In this seminar, Dr. Sara Hastings-Simon will provide an introductory overview to how solar offsets fit into the broader carbon market in Alberta. Then, Graham Harris will explain how Albertan home and business owners considering solar arrays can participate directly in the carbon market and accelerate the payback period.

About the panelists:

Dr. Sara Hastings-Simon is an assistant professor in the department of physics and astronomy and school of public policy at the University of Calgary where she directs the Masters of Science in Sustainable Energy Development. She is a macro energy system researcher and her work is focused on understanding how low-carbon energy transitions happen within different sectors of the economy, and how policy responses can improve outcomes.

Sara is co-founder and co-host of Energy vs Climate, a webinar and podcast that explores the energy transition in Alberta, Canada, and beyond. She is also the chair of the panel for Clean Growth with the Canadian Climate Choices Institute and a member of the board of directors of Emissions Reduction Alberta and the Pembina Institute. Dr. Hastings-Simon holds a PhD in physics from the University of Geneva.

Graham Harris is the Project Lead for Solar Offset. He has been working as a greenhouse gas quantifier and verifier in Alberta's carbon markets since they were first established in 2007 and set up Firefly GHG Consulting in 2016. His previous employment includes being the VP, Technical Services at Blue Source Canada and Regional Discipline Lead for Carbon Services for Stantec Consulting. Graham has an MSc in Energy & Sustainable Building Design and a BSc in Environmental Management, and is certified as an Environmental Professional with a Specialization in Greenhouse Gas Quantification with ECO Canada.