The Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Energy along with the Waterloo Climate Institute, Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics, and the Water Institute, are hosting a day-long Net-Zero Workshop to highlight key projects and research related to Net-Zero. University of Waterloo professors, researchers, and industry partners will present their projects and research in three panels: Renewable Energy Technologies, Net-Zero Communities, and Sustainable Transportation. There will also be a student poster session to highlight student research in this area.

Net-Zero means no greenhouse gas emissions are generated, or emissions are offset through methods such as tree planting, carbon capture and storage, or purchasing carbon offsets. There are many aspects of Net-Zero. Advances in renewable energy technologies such as wind, solar, geothermal, hydrogen, electric vehicles, and microgrids are making it easier than ever to achieve net-zero in the energy sector. Communities are enacting policies to achieve net-zero targets and are implementing programs to achieve net-zero in sectors including buildings, transportation, and water treatment. Transportation is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions; innovations such as electric vehicles and sustainable aeronautics are contributing to net-zero in the transportation industry. Renewable Energy Technologies, Net-Zero Communities, and Sustainable Transportation are the three themes that this event will explore further through panels with University of Waterloo experts. 

Net-Zero is a concept gaining momentum in the Canadian environment and energy landscape. In 2021 the Government of Canada launched the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act which outlines Canada’s commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by the year 2050. The 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, launched in 2022, is another federal level policy that guides net-zero initiatives until 2030.

We all have a part to play in actualizing Canada’s net-zero goals. This workshop brings together an executive forum intended to encourage the exchange of ideas that will help create a roadmap to guide the future of net-zero research and initiatives in Canada. The workshop focus is on collaboration in net-zero research and projects, the exploration of opportunities for partnership, and the integration of efforts across stakeholder groups. We hope to see you there.