On October 1st we marked Energy Efficiency Day with a sold-out gathering in Toronto that brought together more than 90 people across the energy sector for an evening of conversation, collaboration and shared purpose.
From the moment guests arrived, the room carried a sense of momentum. Ideas were exchanged, new introductions were made and there was a shared understanding of why this work matters. As one attendee said, “It’s Energy Efficiency Day every single day. The cheapest cleanest energy is the energy we don’t use!”
The evening began with a keynote from Tam Wagner, Director of Demand Side Management at the IESO. Tam shared her journey in the energy sector and emphasized the crucial role of mentorship and supportive leadership in shaping careers. Her message made clear that building a sustainable energy future is not only about advancing technology and policy but also about investing in people. When we create space for learning, growth and diverse pathways into the field, we strengthen our collective impact.
The keynote was followed by a panel discussion on supporting the next generation of energy efficiency professionals in Canada. Moderated by Nik Schruder, CLEAResult, the panel featured:
Each panelist reflected on how they entered the field, what keeps them motivated and who helped them along the way. A shared theme quickly emerged: no one builds a career in energy efficiency alone. Progress happens through guidance offered, questions asked, chances taken and the willingness to reach out to others.
The panel also highlighted the role each of us plays in keeping the sector welcoming and accessible. For seasoned professionals, this means continuing to open doors, making introductions and extending encouragement even in small moments. For emerging professionals, it means staying curious, seeking mentorship, building connections and finding the areas of work that spark energy and purpose.
Beyond the formal program, the evening offered time for people to reconnect with colleagues and friends while forming new relationships across the sector. Many shared how valuable it felt to pause from the pace of daily work and reconnect with the reasons they entered this field in the first place. As one attendee reflected, “Sometimes we get lost in the day-to-day shuffle. Events like these help recharge and refocus.”
The evening served as a reminder of why we do this work: to create meaningful change, strengthen and build resilient communities and support the transition to net-zero through collaboration and shared commitment.
With a full room, thoughtful discussion and overwhelmingly positive feedback, we are already looking forward to next year’s Energy Efficiency Day celebration. This gathering has become more than an annual event. It is a place to learn, share knowledge and strengthen a cross-generational community rooted in collaboration and progress.
Until then, let’s keep the momentum alive by continuing to collaborate, staying curious and championing each other on the path toward a more sustainable future together.
This event was made possible through the support of our partners: Gowling WLG, Efficiency Canada, StepUp, AESP and Econoler. Your collaboration and leadership continue to shape the future of energy efficiency in Canada.
By Moises Albanes, Project Manager — Consulting Services
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