Turning green vision into reality

The Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) is a respected leader of our nation’s dynamic and growing sustainable building industry.

Every day, staff in the CaGBC national office and the executive directors (EDs) of the Council’s eight chapters interact at various levels with architects, engineers, building owners and managers, construction professionals, product developers and government representatives – the professionals who turn the visions of a greener world into reality.

Many of those industry professionals belong to traditionally male-dominated professions – putting the onus on CaGBC staff to talk the language of the industry.

No problem. Many EDs have come from green backgrounds.

Lara Ryan, Atlantic Chapter ED, managed a consulting business based on sustainability and corporate responsibility before joining the Chapter. “My current job is a neat marriage of my former worlds. I know how to run an NFP – and green building is a huge piece of the puzzle of sustainability.”

Tanya Doran, Alberta Chapter ED, was introduced to the sustainable building industry during a part-time job in college. Fast forward to 2001 through 2007 when she helped coordinate the annual Alberta Sustainable Building Symposiums and worked part-time with the Net-Zero Energy Home Coalition.

Hazel Farley, Greater Toronto Chapter ED, assumed the Chapter reins after a seven-year stint at Green Roofs for Healthy Cities. “My current position allows me to direct and shape the future of the Chapter – with the added bonus of staying connected with the green building industry.”

Mona Lemoine, Cascadia ED and Vice-President, Education and Events for the International Living Future Institute, joined Cascadia directly from practising architecture in Manitoba. The position with Cascadia allows her to maintain her involvement in the green building industry – a personal passion of hers.

Teresa Hanna, Ottawa Region Chapter ED, graduated from and also works in architecture. “I still get to dabble a bit in design. I simply want to create better, more beautiful buildings, healthy for the inhabitants as well as for the natural environment. My background and ED position give me the scope to do that.”

Lisa MacDonell, Manitoba Chapter ED, also offers a background rich in green. With a business and marketing background, she and her partner started a residential contracting company some years ago. She then worked with a local architectural firm, which designed Manitoba’s first LEED-certified building.

Lisa became committed to building everything to at least minimum LEED standard – including one of her own homes.

Annette Horvath, Assistant ED of the Saskatchewan Chapter, joined the CaGBC immediately after a stint of conducting tours of Canada’s first net-zero home exhibit, located in Saskatoon. “My husband and I built a house in 2010. We made it as energy efficient as we could. The more we talked to people in the know, the more my interest in green building grew.”

Research proves what these EDs illustrate – that women are assuming increasingly greater decision-making roles in the Canadian labour market. According to Statistics Canada, women now account for the majority of university graduates. Women are also entering more non-traditional occupations.[1] Between 1996 and 2006, the proportion of women increased significantly in physical sciences, architecture, drafting, surveying and mapping – and as managers in engineering, architecture, science and information systems.[2]

The CaGBC female professionals offer an astounding mix of managerial and professional skills.

Gayle Maltais, CaGBC’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), joined the CaGBC from her management position at NAV CANADA, Canada’s civil air navigation services provider. “I had a broad range of management skills but I wasn’t contributing to society in any meaningful way. I knew I had more to offer.”

Now she manages the CaGBC operations ranging from facilities and security to governance, human resources and finance. She is also part of the senior executive team, helping develop the organization’s strategic direction and supporting the implementation of a range of business issues.

In addition to supervising several staff, Mona Lemoine of Cascadia invests significant time in stewarding the development and implementation of Cascadia’s strategic plan.

She says part of her role is facilitating connections within the industry to drive the agenda forward. “It’s about connecting the dots. Opportunities happen when the right people connect. Finding those synergies and leveraging them helps the movement as a whole.”

Lara Ryan, Atlantic Chapter, offers strong organizational skills, people skills and a good dose of common sense to the position. She’s also knows about multi-tasking. “I am a part-time executive director representing four provinces. I interact with four provincial governments, a host of municipalities, stakeholders that differ province to province and members in all of the above jurisdictions. I’m all about managing expectations.”

Tanya Doran, Alberta Chapter, believes her skills complement those of the traditional professions. “I bring a different skillset to the table than the architects and engineers. I hold things together. I open doors and ensure the green building agenda moves forward.”

