Alberta Chapter

In 2014 ELSE Alberta organized their first chapter event to coincide with CanSIA’s Solar West conference. This afternoon event invited students and solar advocates from across Calgary to participate in presentations by well-known solar industry leaders. Topics included an update on Alberta’s solar industry and Micro-Generation policy, outlook for the future of solar energy in Alberta and Canada as well as what the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in the US is up to regarding solar program design and implementation. Following the presentations was a guided tour of the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) Green Building Technologies facilities. Participants enjoyed an up-close look and explanation of both solar photovoltaic and solar thermal systems.

ELSE Alberta hopes to build on the success of 2014 and to expand their presence in Alberta. They will continue to host events throughout the year and will be reaching out to institutions across the province looking for emerging leaders who share their enthusiasm for solar energy. They plan to host the 2nd Annual Solar West ELSE event in October, and will be looking into potential solar project ideas around Calgary.

In the last year the ELSE team in Edmonton worked on a promotion campaign, volunteering at many events across the region. These events included the Solar Energy Society of Alberta's (SESA) future of transportation expo, Sustainival in Fort McMurray, Energy in the city by the Alberta Energy Efficiency Alliance and lastly the U of A Energy Efficiency week SESA booth. ELSE AB Chapter also planned and executed the Greening the Grid Cafe conversation at the Edmonton resilience festival. The focus of these events was to build relationships within Alberta's communities and to encourage more members to join in on ELSE's mission.

To get in touch with the Alberta chapter, send a message to AB@elsecanada.ca .

British Columbia Chapter

The BC Chapter of ELSE was launched at the end of 2014. Currently the Board is established in Vancouver and Victoria, and is focusing on developing connections and partnerships with those working in the solar energy industry in BC to develop its membership base, and launch ELSE events. The BC Chapter is working on launching the Solar Ambassadors Program at the University of Victoria for the 2015-2016 school year. The Chapter is also in the early stages of developing BC Projects. 

BC Climate Action Plan:
This summer the Government of BC asked citizens of BC to provide input and help shape the future of BC’s Climate Action Plans. ELSE believes the development of a robust and versatile local solar energy industry is a central component of any future low carbon economy in BC. As a result, the BC Chapter provided their comments and feedback to the Government of BC on their Climate Leadership Plans with a specific focus on the benefits that solar energy can bring to BC. The BC Chapter will continue to engage with the Government of BC as their Climate Leadership Plans advance and ask you to join their collective voices in calling on the Government to consider options to promote the adoption of solar energy technologies and business in BC.