Technical Learning – Thursday, October 30
Sen̓áḵw District Energy System
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Located on Skwxwú7mesh territory, in the area known as Vancouver, Sen̓áḵw is a 4 million Ft2 rental development by the Squamish Nation’s economic development arm, Nch'ḵay̓ Development Corporation. With a desire to showcase climate leadership, the project is slated to become one of the first large-scale zero carbon housing projects in the world. To help achieve this, Creative Energy is developing a zero-emission district heating and cooling system for Sen̓áḵw. The presentation will describe the technology used in the district energy system, including sewer heat recovery, electric boilers and thermal storage.
Speakers
Keith Bate, P.Eng.
Keith is a mechanical engineer with over 20 years of experience of district energy and building design and construction in the UK, Canada and internationally. Keith is the Director of Engineering for Creative Energy. In this role his responsibilities include technical oversight for development of new District Energy Systems, optimization of existing systems and leadership of the in-house Automation team. Keith regularly presents on behalf of Creative Energy at district energy conferences and at local industry events. Prior to joining Creative Energy, Keith was a Principal with Stantec Consulting Ltd in the Vancouver office. In that role, he was part of the leadership group for British Columbia with responsibility for project management and technical leadership on a wide range of projects from concept to completion, undertaking business development activities and mentoring and developing staff.
Driving Sustainability: A Case for EV Batteries Life Cycle Assessment
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
In this presentation, we will explore the critical role of sustainability in the manufacturing of electric vehicle (EV) batteries. We will delve into the concept of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to understand the environmental impacts associated with each stage of an EV battery's life, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal. By examining a detailed case study, we will highlight the challenges and opportunities in making EV battery production more sustainable. Additionally, we will discuss how circular economy principles can be applied to enhance resource efficiency and reduce waste.
Speakers
Moataz El-Menshawy, P.Eng.
Moataz El-Menshawy is a seasoned leader in operational excellence, boasting extensive expertise in the application of quality and process improvement methodologies across diverse sectors. With 25 years of progressively advancing experience, he has contributed to projects spanning research and development, new product introduction, project launches, general manufacturing, and supplier development. Moataz holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering as well as a Master of Engineering degree in Engineering Management. He is a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) registered with Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia, and a Project Management Professional (PMP). Additionally, he possesses multiple certifications from the American Society for Quality (ASQ), including Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB), Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB), Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), and Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA). As a lead auditor, Moataz has demonstrated his proficiency by spearheading the development and enhancement of quality management systems and overseeing audit teams for ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485:2016, and IATF 16949:2016 certification audits. Complementing his professional endeavors, Moataz is deeply committed to education. He passionately designs and delivers various post-graduate courses at technical colleges in Canada, alongside providing consultancy and training services for businesses. Over the past 15 years, he has curated and conducted training programs and workshops across Canada, the USA, and the Middle East, focusing on areas such as quality management, project management, operations management, process improvement, quality tools, problem-solving techniques, Six Sigma, and Lean methodologies.
BC Highway Reinstatement: Innovation in Action
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
The British Columbia Highway Reinstatement Program faced unprecedented challenges in rebuilding critical infrastructure. This presentation explores how the alliance contract model transformed design and construction, enabling rapid decision-making, seamless contractor integration, and enhanced efficiency. Hear firsthand from design engineers on how collaboration streamlined approvals, fostered innovation, and optimized costs. Learn why this model is redefining infrastructure recovery and how its principles can apply to future projects. Whether you’re an engineer, contractor, or project manager, this session will provide key insights into an approach that delivers resilience, speed, and long-term value.
Speakers
Joel Weiss, P.Eng.
Joel Weiss is a Project Director with Infrastructure BC and professional engineer with over 20 years of experience leading complex, high-impact public infrastructure projects across Canada. His expertise focuses on collaborative delivery models and innovative procurement strategies, including alliance, target price, and progressive design-build, to balance risk, maximize value, and achieve strong outcomes for the public sector. His advice and leadership have been applied to Surrey Langley SkyTrain, Fraser River Tunnel, Broadway Subway and numerous other projects. Joel has contributed to the Highway Reinstatement Program, most recently as a member of the Alliance Leadership Team on the Highway 8 Nicola Valley Alliance Project.
