and falls of civilizations.
A lot of them were driven because
they had an unsustainable model
of being able to house and feed the
members of that society, he says.
We need to think about it.
Future leaders will help make
clean energy possible
The answer isnt going to come
through wishful thinking or ceasing
the right thing, says Hadeld. The
answer is going to come through the
restless imagination and activities
of the people who are coming up
with new ideas.
Hadeld acknowledges that were
currently dependent on fossil fuels,
an energy resource of which Canada
happens to have an abundance. How-
ever, that doesnt mean there wont
be means of sourcing cleaner alterna-
tives in the future.All it takes is nd-
ing the future leaders who are in-
spired to take on that mission.
The answers lie in lots of dif-
ferent potential areas. It may be
in well-publicized ones like tidal
power, wind power, or solar power,
says Hadeld. Its only through the
engineering, math, and science that
were going to nd the most ef cient,
and least polluting ways of powering,
heating and feeding the entire world.
STUDENT PROFILE
EDUCATION IS KEY
A strong education system is the
foundation of our energy future.
PHOTO: RICK COLLINS

editorial@mediaplanet.com
LINDA FRANKLIN
editorial@mediaplanet.com
T
he vibrant and innovative
energy sector is just one of
many thriving industries
that rely on college graduates for its
workforce. Ontarios colleges have
long-established relationships with
business partners that help develop
programs that respond directly to
the needs of the labour market.
These business partnerships pro-
duce greater numbers of graduates
in careers that are in demand.
For example, Hydro One has an
arrangement with four Ontario
colleges Algonquin College in
Ottawa, Georgian College in Bar-
rie, Mohawk College in Hamilton
and Northern College in Timmins
to support the colleges training
of the next generation of energy
professionals.
Robust credentials
The energy industry is truly inter-
national with the potential for On-
tario college graduates in this eld
to nd work around the world.
It is therefore crucial graduates
are awarded credentials that are
understood by companies outside of
Canada. That means many of these
graduates should be earning degrees.
Although there are some four-
year degree programs at colleges,
most programs award diplomas
and certicates. This is inconsis-
tent with most of the world, where
graduates of three-year post-sec-
ondary programs, including career-
specic programs, earn degrees.
Furthermore, many of the
three-year programs at Ontarios
colleges are already aligned with
provincial and international stan-
dards for baccalaureate educa-
tion. Students in these programs
deserve to earn credentials that
properly recognize their achieve-
ments and allow them to compete
more efectively for rewarding ca-
reers, in Ontario and beyond. They
should be awarded degrees.
Building on success
Similarly, expanding the range of
four-year degree programs at col-
leges would build on the successes
that have already been achieved.
Ontarios colleges have offered
four-year degree programs for more
than a decade. An independent an-
alysis that was done for the Ontario
government in 2011 conrmed the
four-year degree programs at col-
leges are efectively delivering pro-
grams that arent available at uni-
versities. Its time for the range of
such programs to be broadened.
High employment rates
Other reforms are also needed, in-
cluding measures to improve ap-
prenticeship training. Colleges
could play a more important role in
helping potential apprentices nd
willing employers.
Ontarians recognize that the
workplace has changed. That is why
growing numbers of students and
parents are turning to the more than
600 programs at Ontarios colleges.
First-year enrolment at public col-
leges is at an all-time high and the
number of university graduates en-
rolled in college programs has grown
more than 40 percent over ve years.
College graduates are successful at
nding work. More than 83 percent
of graduates secure employment
within six months of graduation.
As our economy evolves, so should
our post-secondary system. New
measures such as an expansion of
degree programs at colleges and re-
forms to the apprenticeship system
will help more people nd mean-
ingful careers and will promote a
stronger economy.
Preparing graduates for the
workplace of the future
CHRIS HADFIELD: THE WAY TO CLEAN ENERGY
STARTS WITH EDUCATION
3
FACT
CANADA IS THE NINTH-
LARGEST PRODUCER
OF WIND ENERGY IN
THE WORLD
Julia Zeeman
FIRST YEAR, MASTERS IN
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES (MES),
YORK UNIVERSITY
LINDA FRANKLIN
PRESIDENT AND CEO,
COLLEGES ONTARIO
More than
83 percent of
graduates secure
employment
within six months
of graduation.
CANADAS ENERGY FUTURE
Canadas energy sector will need to fill thousands of positions over the next decade.
