Dan Hendry is the co-founder and driving force behind the Get on the Bus movement, driven by Small Change Fund. A passionate advocate for public transportation and youth empowerment, Dan has spent over a decade promoting public transportation options and engaging young people in their communities. Dan's work on the Kingston Transit High School Bus Pass program inspired the Get on the Bus movement, and his dedication and leadership have been instrumental in its success. In this session, Dan will share insights on: ✅ The power of youth-led climate action ✅ How public transit can drive sustainability and economic resilience ✅ Strategies to build stronger connections between communities and government

Join us for an insightful discussion with Dr. Andy Hira, Professor and Chair of Political Science at Simon Fraser University, as he explores the role of the Clean Energy Research Group (CERG) in advancing climate solutions. Since 2019, CERG has been bridging the gap between researchers, engineers, and policymakers, translating complex technical issues—like LNG emissions and nuclear energy—into actionable policy insights. Dr. Hira will share the evolution of CERG, its impact on climate policy, and future opportunities for collaboration. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how independent research can shape the green transition and circular economy. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with a leading expert in global energy policy! Andy Hira is a Professor and Chair of Political Science at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, BC. He specialises in Global Political Economy, Energy Policy, and International Development. He runs the Clean Energy Research Group, a community of practice around green transition and circular economy policies (https://www.sfu.ca/politics/CERG.html). The author of over 100 peer-reviewed publications, his most recent include: a book on ESG reporting https://anthempress.com/the-smoke-and-mirrors-game-of-global-csr-reporting-pb; an article on solar policy https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772940024000304, and an article on plastic upcycling experiments https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772912524000630?via%3Dihub

Join us for a captivating presentation by Jake Arsenault, a serial high-tech entrepreneur and co-founder of The Black Arcs. Jake will delve into the world of digital twins and their transformative potential in land-use planning. Discover how interactive digital twins can provide valuable insights into the benefits and drawbacks of different land-use decisions. By modelling the relationships between housing, amenities, transportation, and other factors, these digital tools empower communities to make informed choices about their future. This talk will showcase a made in NB civic innovation - advanced and on-the-spot analysis using interactive digital twins of specific communities. Interactive digital twins can help most people better understand the benefits and potential blow-back of land-use decisions. For example, once can easily model the relationship between new housing, amenity placement, vehicle emissions and changes to transit. The initial concept was to make data more meaningful through interactive predictive data analytics presented much like a video game. This idea is now a reality. The talk will demonstrate the interactive digital twin of the City of Peachtree Corners currently on display in the Smart City facility Curiosity Labs in Georgia USA. Learn about: The power of digital twins in land-use planning The benefits of interactive data visualization Real-world applications of digital twins The future of civic innovation Speaker Bio: Jake Arsenault is a serial high-tech entrepreneur with a PhD in engineering from the University of New Brunswick (UNB). He co-founded The Black Arcs in 2014 to address unmet needs in land-use planning. Jake has a proven track record of bringing together people, ideas, and technology to create innovative solutions. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights into the future of urban planning and the transformative power of digital tools.

Join us for a captivating presentation by Andrew Murray, CEO of Aslan Renewables, as he shares his groundbreaking approach to revitalizing abandoned hydro sites across North America. Discover how Aslan is harnessing the power of the past to create a sustainable energy future. Event Description In this thought-provoking session, Andrew will delve into the untapped potential of abandoned hydro sites, exploring their historical significance and their role in powering communities throughout the region. He will discuss Aslan's innovative technology and strategies for reactivating these sites, highlighting the environmental and economic benefits of restoring these renewable energy sources. Learn about: The untapped potential of abandoned hydro sites: Discover the vast reserves of clean energy hidden within these forgotten structures. Aslan's innovative technology: Explore the cutting-edge solutions Aslan is using to revitalize these sites efficiently and sustainably. The benefits of community-owned energy systems: Understand how Aslan is empowering communities to take control of their energy future. The role of sustainable energy in addressing climate change: Learn how Aslan's work contributes to a cleaner, greener planet. Speaker Bio Andrew Murray is a seasoned entrepreneur and sustainability advocate with a passion for renewable energy. As the CEO of Aslan Renewables, he has led the company's mission to revitalize abandoned hydro sites and promote sustainable energy solutions. With a background in scientific research and a successful track record in technology, Andrew brings a unique perspective to the field of renewable energy. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights into the future of sustainable energy and the positive impact it can have on our communities.