Lisa MacDonell, Manitoba Chapter, credits her success to a well-rounded skillset and the right personality for the job. “I don’t make a point of being a strong woman because I need to be a ‘strong woman’ in a male- dominated industry; I’m simply a strong person. I have energy and a passion for this organization and the cause of green building.”

Another common thread connecting the CaGBC team is a passion for LEED.

Tanya Doran, Alberta Chapter, recently spoke to a meeting of Canadian education facilities professionals about LEED. “I can be the teacher and discuss the advantages of green schools with them. Every speaking engagement gives me an opportunity to do some myth busting about green building and LEED.”

Annette Horvath, Saskatchewan Chapter, agrees LEED is an effective vehicle for developing more sustainable communities across Canada. “We need to work on educating our audiences about the value of LEED certification. It’s not well understood.  The more we demonstrate its benefits and show how to achieve LEED certification with no additional costs, the more we can change the negative perceptions.”

Teresa Hanna, Ottawa Region Chapter ED, sees LEED as a means of “helping the design and construction team take an integrated and holistic approach to each project. The LEED guidelines are helping to challenge green building leaders to push the bar even higher.”

With the range of skills and talents at work within the CaGBC, what motivates these women to invest far more than their paid hours to their jobs? For most, the answer is a deep commitment to sustainable building and its advantages for our society.

Hazel Farley, Greater Toronto Chapter, says she is honoured to work with individuals who share her commitment to green building. “Our board and volunteers have invested an incredible amount of time and professional talent in the chapter – and their efforts show. These chapters are built by volunteers.”

Gayle Maltais, CaGBC COO, says Thomas Mueller, CaGBC President & CEO, opened the door for her. “Thomas painted a vision of the green building industry that showed me how the organization could help change the lives of Canadians and how I could help lead a team that was motivated by passion and a level of engagement I simply hadn’t encountered in my past professional life,” recalls Gayle.

Gayle describes the green building industry as very inclusive. “Everyone involved, from architects and engineers to realtors and product developers, is interested in working toward a better built environment. Ask questions. Volunteer. You will find your special niche because the industry needs such a diverse range of skills sets to move forward regardless of your gender.”

[1] “Women in Non-traditional Occupations and Fields of Study,” Kathryn McMullen, Jason Gilmore and Christel Le Petit, Statistics Canada

[1] Statistics Canada. Census of Canada, 1996 and 2006

Molok North America Ltd,

From Finland with Love

Bv Marylene Vestergom

Imagine coming to Canada from Finland with the idea to sell new waste containers without any contacts or understanding of the Canadian waste industry.  “I was this 30-year old, single mother of a one-year old child, selling my dad’s product in another country. I didn’t know anyone. I was working in an industry that was 99% male. But I knew that my father’s invention, the Molok® Deep Collection™ waste management system, was a proven product –and I was going to make it happen,” says Marja Hillis, CEO of Molok North America.   After all, who could dispute the success of Molok, which has been around for 21 years and is used all over the world? Charting new opportunities was something Hillis had her sights on – and no one was going to say it wasn’t possible. Perhaps it was that Finnish stubbornness sisu, or perseverance, that kept her going. “One of my biggest mottos is never give up. If you want to succeed, you have to keep at it.”

Considering the focus on truck collection methods, Molok’s new way of managing waste was the first time the industry observed a revolutionary development in waste containers.  “The focus has always been on how we get the garbage out quickly and efficiently. It was never about the containers.  Molok changes that,” says Hillis.”

So what is the Molok® Deep Collection™ waste management system? As Hillis points out, Deep Collection™ is a term that aptly describes its double meaning.  “The key is its vertical underground design. The Molok container is 60 percent underground, with only 40 percent of the container visible above ground. The design allows for gravity to help in compacting the waste so you can put more in. Plus, the coolness underground reduces offensive odours, and it allows you to wait longer before you need to empty it – saving money.  As an added bonus, the system prevents vandalism and visits from pesky animals.”

“I remember when I first met Marja,” says Paul Ronan, Executive Director, at Ontario Parks Association. “What struck me was her passion for educating people on products that will help us get a better environment. She hired people who shared that vision and were willing to go out and advocate for a cleaner, more livable environment.  And the Molok lends itself to cutting down on the carbon footprint and reducing unsightly bins all over the place.”