PHOTO: RICK COLLINS
I think its
absolutely critical.
Providing the
workforce that we
need starts with
education.
More than
83 percent of
graduates secure
employment
A SPONSORED FEATURE BY MEDIAPLANET A SPONSORED FEATURE BY MEDIAPLANET
PB CAMPAIGNURL.CA GREENLIVINGNEWS.CA 7
I NDUSTRY PERSPECTI VE
Mediaplanet How has Enersource Cor-
poration incorporated innovative tech-
nologies into its business practice?
Peter Gregg Finding cutting-edge solutions at
Enersource has led us to develop and implement
an Integrated Operating Model (IOM),which is an
innovative software solution.
At one time,utilities had to manually send crews
to explore the root causes of an outage. With the
IOM, we can determine probable causes before we
send crews,track active outages,assess the number
of customers afected and determine which eld
crews can respond the quickest,through GPS locat-
ing equipment in all service vehicles. We also use
the IOM system to communicate to customers,and
we provide real-time updates on service interrup-
tions through social media.
MP What are job prospects like in your
sector?
PG There are many opportunities for individuals
interested in pursuing a career in the energy sec-
tor.Especially as it relates to Power Line Personnel,
there are always jobs available. However, as tech-
nology evolves and our workforce approaches re-
tirement age, new opportunities are beginning to
emerge that havent existed before.
To address the changing needs of the indus-
try, Enersource partners with local educational in-
stitutions by providing nancial support, equip-
ment and staf resources. We recently announced a
$100,000 three-year partnership to help ensure that
graduates of Sheridan Colleges energy-related pro-
grams have a greater understanding of the business
of electrical power and sustainable energy practices.
MP What kinds of energy conserva-
tion programs are available to your
customers?
PG Enersource works in partnership with the
Ontario Power Authority to deliver a wide range
of conservation related programs to both busi-
nesses and residential customers.Enersource also
employs a team of individuals dedicated to help-
ing educate customers on reducing their overall
electricity consumption. We ofer PeaksaverPlus,
Small Business Lighting and Heating & Cooling In-
centives to name a few.
You will also nd Enersource staf promot-
ing various conservation programs at festivals
throughout the community.
MP What is the largest misconception
that Canadians have about nuclear
energy?
Preston Swafford In Ontario, research shows
that people are unaware that more than 50 per-
cent of the electricity we all use every day al-
ready comes from nuclear energy.Think of it this
way: every second cup of cofee you brew,or every
second light you turn on is powered by CANDU
nuclear technology.
CANDU technology was developed in Canada
and successfully exported around the world.Here
at home,it helps us avoid 89 million tonnes of car-
bon dioxide emissions every year.Its clean power,
and has been produced safely,reliably,and aford-
ably for more than 40 years.
MP In recent years Canada has strug-
gled to capitalize on renewable energy
opportunities. What makes nuclear
different from other wind, solar, and
other developing technologies?
PS Nuclear is ideal for baseload power. The wind
blows intermittently and the sun doesnt always
shine,but nuclear technology can run 24/7 every
day of the year.
MP How has Canadas nuclear industry
changed in the last 10 years, and how is
it poised to change moving forward?
PS At Candu Energy,our product development ex-
perts have spent the last several years developing
Generation III technology for markets in and out-
side of Canada. Of course were interested in build-
ing new nuclear plants at home,but within the next
few years,we expect to see our fuel-exible CANDU
reactor successfully exported to countries such as
China and the UK to burn fuels other than natural
uranium.Because of the inherent fuel exibility in
CANDU technology, the Generation III Enhanced
CANDU reactor and the Advanced Fuel CANDU re-
actor are able to burn fuels as diverse as recycled ur-
anium from other reactor technologies, mixed ox-
ides and thorium. Essentially, CANDU technology
can become the blue box of the nuclear industry.
A 2012 study by the Canadian Manufactur-
ers and Exporters found that building a pair of
CANDU reactors outside of Canada would support
over 2,200 person-years of direct, high-wage em-
ployment and over $2.5 billion in economic activ-
ity here in Canada.
MP How do green energy retrofits
improve the productivity and health of
occupants and tenants?
Andr Rochette Green energy retrots provide
brighter, healthier, and appealing indoor spaces.