Jennifer Fraser
Jennifer Fraser is an Executive Director with the BC Ministry of Transportation and Transit, bringing extensive experience in forestry and transportation. Known for her strategic vision and leadership, she excels in building relationships and leading complex projects. Over her career, Jennifer has led large, diverse teams, developed expertise in large scale project delivery, and driven continuous improvement efforts. Most recently, she successfully led the delivery of the first Alliance contracts for highway construction in BC. As a champion for collaboration, Jennifer fosters partnerships between owners, designers and constructors to achieve better outcomes. Currently, Jennifer is leading the reconstruction efforts for Highways 1, 5, and 8, impacted by the November 2021 atmospheric river event, and overseeing the Trans-Canada Highway improvement program between Kamloops and Golden. Jennifer’s dedication and commitment have earned her recognition, including receiving BC Premier’s Innovation and Excellence Awards for Leadership and Partnerships.
Jared Wilkison, P.L.Eng.
Jared has 23 years of experience as a consulting engineer with Urban Systems in highway, interchange and municipal roadway design and construction. He has led many transportation design projects, including several for the Ministry of Transportation and Transit throughout BC. His technical skills cover all design stages, from planning to construction. Currently, he serves as the Design Manager and Coordinating Professional Engineer for the Highway 8 Nicola Valley Partners Alliance Project and the Highway 95 Kicking Horse River Bridges in Golden.
Michael George, P.Eng.
Michael George, P.Eng., is a geotechnical engineer with extensive experience in transportation and infrastructure projects across Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Currently supporting the BC Highway Reinstatement Program, he specializes in geotechnical design, slope stabilization, and rockfall mitigation. Previously, he worked with the Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure on geotechnical response and recovery efforts. Michael has contributed to major projects, including the Calgary West LRT and hydroelectric developments. A recipient of the 2022 Premier’s Innovation and Excellence Award for Partnerships, he is known for delivering practical, technically sound solutions for complex engineering challenges.
The Flow and Economics of BC's Energy Landscape
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Join us for an insightful session with Ben Nishi, Senior Manager for Commercial Energy Products at FortisBC, as he explores BC’s evolving energy landscape. Discover how rising demand, climate impacts, and the need for diverse energy solutions are shaping the future. Dale Goudie, P.Eng., FEC – VP Technology at Greenlane Renewables, will use the Lulu Island Wastewater Treatment Plant as a case study to illustrate how Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) is produced and how it contributes to lowering GHG emissions. This presentation highlights the need for a balanced, economically viable approach to decarbonization.
Speakers
Ben Nishi
Ben is a Senior Manager with FortisBC. His portfolio includes natural gas, renewable natural gas, energy efficiency, and electricity. FortisBC provides electricity in parts of BC’s Interior, including Kelowna. Ben has been with FortisBC for 18 years. Ben began his career in a department that has since become a subsidiary company, Fortis Alternative Energy Services, where he worked on geothermal and District Energy projects. Ben worked on the project to convert Whistler from a closed loop propane system to be part of the natural gas grid in 2010, and Ben has been involved in renewable natural gas since 2012 with the first supply sites in Abbotsford and Salmon Arm.
Dale Goudie, P.Eng., FEC
Dale is a registered Professional Engineer who has spent most of his career working in the Renewables and Clean Energy technology space. He has over 25 years’ engineering experience including in the design and development of natural gas engines, fuel systems, and cryogenic systems. In his current role as the VP, Technology at Greenlane Renewables, Dale is the principal technical advisor for Renewable Natural Gas projects, products and technologies. He holds a BSc in Mechanical Engineering (Queen’s University) and an MASc in Mechanical Engineering (University of Victoria).