With the help of her first client, the Ontario Parks Association, Hillis was able to introduce Molok to the Kitchener community. “Our motto is protecting tomorrow today,” says Ronan. “We’ve been around for 75 years, serving mostly the municipal sector.  When Marja first approached us, it was her vision that sold us. The rest, as they say, is history.”

On April 1, 2012, Molok North America Ltd. opened its doors to a 39,000-square foot manufacturing plant in Mount Forest, Ont., capable of producing 10,000 waste containers per year. But success didn’t come easily. In the beginning, Hillis couldn’t find a waste management company that wanted to empty the containers. Undaunted by this setback, Hillis and her husband, Mark, set up their own waste removal company.  Later, Waste Management Inc. saw and heard from customers about the benefits of Molok and soon bought out the Hillis’ waste management company and hired Mark Hillis to work for it.

Today, Waste Management Inc. offers the expertise to empty the containers.

But for Hillis and her team at Molok North America, listening to their customers is a huge part of their success.  In fact, it’s the people who drive the use and success of Molok by telling the municipalities and other potential customers about them, who are then telling the waste haulers they want the Molok system.

Molok also takes pride in how it works with its customers, whether it’s a small corner store or an organization like Big Sisters and Big Brothers in Montreal.  “They’re involved in clothes collection.  It was important that the clothes wouldn’t get stolen or wet, so we developed a lid that would work for their needs,” says Hillis.  Molok North America also developed a bear proof lid. Today Algonquin Park uses 150 Molok container systems in their rest areas and camp grounds – for waste, recycling and even organics.

The attractive containers seamlessly blend into the environment and their uses are endless.

“I’ve been in this country for 15 years now, and last year my daughter and I became Canadian citizens,” says Hillis. “I knew when I came to this country, although I was selling a Finnish product, it had to be Canadian.  That’s why I established Molok North America Ltd. and made sure we kept the manufacturing as local as possible. There’s a lot of green washing out there, but at Molok, we walk the talk.”

Website: www.molokna.com

Vivian Kanargelidis dares to be different

The ever-increasing demand for sustainable architecture design is affecting virtually every production industry related to modern building development.

Shading and daylighting solutions are no exception to this.  And developing and innovating improvements in solar control is a priority for Vivian Kanagelidis, the President and CEO of Sun Glow Window Covering Products of Canada Ltd.

Since taking the reins of the family-owned business in 2006 after the passing of her father, Kanargelidis has built on his legacy as an innovator and brought her own entrepreneurial skill-set into the mix.

With a background as a Chartered Accountant she also has diverse business interests – from ownership and management of rental properties, bed and breakfast homes in Niagara-on-the Lake, as well as founding Canada’s first and only Thomas Kinkade Signature Gallery in Yorkville.  Kanargelidis also finds time to assist the Canadian Decorators’ Association as its Director of Finance.

The shift in attention to Sun Glow, while challenging, did not prove overly daunting for Kanargelidis.  She quickly started an agenda of modernizing every aspect of the company from internal processes to providing new cutting-edge products for the sustainability revolution.  Fast forward six years and the results of her efforts are clear to see.  Sun Glow has participated in multiple award winning projects and several product innovations in the solar control industry.

One such innovation that Sun Glow has recently developed in-house is a roller shade operating system designed specifically for the contract market.  Dubbed V-Series™, this feature rich system is fully-assembled, modular, and boasts an abundance of ergonomic design elements, from installation to everyday usage.

Sun Glow is also home to MAX™, the world’s largest roller shade.  Typically, roller shade systems are limited in size due to tube deflection and limited roll-up space.  MAX™ handles both of these issues elegantly with one piece of engineering genius.  It features floating suspension system and provides uniform support across the breadth of the shade allowing for massive 12m (40′) widths and lengths up to 9m (30′).  When installed externally, MAX™ slashes energy costs by reducing HVAC loads by up to 60 per cent.

