The sudden turn from summer sunshine to fall rain would not prevent a packed house from turning up at the Squamish Climate Action Network's (CAN) latest film screening and informational session at the Adventure Centre Monday (Sept. 28).
Over 50 active participants filled the theatre to capacity to take in the C小蓝视频 documentary The Gospel of Green and hear about Squamish-specific renewable energy options.
Event co-ordinator Ana Santos said she's encouraged by the community's interest in the organization's environmental speaker and film series.
"The turnout was excellent as usual," she said. "[Our events] have always been full overflowing in fact which makes me feel excited and hopeful."
The Gospel of Green spared no criticism and laid bare Canada's position as a climate change policy straggler.
"Canada is being left behind in the climate action arena," said Santos, reiterating a comment heard often in global environmental politics.
Squamish CAN hosts made a concerted effort to keep the event as locally relevant as possible. Presenters explored the potential of Squamish wind, water, geothermal, waste and sun as energy generators.
Chuck Prenevost from Enviro Energies explained the advantages of vertical axis windmill-generated power, while local environmental advocates Jack Cooley and Pete Newell illustrated the intricacies of geothermal heating systems, already implemented in various homes throughout Squamish and at Quest University.
David Lin from Globe Solar Energy (Western) went into detail about solar thermal water heating, and Dave McRae of Triack Resources made the case for turning wood waste into clean energy.
This is more than just talk, though, explained Santos.
"The energy group [within CAN] is looking for people that would like to offer their houses for demonstration projects," she said.
Perhaps the presentation with the largest potential for positive impact in Squamish was provided by district planning staffer Sabina Foofat. Foofat is part of the team developing the Squamish Community Energy Action Plan (CEAP), which, if implemented, could increase the energy efficiency of municipal buildings, and help set more ambitious standards for hot water and home heating in new developments.
As well, the exciting potential of a Neighbourhood Energy Utility is being explored, with biomass, geothermal, ocean heat loop, or wastewater heat capture as potential sources. In a province that has generally been importing more and more electricity from the United States over the last 10 years, this could be a large step in the right direction.
Especially when considered that a significant percentage of that imported power may be coming from coal-fired power plants. The results of this feasibility study are due towards the end of the year.
The next big event for Squamish CAN will be at the Adventure Centre for the International Day of Climate Action on Oct. 24.
Squamish CAN meets Monday (Oct. 5) from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Brew Pub, and can be reached at www.squamishcan.net