Older buildings often sufer from excess moisture
and poor ventilation, leading to health problems
for tenants and occupants. Green energy retro-
ts address these issues by upgrading the ventila-
tion systems to supply the ideal amount of fresh
air year-round. Comfort levels are also optimized
through redesigning the heating and cooling sys-
tems, and indoor lighting levels are increased.
The studies are clear: healthier buildings can lead
to fewer sick days, reduced symptoms, and even
higher productivity.

MP What are some of the tangible
benefits when building managers and
owners apply green principles to energy
use and management?
AR The benets for building managers and owners
go beyond a simple reduction in energy bills.When
buildings are retrotted to use energy more ef -
ciently, the buildings electromechanical infra-
structures are upgraded and modernized.This leads
to greater reliability,lower operating costs,and few-
er repairs. Tenant satisfaction and retention are
also improved through enhanced comfort levels.
Whether for rent, lease, or sale, the marketing po-
tential and value of the building will be positive-
ly impacted by improved functionality, upgraded
assets,and a credible environmental image.
MP Why is it important for building
owners and managers to look into
energy saving programs and systems?
AR Building owners and managers often ac-
cept their building infrastructures as-is, over-
looking opportunities for signicant improve-
ments. Rather than simply replacing old equip-
ment with more of the same, building owners
and managers can look at asset renewals as an op-
portunity to rethink and redesign their systems
and explore energy saving programs and sub-
sidies.We believe it is imperative to challenge ex-
isting practices, and to evaluate the energy per-
formance of diferent buildings using standards
such as Energy Star.
Peter Gregg
President and CEO,
Enersource Corporation
Preston Swafford
Chief Nuclear Ofcer,
President and CEO,
Candu Energy
Andr Rochette
President and CEO,
Ecosystem
T
aking action to reduce energy
use in the home is a rare triple
win. Its a nancial win for all
Ontarians helping the prov-
ince save money. Its a win for the en-
vironment reducing our contribution
to climate change by using less fossil fuel.
And its a direct win for you your sav-
ings through lower energy bills over the
years should exceed the cost of your in-
itial investment in conservation.
Here are the first two steps to
get you started on the path to
lowering your home energy bills
Learn more about how you
use energy
Take a look at your utility bills and nd
out what your energy costs are. If you
are in a multi-unit building, like an
apartment or condo, nd out if your
gas and electricity bills are based on
your actual energy use or are averaged
over all building residents. Check if
your electric utility has set up an in-
ternet site to access your smart meter
data the hour-by-hour record makes
it much easier to identify when and
how you are using electricity, as well as
what can be improved.
Do the easy stuff first
Many energy-saving options are low-cost
and low-efort, and can begin reducing
your energy bills immediately. Shift-
ing some of your electricity use (such as
laundry and dishwashing) to of-peak
electricity hours, sealing air leaks to the
outdoors, installing a programmable
thermostat to control when you heat and
cool the home, upgrading to CFL or LED
lighting, and installing low-ow shower-
heads to reduce hot water use,are all sim-
ple actions that can be done immediately
without impacting your lifestyle.
Saving energy doesnt need to be dif -
cult. Ontario has recognized that energy
ef ciency makes sense for all of us and
needs to be encouraged. So take advan-
tage of the help that is out there and put
it to work for you.
ENERGY CONSERVATION:
A TRIPLE WIN FOR ONTARIO
Gord Miller
ENVIRONMENTAL
COMMISSIONER
OF ONTARIO
Many
energy-saving
options are
low-cost, and
low-efort,
and can begin
reducing your
energy bills
immediately.
GORD MILLER
editorial@mediaplanet.com
VISIT LIVINGGREENNEWS.CA FOR TWO MORE
STEPS IN REDUCING YOUR ENERGY USE
editorial@mediaplanet.com
SOURCE: MINISTRY OF ENERGY
A SPONSORED FEATURE BY MEDIAPLANET
8 GREENLIVINGNEWS.CA CAMPAIGNURL.CA PB
This years long, cold winter underscores the
risks of Ontarios increasing dependence on
natural gas to meet our energy needs. Prolonged
periods of frigid weather across North America
increased natural gas consumption for both home
heating and electricity generation. In turn, this
increased demand has driven the price of natural
gas higher as evidenced by the 40 percent increase
in the price Ontarians are now paying for this
commodity as of April 1, 2014. Ontario imports
99 percent of its natural gas supply. Limiting price-
volatile natural gas electricity generation to peak
needs can moderate Ontarios electricity prices,
home-heating costs and greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions while improving energy security.