Another Sun Glow innovation that has been designed specifically for the health care market is the NEO™ Chainless Safety Shade.  This system was used extensively with the recently completed CAMH redevelopment project.  It is ideal for applications where ligature issues are a concern because no part of the shade can be removed and its touch based controls eliminate the need for a chain or cord for operation.

These versatile systems provide intuitive controls and eliminate the application limitations inherent in the prior generations of shading systems.

But to yield the full benefit of today’s systems, smart fabric selection is a must.  Sun Glow has assembled a wide variety of textile options, both technical and decorative, each meeting a solar shading need.  The newest additions are the Eco Series™ fabrics.  The ultimate in sustainability these fabrics provide incredible heat, glare, ad UV protection and have other desirable qualities such as being PVC and VOC free, available in wide roll widths for large window spans and are 100% Trevira CS fibres, inherently flame retardant.

To cater to the more creative, personalized, one-of-a-kind applications, Sun Glow offers the Artisan collection, featuring trims and pulls as well as Swarovski Elements; Graphic Shades and Expressions involve the custom printing of images, patterns, logos as directed by the clients, on window treatment fabrics and wallpaper.

“Everything is done in-house enabling designers to create unique custom designs for clients that reflect their personality or lifestyle in a residential application or desired themes in a commercial application,” says Kanargelidis.

In addition to the product innovations, Kanargelidis is continuing to improve upon accounting, inventory control and production management software throughout the company with the goal of becoming completely paperless.

She has acquired sophisticated production machinery, one of the first in North America which has significantly bolstered production capabilities, especially when dealing with large contract orders.  In order to manage these large projects, Sun Glow has developed a team of contract specialists that assist clients in specifying even the most complex projects from manual systems to completely automated and building management systems.

Kanargelidis’ remarkable accomplishments with Sun Glow are the result of her unexpected foray into the solar control industry.  Her leadership and determination ensure Sun Glow’s continued prominence as an innovator in an ever-evolving marketplace.

Sun Glow Window Covering Products of Canada Ltd. was founded by Kostas Kanargelidis, Vivian’s father, in 1983 as a distributor of quality components and fabrics to the window treatment industry and a manufacturer of custom, solar shading products to its network of dealers and retailers.  Sun Glow has become a leader in innovation for the contract market while continuing to serve its distribution and dealer business.

JoAnne Butler provides voice of experience at the Ontario Power Authority

When JoAnne Butler joined the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) as its vice-president of electricity resources back in 2008, she arrived with a wealth of global experience and expertise.

And those trademarks have served her well over the ensuing years.

Ms. Butler’s career has featured multi-year stops in Mexico and the United Arab Emirates, as well as expatriate roles in both Egypt and Tunisia. So she definitely brings an international viewpoint to the table.

“It is very rewarding to work in different cultures and to understand different perspectives,” Butler tells Green Business and Sustainable Strategies magazine. “ But one thing is clear in all areas of the world where I have worked – we have an inescapable dependence on energy to make our modern world possible.”

In the Middle East, she said she honed her technical oil and gas production skills. In Mexico, she was an independent power producer supporting the ongoing business of two combined cycle gas-fired power plants under contract with the Mexican government.

“So my skills extend from seismic to burner tip,” she says. “Now I am on the public sector side of the business and have walked a mile in other people’s shoes on the developer side, and understand their motivations, as well, when they come to me with concerns about their contracts.

“The electricity business is complex in any jurisdiction, so just problem-solving through issues around it, whatever the country, is always helpful experience.”

And make no mistake about it, Butler has made her mark in Ontario, along with her team and the Ontario Power Authority as a whole.

“In 2008, we had more than 11,000 megawatts of new supply under contract,” she notes. “Almost five years later, the OPA has more than 21,000 megawatts of electricity supply under contract and it’s all clean energy – 8,039 MW of renewable wind, solar and bio-energy, 2,367 MW of renewable hydroelectric, 7,679 MW of natural gas, combined heat and power and energy from waste, and 3,000 MW of nuclear capacity under contract.

“Of the 21,000 megawatts under contract, almost 13,000 megawatts are already in commercial operation, and the rest is under construction or in early development stages. As a result of these procurements and the OPA’s conservation efforts, Ontario is no longer in the dire electricity supply situation it faced in the last decade. We have clean, reliable supply in place for the next several years.”

