eMerge Guelph

Wanna be a Waterhero?
2021-09-23 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | Online, eMERGE , ON, Canada
Guelph takes water conservation seriously
We have to. We’re the largest community in Canada relying on groundwater for our supply. Compared to other cities our wells take longer to replenish and are more vulnerable to overuse. That’s why the city created the Blue Built Home program: to motivate, celebrate, rebate and reward your water conservation efforts.
On average, we use 167 Liters/person/ day in our homes. But we need to get down to 150 Liters . This policy target came about from extensive public participation, by individuals and organizations. We’ve certainly come a long way from the 250 liters/person/day that we gobbled up in the early 1990’s.
Reaching this goal is easier than you might think. But don’t take our word for it. Check out how our friends Suzanne and Ernst Braendli have cut their water use down to just 79 Liters / person / day. (And yes they do shower and their home is spotless)
We have partnered with the city to get you started through our Home Tune-Up program. We’ll work with you to analyze your water use, replace shower heads, faucet aerators for free and then make recommendations including replacing toilets and even larger appliances like dishwashers and your washing machine. And then for the “super heroes” out there, how about rain water harvesting?
Achieving Blue Built Home certification will no doubt reduce your monthly water bill and provide even greater benefits to the environment. And you’ll also have bragging rights.
Learn how you can certify your home with the Blue Built Home program and have access to rebates up to $2,000.
Join us as we explore the options for water saving and help you build your plan to become a water hero:
Wanna be a Water Hero?
Thursday , September 23, 2021
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

2050 Is Too Late
2021-09-28 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | Online, eMERGE , ON, Canada
1st target of 2030 is like telling a child in grade 1 they won’t be evaluated until grade 9
The latest science showing the need for ‘climate action now’ couldn’t be clearer. And while the city has acknowledged that we are in a climate emergency, our first climate target isn’t until 2030. That’s like telling a parent today that their child in grade 1 won’t be evaluated until they get to grade 9.
Guelph just released its Sustainability Report on how we’re fighting climate change. Our city staff are working hard and it shows that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions went down in 2020. However, the pandemic has had a profound impact on cutting emissions across the country. Will Guelph be able to sustain that drop and keep reducing emissions fast enough post-pandemic?
The city has two climate change targets for 2050: Net Zero Carbon (for the entire community) and 100% Renewable Energy (for the corporation of the City of Guelph).
Here’s how we can do better.
1- Develop mandatory interim climate change targets that fall within city council terms of office:
We need more accountability. Our first climate target of 45% doesn’t occur until 2030. While there are requirements for “reviews” every 5 years, there are no specific targets associated with those reviews.
This all about accountability and the “reviews” don’t quite line up with the 4-year terms of city council. Having interim targets that land within Council terms will help focus our work and create more accountability – for all of us.
It will also gives us a much better method of understanding how we are – or aren’t -progressing in an emergency.
The City of Hamilton has already implemented 4 year targets.
2- Entrench climate change action into the Official Plan review.
The current Official Plan – now undergoing a review – doesn’t reflect our current climate targets. It does include reference to the now outdated energy plan. All decisions that the city makes must include a ‘lens’ that ensures climate change is front and centre.
3- Empower All City staff to bring their ideas forward to fight climate change.
This is about changing the culture.
We have great staff working for us in many different departments at the city. Who better to understand the challenges and opportunities available to fast-track fighting climate change efforts in their specific field of work? We can’t leave this to one small, but committed, office to do all the heavy lifting.
Empowering all city staff to find their voice and help fight climate change will give us a great leg up.
4- Review the 2050 target date for Net Zero carbon and 100%RE.
Like our Health Unit’s COVID vaccination efforts, we believe that Guelph can be a front runner by going above and beyond these targets. As we see progress, we must also re-evaluate this final target and bring it closer – much closer – to today.
As a community we need to battle climate change aggressively on all fronts.
Will We able to meet our climate change targets?
Join us as we explore ways to meet our climate goals much sooner!
2050 is Too Late
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Tuesday, Sep 28, 2021
Click here to register for 2050 is Too Late
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Brought to you by:

Citizens Climate Lobby, Climate Justice Guelph, Council of Canadians-Guelph Chapter, eMERGE Guelph, Extinction Rebellion Guelph, Fridays for the Future, Greenhouse Guelph, Green New Deal Guelph, Guelph Wellington Coalition for Social Justice, Kairos Guelph, OPIRG Guelph, Transition Guelph, Wellington Water Watchers, Yorklands Green Hub

Salty Softeners Salty Rivers
2021-11-10 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | Online, eMERGE , ON, Canada
We know that road salt is bad for our beloved Speed River. But what about that invisible source of salt in our basements?
Water softeners can compete with volumes of road salt that we pour into our rivers. And while road salt use in Guelph is going down, softener salt is actually going up!

The added salt is bad enough, but these softeners also mean we use more water to operate them. All of this impacts our environment including climate change.
Water softeners are seen by many as an almost necessary piece of household equipment in Guelph. They provide several real and perceived benefits, but come with a few drawbacks.
What are we to do? … Lots.
Learn how you can cut your salt use by up to 60%, benefit our rivers, fight climate change and save money.
Wayne Brabazon, from the Region of Waterloo, will illustrate how softeners work and how they contribute to chloride (salt) pollution in our waterways. He’ll demonstrate different types of water softeners and conditioners available to soften efficiently while saving water, salt and money.
Steve Yessie, City of Guelph Water Department, will discuss the Guelph perspective of household softener use, the benefits and challenges of water softeners, as well as ways to reduce related water and salt use.
Salty Softeners, Salty Rivers
Wednesday , Nov. 10, 2021
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
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Join us as we host:

Wayne Brabazon| Water Efficiency Technologist, Region of Waterloo
Wayne has worked for the Region of Waterloo for 23 years in a range of water services positions. Currently he is the Region’s Water Efficiency Technologist and works extensively with commercial, institutional and industrial (CII) business-sector water users. This role involves convincing businesses to move on, and commit to, water saving projects. CII water efficiency projects are varied and each project is dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Wayne’s technical knowledge to support the water efficiency position is based on an educational background in the sciences, business and computer systems.

Steve Yessie| Water Conservation Program Coordinator, City of Guelph
Steve Yessie has worked in the sustainability field for the past 7 years. In 2018, he joined the Water Conservation and Efficiency team with the City of Guelph. In his role at the City Steve coordinates the Multi-Residential Water Audit and Water Sub-Meter Rebate programs. In addition to these programs he focuses much of his time toward community education. This finds Steve leading tours of the local Water Services facility and in front of classrooms at schools across the City discussing source protection, conservation, efficiency and best practices related to water.
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The sponsors of this event:

Talk as if Climate Change Matters
2022-02-09 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | Online, eMERGE , ON, Canada
eMERGE hosts Katharine Hayhoe, one of Time Magazine’s ‘100 Most Influential People’.
Communicating climate change to motivate action has been a challenge.
The scientific community continues to provide more evidence that we need to act now. This approach can however, paralyze some into inaction.
Research has shown that there is a better way.
Katharine Hayhoe will join us in sharing what social science teaches us on how to talk about climate change. Values, ethics, and compassion, more than facts, are the key to success.

About Katharine Hayhoe
Katharine Hayhoe is an accomplished atmospheric scientist who studies climate change and why it matters to us here and now. She is also a remarkable communicator who has received the National Center for Science Education’s Friend of the Planet award, the American Geophysical Union’s Climate Communication Prize, the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service award, and been named to a number of lists including Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People, Foreign Policy’s 100 Leading Thinkers, FORTUNE magazine’s World’s Greatest Leaders and the United Nations Champion of the Earth in Science and Innovation.
Her writing has appeared in a broad range of outlets including the New York Times, Wired, O Magazine, and Chatelaine. Her TED talk, “The most important thing you can do to fight climate change: talk about it” has nearly 4 million views and her most recent book is “Saving Us: A Climate Scientist’s Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World,” published by Simon & Schuster and available in Guelph at the Bookshelf.
Katharine has served as lead author on the Second, Third, and Fourth National Climate Assessments. She also hosts and produces the PBS Digital Series, Global Weirding, and serves on advisory committees for a broad range of organizations including the Smithsonian Natural History Museum, the Earth Science Women’s Network, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Katharine serves as Chief Scientist for The Nature Conservancy and she is also a Paul W. Horn Distinguished Professor and the Political Science Endowed Professor in Public Policy and Public Law at Texas Tech University. She has a B.Sc. in Physics from the University of Toronto and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science from the University of Illinois and has been awarded honorary doctorates from Colgate University and Victoria University at the University of Toronto.
To access Katharine’s books, click here!
https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Saving-Us/Katharine-Hayhoe/9781982143831
To get Katharine’s book from a local book store, visit this link the Bookshelf.