About the event We are excited to present the second season of the Innovation Speaker Series in partnership with Canadian Environmental Network! Join us every month for a thought provoking presentation that will critique dominant ways of knowing, being, and doing, and allow us to create informed conversations that will lead to a more equitable and sustainable tomorrow. Beyond ESG: The essential relationship between environmental and social sustainability As the UN Sustainable Development Goals demonstrate, social and environmental sustainability are deeply interconnected. For example, Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) require both green infrastructure, such as energy-efficient buildings and clean public transit, and social equity initiatives, such as housing support and educational opportunities to ensure community accessibility. In this session, Maria Murphy and Vikram Iyer of Bloom Funding will unpack how the most effective sustainability strategies incorporate both environmental and social impact. They will present a brief overview of NuMetric, their innovative & comprehensive assessment tool that integrates both social and environmental impact for small- and medium-sized businesses. Developed in partnership with The Decency Foundation, this metric and accompanying programs help businesses measure, improve, and enhance product/service quality, operations, employee well-being, environmental responsibility, and community involvement. The metric addresses a gap in resources specifically for small and medium-sized businesses and fulfills limitations in existing ESG indicators, which do not fully account for non-financial aspects of sustainability, such as community partnerships and workplace quality. Our Presenters: Vikram Iyer is an environmental professional with a diverse background in biological and social sciences. Having obtained a Master's in Environmental Assessment and federal work experience, Vikram is engaged in reimagining the way businesses, governments, and NGOs approach sustainability. Maria Murphy came to her work in sustainability through an integrated approach to climate justice, drawing from her experience as the former Associate Director of the Center for Research in Feminist, Queer, and Trans Studies at the University of Pennsylvania. Her work is driven by the belief that systemic change through sustainability must address both environmental and social dimensions.

Urban Lighthouse Farm: Reimagine Your Food with Our Local Vertical Farming The Problem: Our current food system relies heavily on produce shipped long distances, often from warm climates. This process creates a significant carbon footprint, exposes food to spoilage, and limits access to truly fresh, peak-season flavors. The Solution: Join Urban Lighthouse Farm for a free webinar exploring the exciting world of vertical farming! We'll be diving deep into how our innovative approach is reimagining the local food supply chain in Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM). Meet Jason Wolfe, The Founder: Jason brings a wealth of experience to the table. From leading a multi-million dollar private school to extensive experience in the food and beverage industry, Jason's passion lies in building a sustainable future for local food. What You'll Learn: The Future of Food: Discover the revolutionary world of vertical farming and its potential to transform local food systems. Local & Fresh: Learn how Urban Lighthouse Farm grows high-quality leafy greens, herbs, and specialty mushrooms right here in HRM. Sustainable Practices: Explore our commitment to environmental responsibility through reduced food miles, closed-loop systems, and minimal water consumption. Reduced Waste: See how we reuse growing substrate and minimize waste for a greener future. Predictable Yields: Discover how our controlled environment ensures consistent quality and peak freshness year-round, unaffected by weather or pests. By attending this webinar, you'll gain valuable insights into: The environmental impact of traditional food supply chains. The benefits of vertical farming for local communities.

The Innovation Speaker Series aims to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among diverse stakeholders passionate about addressing climate change. Today we welcome Rupinder Kaur, Community Outreach Coordinator for NetZero Atlantic, as she delves into the world of geothermal energy and its immense potential in Cape Breton! Rupinder will guide us through the basics of geothermal energy and its diverse applications in Cape Breton and beyond, including Net Zero Atlantic’s GeoCAT project (Geothermal Capacity Assessment and Training Program), shedding light on their mission and initiatives. Rupinder is a dedicated professional with a passion for promoting renewable energy and fostering community engagement. With a Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Petroleum from Cape Breton University (CBU), she brings a solid foundation in energy systems to her role. Joining Net Zero Atlantic in July 2023 as a Community Outreach Coordinator in partnership with Verschuren Centre, she has been instrumental in establishing connections with local climate groups and raising awareness about geothermal energy within Cape Breton communities. Her efforts align with the organization's mission to promote renewable energy and foster collaboration towards a Net Zero by 2050 goal in Atlantic Canada.

The Atlantic Canada Climate Network and the Canadian Environmental Network (RCEN) are excited to present the Innovation Speaker Series, a dynamic platform that showcases cutting-edge emergent technologies and their potential to advance climate solutions and create new opportunities. Join us for an inspiring event as we highlight the remarkable work of Marine Renewables Canada. ARC Clean Technology Canada, Inc. (ARC) is a clean energy technology company developing the ARC-100, an advanced small modular reactor (aSMR) offering inherently safe, reliable, and economical carbon free power. Leveraging proven technology from the 30-year performance of its prototype, the ARC-100’s simple, modular design provides 100 megawatts of electricity and industrial heat that will be cost competitive with fossil fuels. Important applications include the decarbonization of heavy industry, the fueling of low-carbon hydrogen projects, and the creation of life-saving medical isotopes. The ARC-100 has been selected by New Brunswick Power for implementation on their Point Lepreau site with completion by the end of this decade. ARC Clean Technology Canada, Inc. has offices in Saint John, New Brunswick and is a subsidiary of ARC Clean Technology Inc. based in Washington, DC.