She says that a big reason for the significant amount of wind, solar and bio-energy under contract to the OPA is the creation and launch in 2009 of the “groundbreaking” feed-in tariff (FIT) program for renewable energy, the “first comprehensive one of its kind in North America.”

The FIT program, Butler points out, offers long-term contracts at set prices for solar, wind, hydro and bio-energy projects in the province.

“It’s meeting the goals that were set out to be accomplished – kick-starting renewable energy development, and fostering economic development, job creation and a cleaner supply of electricity for the province,” she says. “To date, we’ve executed more than 1,700 FIT contracts and more than 13,700 microFIT contracts for over 4,700 megawatts of renewable electricity.

“The FIT program is helping to increase the role of renewable energy supply in Ontario. In fact, by 2018, hydroelectric resources will reach 9,000 megawatts, and wind, solar and bio-energy resources will amount to about 10,700 megawatts.”

It’s important, Butler says, for the public to become informed and educated on how the electricity system works.

“Many people flick the switch and have no idea how much money and enterprise it takes to get it there,” she says. “While government policy will play a role in charting the direction, the laws of physics, supply and demand, and cost and value will ultimately rule.  It is also important to try to change our behaviours to take conservation of energy seriously.”

Moving forward at OPA, Butler says there are four areas she would like to focus on:

• For large projects, procurement initiatives that allow the best of the competitive process to come through – private sector innovation and creative solutions, efficient risk allocation and sharing, and drive to provide solutions at competitive prices;
• Leverage the success of the standard offer programs like the FIT model for micro to smaller projects to remove barriers to entry and allow new and less-experienced participants, as well as more community and aboriginal based power, an opportunity to participate as energy producers;
• Better integration between new facility and building development, and energy production. For a new factory, campus or social housing development, that may mean solar panels on a purpose-designed roof, or even small-scale combined heat and power (CHP) or cogeneration where the heat is used to support a business process;
• Taking another look at storage and finding cost-effective and innovative ways to use it.

Being recognized as a leader in sustainable business practices is important to her, she says.

“I have 34 years of experience in many facets of the energy business and using that experience to support greener and cleaner aspects of the business links it all together,” she says. “I think we all have a responsibility to take care of the planet for future generations.

“We need to take an active role in managing our energy use to hopefully conserve and lower our electricity consumption. There is room for a wide range of technologies to support our appetite for energy, and finding the appropriate circumstances to economically use them is a high priority.”

The Fab Four at Direct Energy 

Dynamic Women with Account Management Team Offer Decades of Expertise

They are known throughout the construction industry as movers and shakers who greet clients with smiles and warm handshakes.

These dynamic women of the Direct Energy Builder Group – Laura Bonise, Sue Cerilli, Linda Oliveri and Carole Solway – bring decades of experience and expertise to the table, and have hundreds of clients to attest to their value and effectiveness.

From actively developing professional relationships with builders through various events to working behind the scenes on homebuilder association committees, they help builders and contractors select the right water heating and hydronic equipment, and offer product training when needed.
They pay attention to details, and remain involved throughout the building process; from design, to delivery, to after-care service.

And they attend conferences and training to ensure they are the building code experts on which others can rely.

As the building code continues to change and more savvy consumers are looking to reduce their environmental footprint, building practices are evolving at a quick pace.  Builders are following new code requirements for homes built to a higher standard.  Mechanical contractors and energy evaluators are trying to calculate the impact of tighter envelopes and select the correct new equipment.  It all places demands on architects and builders to understand how different mechanical configurations affect home design and the building process.

With these new technologies emerging, the question becomes how to select the water heater that is best suited for each new home.  In the middle of this ongoing transformation, the building industry works with this team of four energetic women from the Direct Energy Builder Group.

These Account Managers assist the builder in the selection of the most appropriate type of water heater to meet their energy requirements:

Laura Bonise

Quietly confident, Laura Bonise of Oakville, Ontario is among the leading specialists in the area of power vent tanks, tankless water heaters and boiler systems to accommodate combo-heating applications.