Women's EV Night
2022-03-08 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | Online, eMERGE , ON, Canada
Celebrate International Women’s Day at the eMERGE Women’s EV Night
For women by women.
When it comes to buying an electric vehicle (EV), it still appears to be a man’s world. In fact, up to 70% of EVs are purchased by men, despite typical car ownership falling along typical gender lines.
We know that more women tend to be early ‘environmental adopters’ than men. That doesn’t appear to be the case when it comes to EVs .
In this webinar, all of our experts are women.
Over 8,000 new vehicles are sold in Guelph every year, but very few are electric. Every EV that’s purchased (instead of a gas or diesel vehicle) reduces greenhouse gas emissions by over 4 tonnes per year. That’s massive.
This webinar is designed to help ‘normalize’ the idea of new and used EV ownership for women. This will be informative, casual and fun without getting too far down in the weeds.
We’re bringing together one of the country’s leading experts on EVs: Cara Clairman, Chief Executive Officer from Plug’nDrive. She’ll be joined by local EV owners Mary Cameron and Beverley Fretz, our eMERGE EV Ambassadors. They have made significant contributions in their careers, their impacts on the environment and their families.
By the end of this webinar, we want women to feel more comfortable in taking EV ownership seriously. Consider it an icebreaker.
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In celebration of International Women’s Day, all local registrants will receive a chance to win a water heater blanket. Raffle Draw closes March 8, 2022 at 6:00 PM. Registrants will have their names entered into a draw to win a water heater blanket for their home. Note: winner must be able to pick up the water heater blanket in Guelph
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Join us for the
eMERGE Women’s EV night:
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
With our presenters:

Cara Clairman Chief Executive Officer, Plug’n Drive
Mary Cameron, eMERGE EV Ambassador
Beverley Fretz , eMERGE EV Ambassaror

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About our presenters:

Cara Clairman , CEO of Plug’n Drive
CARA CLAIRMAN is President and CEO of Plug’n Drive, a non-profit that is accelerating the deployment of electric vehicles (EVs) to maximize their environmental and economic benefits.
Cara has taken Plug’n Drive from an idea to a thriving non-profit, recognized as a leader in the EV space. In 2018 Plug’n Drive’s Electric Vehicle Discovery Centre was selected as Canada’s 2019 Top Project by the Clean 50 Community.
Cara has more than 20 years of experience working in the environmental and sustainability fields, including 12 years working at Ontario Power Generation, initially as OPG’s environmental lawyer and later in the role Vice President of Sustainable Development. Prior to joining OPG, Cara spent five years practicing environmental law with the Torys law firm.
She holds a Bachelor of Laws from Osgoode Hall and a Masters in Environmental Studies from York University, as well as an Honours Bachelor of Science degree from Queen’s University.
Cara is the 2017 recipient of the Women in Renewable Energy’s ‘Woman of the Year’ award. She is currently driving the 100% electric Tesla Model 3.
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eMERGE EV Ambassadors:
– Mary Cameron, eMERGE EV Ambassador, Chevy Bolt (used)

