In response to Calgary’s declared climate emergency and in hope to seek collaborative action, DIALOG hosted its second Climate Imperative Series, ‘Energy Transition Strategies for Cities’ on March 28 at the Calgary Central Library.

Consisting of a panel of thought leaders including DIALOG partner and engineer, Charles Marshall, ReShape Infrastructure Strategies principal, Sonja Wilson, Atlantica director of development and innovation, Jason Grabinsky, and moderated by former host of CBC’s Eyeopener, David Gray, the leaders discussed a variety of climate-focused topics affecting the building industry.

Panel members recognized the prevalent climate emergency as a multilateral, complex issue and one of the most urgent challenges of our time. An important topic touched on was understanding what responsibilities cities hold when facing a climate crisis, and the need for comprehensive planning in a collaborative fashion.

Through thoughtful discussions and audience engagement, the panel gave opportunity to highlight strategies currently working and invite consideration of a climate-conscious path forward. Tools such as scaling back on natural gas using district energy centers, sewer heat reclamation, and many others are aids that acknowledge energy efficiency and renewable energy as the main pillars of the energy transition.

These robust conversations continue to drive the future of our cities and our planet, if seen as an opportunity—infrastructure and technology exist that can help with climate solutions, if companies and individuals get on board. DIALOG hopes these conversations will continue to push the building industry to create places that are future-proof and made for people.

DIALOG’s next discussion in this series will take place in June, with a new topic, ‘Energy Futures’. Stay tuned for more details!