With over 33 years of experience at Direct Energy, the knowledge she has acquired is of great value to builders, architects, mechanical and general contractors.  Bonise assists her clients with product selection, training and technical support and brings a great deal of credibility to the table.

As with many accomplished people, her outside achievements are truly impressive.  She is a founding member of Women In Construction (WINC), a non-profit organization of professional women who help communities and individuals in crisis.  Among many great projects, WINC has refurbished a Toronto Youth Centre, raised money for and built numerous homes with Habitat for Humanity and renovated the offices of New Beginnings, a women’s support organization.

Last year Bonise travelled with colleague, Sue Cerilli, to the Dominican Republic to participate in the building of six homes for impoverished families.  Laura Bonise not only talks the talk, but walks the walk, when it comes to improving our world and the environment we live in.

Sue Cerilli

Sue Cerilli of Innisfil, Ontario admits that because Direct Energy Account Managers have home-based offices, for the past 10 years she has worked a little more than she should.

“The building industry is constantly changing, and we work with our clients to adapt to the forever changing Building Code and Energy Star requirements” she says.

She works closely with builders, mechanical engineers, heating contractors and energy consultants reviewing proposals during construction planning.

Despite her dedication, Cerilli still finds the time and energy for family fun, camping, hiking, building houses for charity (see previous section), chairing community projects, and serving as Secretary-Treasurer for the Canadian Home Builders Association of Simcoe County.  She even opens her door and listens patiently to the pitch of the occasional door-to-door salesman – like the time a competitor tried to persuade her to change her water heater, while her Direct Energy branded vehicle sat a few feet away in the driveway.

Linda Oliveri 

“We try to be as environmentally responsible as we possibly can”, says Linda Oliveri of her small family (husband, Dominic, and Bianca, a Maltese poodle) in Ottawa, Ontario.  “Turning down the thermostat, composting, growing our own food organically, using energy-efficient lightbulbs – simple steps can really add up to reducing our overall environmental footprint.”

And in her work, she helps smooth the pathway for builders using greener technologies.
“With the transition to more energy efficient products, such as tankless water heaters and condensing products, builders have been required to rethink the standard mechanical system,” says the 10-year Direct Energy veteran.  “There are special factors to consider, such as changes in venting requirements, clearances for both the products themselves and their terminations, condensate drains, etc.  This has caused several builders to revamp their mechanical rooms and vent system designs in order to comply with new installation requirements.”

Like her colleagues, Oliveri’s commitment extends beyond her corporate responsibilities.  She serves on the Green Committee for the Greater Ottawa Home Builders Association, as well as the Housing Design Awards Committee, the Sales & Marketing Committee, Habitat for Humanity’s Steel Toes & Stilettos Fundraiser Gala Committee, and has won several awards for her dedication to the construction industry.

Carole Solway

Carole Solway of Toronto typifies the boundless energy of the dynamic team at Direct Energy.  She handles numerous accounts and encourages her builders to involve Direct Energy early in the planning process.  When technologies and building standards evolve, communication is critical between suppliers and builders.

“The increase in higher density homes means smaller mechanical rooms and fewer options for builders.  Tankless units are becoming more popular, but require more discussion and on-site meetings with the builder and their trades.”

Solway’s inclusive approach ensures appropriate product selection and installation for her builders.  Solway previously worked for a large builder, and has 19 years of service at Direct Energy.  Her knowledge helps with guiding builders in their selection of energy efficient products.

Always available to her builders, Solway says “I am passionate about the building industry and appreciate the opportunity to be involved in this exciting environment.”

She enjoys spending time with family, watching films, spinning, and practicing yoga.  Solway is also a serious adventure traveller.  This year she will visit Vietnam, and spent two weeks in Peru climbing for more than three days to Machu Picchu.

Direct Energy is North America’s largest competitive energy solutions provider, with over six million residential and commercial customer relationships.  With over 60 years of experience in the area of water heaters and the largest client portfolio across Canada, Direct Energy has 1.1 million residential rental water heater customers.  Their water heater program offers builders great value and a green product offering, coupled with quality service for all rental water heater needs.  In addition to quality products, Direct Energy prides itself on having the largest residential service force to stand behind their portfolio of water heaters, including over 700 highly-trained and licensed technicians in Ontario alone.