THE Urban Zero CHALLENGE

Arrival Coffee

Welcome by conference MC

• Mike Buda, Executive Director, TransLink Mayors’ Council Secretariat

Traditional Welcoming and opening segment

Chamiya-Janis Campbell, Squamish Language Teacher, Squamish Nation

Opening Presentation: (Re)Engaging GenZ to Build the Cities of Tomorrow

Often misunderstood, GenZ is a critical force for cities to achieve their desired futures. This is especially the case with our Net Zero aspirations. This presentation looks at what the next generation really thinks and crafts a path to a more youthful city.

• Robert Barnard, Co-Founder, Youthful Cities

Panel 1: Getting to Urban Zero: Designing Growing Cities

Join experts in regenerative design and sustainable architecture as they share insights on transforming cities into living systems that enhance and regenerate the natural environment

• Dr. Cheryl Mitchell, Academic Director, Gustavson School of Business, University of Victoria
• Oliver Lang, CEO, Intelligent City
• Mohit Mehta, Global Head of Sustainability, Populous
• Moderator: Mike Buda, Executive Director, TransLink Mayors’ Council Secretariat

Presentation: Exploring Sustainable Horizons: Moving Beyond Net Zero in Engineering 

From groundbreaking technologies to community-focused initiatives, good infrastructure must balance complex interrelationships of city-level systems to achieve the tangible goals underpinning sustainability. Learn how our industry can be a driving force in creating a blueprint for positive change.

• Hentie Dirker, Chief ESG and Integrity Officer, AtkinsRéalis

Panel 2: Metro Vancouver’s Transportation Future:

New visions of regional transportation are required for our region to sustainably add more than a million new residents over the next few decades. How should we start planning for new methods of mobility now?

• Lee Haber, Director of Strategy and Partnerships, Mountain Valley Express
• Gabriel J. Lopez-Bernal, President, Icomera US Inc.
• Moderator: Bridgitte Anderson, President & CEO, Vancouver Board of Trade

Break #1

Panel 3 : Decarbonizing Major Facilities 

Decarbonizing buildings – especially major facilities like hospitals and airports – is vital to achieving Urban Zero. Join this panel to learn about the strategies and technologies that will result in urban zero buildings, cities, and regions. 

• Isabelle Smith, Global Director, Engineering Net Zero, AtkinsRéalis 
• Alan Grossert, Director of Engineering Projects, Vancouver Airport Authority‍
• Sharat Chandra, Vice President Strategic Capital Investments and Facilities, Fraser Health Authority
• Tony Munster, Executive Director, Projects, Planning & Facilities Management, Providence Health Care
• Moderator: Sean Pander, Manager, Green & Resilient Building Branch, City of Vancouver

Fireside chat with BrainboxAI

How can we leverage AI to effectively manage and modulate the energy consumption of growing cities? Join the conversation on integrating smart tech in urban development for a smooth transition to sustainable energy.

• ‍Sam Ramadori, CEO, Brainbox AI ‍
• Interviewed by: Miro Cernetig, Co-Founder, CityAge

Panel 4: How to Build the Energy Network for a Net Zero Future

In the race to decarbonization, governments have to decide if they want to be dependent on one or multiple sources of energy. Join this panel to learn what needs to be considered to create a resilient system that benefits everyone.

• Dan Woynillowicz, Principal, Polaris Strategy + Insight, Board Chair, CICE, & External Energy Advisor, BC Hydro Taskforce
• Shannon Halliday, VP Corporate Affairs, HTEC
• Doug Slater, VP Indigenous Relations & Regulatory Affairs, FortisBC ‍
• Moderator: Fazil Mihlar, Deputy Minister, Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, Province of BC

Lunch Break

Panel 5 : The New Developers

The Vancouver region is pioneering a new approach to urban development as a home to future oriented developers to fast-track the creation of affordable housing stock while also lowering carbon emissions through urban zero technologies.

• Clark Roberts, President and CEO, Advantage BC 
• Malcolm Shield, Vice President, Sustainability, Wesgroup Properties‍
• Jennifer Podmore Russell, Executive Vice President, Real Estate and Development, Nch’ḵay̓ Development Corporation
• Moderator: George Benson, Senior Manager, Economic Transformation, Vancouver Economic Commission

Presentation: Investing in Sustainable Cities

Infrastructure investment plays a critical role in sustainable cities – from decarbonizing and upgrading buildings to transitioning to zero emission transit. Join this presentation to learn about partnership opportunities to advance critical infrastructure in your community.

• Jodie Parmar, Head of Project Development for Western Canada, Canada Infrastructure Bank

Panel 6: EV Charging Done Right: Design, Government, and Operations

EV infrastructure in Canada is evolving rapidly. Discover how EV charging networks, governments, utilities can work together to make inclusive, reliable and environmentally responsible charging infrastructure that works for all.

• Travis Allan, Chief Legal & Public Affairs Officer, FLO EV Charging 
• Robyn Webb, Program Manager, Local Government Conservation and Climate Action, BC Hydro
• Steve Young, Climate and Environmental Sustainability Specialist, City of Victoria 
• Eve Hou, Senior Manager of Policy Development, TransLink
• Moderator: Colin Weston, Director, BuildNEXT, Foresight Canada

Presentation by Foresight Canada

 Jeanette Jackson, CEO, Foresight

Rapid Fire Presentation Session – Hosted by Foresight Canada

• Lynn Mueller, President and CEO, Sharc Energy
• Jeff Davis, CEO, Asset Market
• Hanspaul Pannu, Chief Financial Officer, SHARC Energy
• Gary Schubak, VP Business Development, Ekona Power Inc.

Closing comments