Mary has been helping us through the pandemic as an ER doctor and vaccinator in the ICU at Guelph General Hospital. At the same time she’s raising 4 kids and says “I used to be the one to teach them everything, but more and more the roles have reversed and my kids teach me so much.”
When it comes to the environment, she’s been eating more of a plant based diet with dairy and meat only as an occasional treat, and has planted about 100 trees (provided by Trees for Guelph) in her yard over the past several years. She is also in the midst of renovating their house to be heated with an electric air source heat pump. Her husband also decided to buy a used EV after seeing the benefits of Mary’s car.
Her household includes a cat, a dog, 5 backyard chickens and tens of thousands of honeybees (but the bees stay outside).
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Beverley Fretz, eMERGE EV Ambassador – Nissan Leaf (used)

Beverley has spent her career working in education and training and is now at the University of Guelph as a Manager of Program Development for OpenEd Continuing Education.
The Volkswagen ‘dieselgate’ scandal provided her with the perfect opportunity to trade in her VW diesel for a used (2014) EV Leaf. While she regrets not getting an EV with more range, the more humble Leaf does the trick for local ‘out and abouts’. And she can even fit her family of five – and the dog – in the car.
While hoping the future will include another used EV vehicle with more range, Beverley can’t imagine ever driving a gas vehicle again. She recommends EV driving for anyone who wants to reduce their environmental impact, save money, access the best parking spots (EV charging stations), and drive a vehicle that heats instantly (a winter bonus!).
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Aleena Singh, Moderator
As a UX/UI Designer, she works with small businesses helping them leverage technology to thrive during the pandemic and afterwards. Aleena joined eMERGE Board of Directors last January 2021 and since then she is an active member with an outstanding contribution to our organization .
In her spare time she’s passionate about nature, gardening and considers herself a “serial hobbyist” (apparently that has nothing to do with Cheerios). She has just completed her first embroidery project, crocheted a blanket, knitted a sweater that’s taken more than 3 years and is now learning how to restore furniture!
Nature and gardening have a special place in her heart. She’s in the process of hiking the Bruce Trail, tried cross-country skiing this winter and planning to grow fruit, flowers and vegetable garden on her small balcony this summer.
She’s excited about being on the board because she “loves the impact eMERGE has within the Guelph community. It’s constantly working to help Guelphites learn about how to take action towards 100% renewable energy! I’m passionate about supporting local, engaging our youth in environmental stewardship, diversity and inclusion, and social justice.”
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Why is eMERGE pushing EVs?
There are many ways to fight climate change.
But when it comes to transportation planning our approach at eMERGE is quite clear. Society has to take an approach that prioritizes 1) walking and then 2) cycling followed by 3) electrified public transit and finally 4) electrified personal transportation (cars).

ICE vehicles have no place in this century. The quicker we can take them off the road the better. Implementing transportation plans takes time and needs to be done properly. While the planning is ongoing, we need to accelerate the switch to EVs.
Over 8,000 new cars are sold in Guelph every year. Getting these car buyers to make the change to an EV gives us results now. Each purchase means that we cut four tonnes of climate change pollution per year. This approach buys us some time to keep pushing the envelope on transportation planning at the same time.

Rainwater Harvesting
2022-03-24 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | Online, eMERGE , ON, Canada
From summer rain barrels to 4 season systems
Imagine using rain from your rooftop to water your garden, wash your clothes and even flush your toilets.
Learn how you can buy a rain barrel from the City of Guelph and access rebates up to $2,000 for whole home rain water harvesting systems. This can be your first step to register your home for the Blue Built Home program.
While people usually start with rain barrels for outdoor use, some realize the opportunity is much greater than just a couple of 200 litre containers. What if we stored 1,000 – 2,000 litres or much more, to use year round inside and outside our homes.
The process may seem daunting at first. But, the reduction in your monthly water consumption and benefits to the environment can be well worth it.
Join us as we explore the options from seasonal rain barrels to year round rainwater harvesting systems:
Rainwater Harvesting
Thursday , March 24, 2022
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Our Rain Water Experts include:

Stephanie Shouldice, City of Guelph , Blue Built Homes
Evan Bell, WaterFarmers Urban Agriculture
Larry Pomerantz, RainBarrel.ca
Ben Morrison, Clean Flo

