Renewables & Alternatives

Chief Gordon Planes with Andrew Moore – Project Director

Following a year-long visioning process the T’Sou-ke community embarked on a programme to achieve energy autonomy, economic self-sufficiency and food sustainability while utilizing the ancient wisdom and skills still available within First Nations communities.  Their on-going achievements include three solar electric systems totaling 75kW, thirty eight residential solar hot water systems, and an ambitious energy efficiency programme along with indigenous plant propagation and food-producing greenhouses.  In the process of building these many projects the T’Sou-ke First Nation has trained many young people in the solar and sustainability trades and inspired many other communities to follow their lead. Read more about T’Sou-ke First Nation: The Most Solar-Intensive Community in Canada

An evening presentation by Bill Swan – Greenman Sustainable Solutions

In response to the growing interest in local food security, healthy food in schools, and the overall sustainability of our agriculture systems, 300 community volunteers in Invermere BC teamed up to build a 300 sq. ft. greenhouse.  It is now producing both food and sustainability programs for school and community audiences.  Bill Swan, Community Greenhouse Project lead, will discuss how the project was developed including the many social, technical and logistical challenges and successes the project team encountered during the design, construction and operation of this successful initiative.  This is part of a three seminar series on solar greenhouses sponsored by Alberta Agriculture. Read more about Solar Seminar: Cultivating Community – The Invermere Community Solar Greenhouse