In the past ten years, the European Union and
member countries including the U.K., Denmark,
Sweden and Germany have been aggressively
adding biomass to their energy supply mix.
Their motivation is clearly stated: to create jobs;
to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels; to
improve energy security; and, to reduce GHG
emissions. Thats why foreign entities have been
busy buying up Ontarios supplies of biomass.
Most of Ontarios commercially viable hydroelectric
potential has already been developed, leaving GHG
emission-free base-load nuclear and carbon-neutral
biomass as our best energy options. The planned
mid-life refurbishment of ten nuclear reactors
will be the largest contributor to Ontarios energy
security. That program will be closely monitored to
ensure that budgets and schedules are kept. Ontario
has also deferred building two new planned reactors
that would help replace 3,000 megawatts of clean
electricity that will be lost when the Pickering
Nuclear Generating Station (GS) closes in 2020.
Biomass is a sustainable fuel recognized across the
world as beneficial to climate change mitigation.
Provincially-owned Ontario Power Generation
(OPG) and stakeholders from the provinces
agricultural and forestry sectors have clearly
demonstrated that using biomass to generate
electricity delivers substantial environmental and
economic benefits. OPG is now converting the
Atikokan GS from coal to biomass and is proceeding
to convert the Thunder Bay GS as well.
There are many advantages to utilizing Ontarios
vast potential supplies of sustainable biomass
wood wastes, agricultural residues and purpose-
grown crops. Unlike intermittent wind and
solar power, biomass electricity generation can
be depended upon at times of peak demand to
supplement Ontarios reliable base-load workhorses
nuclear and hydroelectric generation.
Converting the coal units at the Nanticoke and
Lambton generating stations to use biomass and
natural gas for peak generation is much cheaper
than building new natural gas plants and since
these stations are already located in willing host
communities, Ontarians would not be exposed
to repeats of the wasteful Mississauga and Oakville
gas plant cancellations and relocations.
Coal plant conversions represent sound use of
publicly owned assets to generate better returns
and revenues for Ontarians. Ontarios existing
generating stations and their transmission lines
would be recycled and the employment and
economic benefits and profits would continue
to flow to these communities and all Ontarians.
Establishing a biomass fuel supply infrastructure
would create thousands of jobs in the provinces
forestry, agricultural, transportation and emerging
bio-economy sectors while contributing $600
million annually to Ontarios economy.
Using biomass along with natural gas at
these facilities would benefit both Ontarios
environment and energy security. By offsetting
the use of carbon-emitting natural gas
with biomass, the province could lower its
greenhouse gas emissions and reduce its use of
environmentally-questionable U.S. shale gas
imports. Reducing these natural gas imports
would bolster our long-term energy security and
lower our exposure to international natural gas
demand fluctuations and price volatility.
Instead of exporting billions of dollars and jobs
to other jurisdictions, converting the provinces
shuttered coal generating stations to use biomass
along with natural gas for peak generation would
generate more benefits for Ontarians. Its
time our decision makers recognized the value
of repurposing the Nanticoke and Lambton
Generating Stations for a better energy future.
Recognizing the Value of Ontarios
Renewable Biomass Resources
By Don MacKinnon
President
Power Workers Union
FROM THE PEOPLE WHO HELP KEEP THE LIGHTS ON.
Ontarios
Biomass
Resources
A Home
Grown Choice
For A Better
Energy Future
Global demand for biomass wood wastes, agricultural residues and
purpose grown crops to generate electricity is growing rapidly. Foreign
buyers are here to secure the vast supplies of renewable, carbon-neutral
biomass that Ontarios farms and forests can provide. Alternatively,
converting Ontarios coal stations to use biomass along with natural gas for
peak electricity demand offers much more than exporting these valuable
resources.
Peak e|ectr|c|ty when needed
|ower Greenhouse Gas em|ss|ons
Ontar|o owned assets keep prov|d|ng revenue to the peop|e of Ontar|o
More jobs and econom|c prosper|ty
Better energy secur|ty
Fewer new natura| gas p|ants
Support for Ontar|o`s emerg|ng b|o-economy
Keeping the benets here is a better choice for Ontario.
For more information please go to www.pwu.ca