The sponsors of this event:

Electric Car Test Drives
2022-06-05 10:00 - 17:00 UTC | 10C, 42 Carden Street, Guelph, ON, Canada
Gas prices got you down?
Of course, we’d prefer that you take active transportation or public transit. But if you’re still looking for an excellent alternative, how about an electric vehicle (EV)?
eMERGE Guelph is hosting EV test drives and EV101 classes (registration required) that make you eligible for up to $2,000 used EV rebates and $5,000 in new EV rebates. All this for free with our friends from PlugnDrive and Alectra/Guelph Hydro
Test drive one of three EVs on site and attend an EV 101 seminar. This one hour short course looks at everything you need to know to buy an EV, new or used. Taking part in both a test drive and EV 101 class will also make you eligible for up to a $2,000 in used EV rebates from PlugnDrive.
To register your spot for the EV101 Seminar and test drive click on the links below.
eMERGE EV 101
Register for 11:00am – noon
Register for 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Register for 3:00pm – 4:00pm

Electric Car Test Drives (registration only on site)
10:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday, June 5th, 2022
42 Carden St Guelph.

Up to 8,000 new vehicles are sold in Guelph each year, while very few are electric. Every EV that’s purchased (instead of a gas or diesel vehicle) reduces greenhouse gas emissions by over 3 tonnes per year. That’s massive.
All of this will help you understand:

The financial and environmental benefits of Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Key considerations when purchasing an EV
Understanding EV charging public and private
Lessons learned through case study examination
How Plug’n Drive’s Used EV and Scrappage Program works

There are two different EV rebates available:

Up to $2,000 Used EV Rebate from Plugn’Drive
Up to $5,000 New EV Rebate from the federal government

Come downtown and check out different EV models, chat with EV owners. Bring your questions about buying, driving, and owning an electric car.
Check out this blog: Guelph buying gas- guzzlers at alarming rate

“WHY IS eMERGE PUSHING FOR EVs?

There are many ways to fight climate change.
But when it comes to transportation planning our approach at eMERGE is quite clear. Society has to take an approach that prioritizes 1) walking and then 2) cycling followed by 3) electrified public transit and finally 4) electrified personal transportation (cars).
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eMERGE EV Curious Event:
June 5th 2022 10am – 5pm
Free Test Drives: June 5th- 10 am to 5pm
EV 101 Sessions June 5th 11am, 1pm, 3pm
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Contact:
Evan Ferrari, Executive Director
519-763-2652
evan@emergeguelph.ca
42 Carden St Guelph

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Background

About Plug ‘N’ Drive
Plug’n Drive is a non-profit organization committed to accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles to maximize their environmental and economic benefits.
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This event is sponsored by

2022 eMERGE Ecomarket
2022-10-28 16:00 - 2022-10-29 19:30 UTC | ON
We’re back and celebrating our lucky13th anniversary!
The eMERGE EcoMarket will be attracting up to 5,000 people to Downtown Guelph’s Old Quebec Street Shoppes (map), welcoming families and residents looking to discover their path to environmental living!
This is an excellent opportunity for your organization to promote your environmental work. It will connect you with an audience primed for sustainable options that are looking to reduce their impact on the environment and fight climate change.
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Friday Oct 28
– eMERGE EcoMarket – 4:00pm – 7:30 pm
Saturday Oct 29
– eMERGE EcoMarket -10:00am – 3:00 pm
http://ecomarketguelph.com/
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Questions? Please don’t hesitate to contact Rasha Abusitta, Event Coordinator, at 519.763.2652 or by email at rasha@emergeguelph.ca
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About eMERGE
eMERGE Guelph Sustainability fights climate change to build a healthier society. It does this by helping people reduce energy and water use.
Promoting smart behavior, policy and improved efficiency helps Guelph build a road map to achieve 100% renewable energy long before 2050. This has the added benefit of a healthier community and a more resilient local economy.
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Our sponsors:

The City of Guelph – Water
Old Quebec Street Shoppes
Downtown Guelph

Women's EV Night
2024-03-07 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Toronto) | ON
10C Shared Space, 42 Carden Street, Guelph

Celebrate International Women’s Week at the eMERGE Women’s EV Night!

For women by women.

When it comes to buying an EV (electric vehicle), it still appears to be a man’s world. Up to 70% of EVs were purchased by men, despite typical car ownership falling evenly along gender lines.

We know that more women tend to be early “environmental adopters” than men. That doesn’t appear to be the case when it comes to EVs. We want to change that trend.

The Women’s EV Night will be informative, informal, and fun with lots of discussion. Our eMERGE EV Ambassadors – local women who own an EV – will be sharing their experiences and expertise, and answering any questions you have about owning and operating an EV.

We want to help “normalize”’ the idea of new and used EV ownership for women. Over 7,000 new vehicles are sold in Guelph every year, but very few are electric. Every EV that’s purchased (instead of a gas or diesel vehicle) reduces greenhouse gas emissions by over 3 tonnes per year. That’s massive! It means cleaner air for all of us to breathe, and a healthier, safer world as we become part of the solution.

By the end of this event, we want women to feel more comfortable with taking EV ownership seriously. Consider it an EV 101 class (without the assignments!)

Join us!

Meet some of our previous EV Ambassadors

EV Ambassador Karen Maitland

EV Ambassadors Mary Cameron

EV Ambassador Beverley Fretz

EV Ambassador Sya Van Geest

EV Ambassador Karen Rathwell

EV Ambassador Lisa Mactaggart

EV Ambassador Julie Horrocks

Shirley Hunt eMERGE EV Program Coordinator

Energy Coaching for Homeowners
2024-03-21 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Toronto) | ON
Ready to upgrade your home’s energy efficiency but puzzled by EnerGuide recommendations?With our Energy Coaching for Homeowners, you can navigate your energy audit results and collaborate effectively with contractors. This interactive seminar is designed for homeowners who have completed their initial EnerGuide assessment.

It will help you:

decode your report.

understand your options – including heat pumps and solar.

and prioritize your energy retrofit projects.

Join eMERGE and take action toward a more sustainable household.

During registration, please share your top three questions or concerns about your energy projects.

Registration is limited to 20 participants

Register here: Energy Coaching for Homeowners

Energy Coaching for Homeowners
2024-06-19 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Toronto) | ON
Ready to upgrade your home’s energy efficiency but puzzled by EnerGuide recommendations?With our Energy Coaching for Homeowners, you can navigate your energy audit results and collaborate effectively with contractors. This interactive seminar is designed for homeowners who have completed their initial EnerGuide assessment.

It will help you:

decode your report.

understand your options – including heat pumps and solar.

and prioritize your energy retrofit projects.

Join eMERGE and take action toward a more sustainable household.

During registration, please share your top three questions or concerns about your energy projects.

Registration is limited to 20 participants

Register here: Energy Coaching for Homeowners

Energy Coaching for Homeowners

7:00 pm Wednesday June 19, 2024

10C – 42 Carden Street, Guelph

Field Trip to a Net Zero Community!
2024-06-22 09:00 - 15:00 (America/Toronto) | ON
NetZero energy communities aren’t something of the future. They’re already here.

And there’s much more than just solar panels of rooftops

Join eMERGE as we explore West5, a 70-acre NetZero energy community in London: “Ontario’s first neighbourhood powered by the sun.”

West5 takes a walkable, mixed use – live, work, play – approach to net zero energy. This includes: residential living, retail, commercial and public spaces.

Join us as we carpool to London where Derek Satnik of S2E Technologies will guide us through the West5 development.

West5 London Field Trip

Saturday June 22, 2024

9:00 am – Depart Guelph – 3:00 PM arrive back in Guelph

Itinerary:

8:48am – Meet at Stone Road Mall near Beer Town Restaurant)

9:00 am – SHARP – Depart for London

10:45am – Arrive at WEST 5

1:30pm – Depart West5 for Guelph

3:00 pm – Arrive back in Guelph

Technical Background:

High performance building design

West5 Sustainability

Register Here
