GILLES JEAN, Vice-Chair

Dr. Gilles Jean is the Director General of the CanmetENERGY, an innovation centre in Varennes of Natural Resources Canada. Previous to that he was a research scientist at the CANMET Energy Research Laboratory from 1982 to 1990.  He then became Assistant -Director of the CANMET Energy Diversification Research Laboratory from 1990 to 1992 (now named the CanmetENERGY). Dr. Jean holds a Ph.D. from the University of Western Ontario and an M.B.A. from the University of Ottawa. Responsible for the implementation of an innovation centre recognized as a leader in technology development and transfer to the industry. Leads programs in Buildings and Communities, Renewables, Industrial Processes and manages the world-leading RETScreen International Clean Energy Decision Support Centre. We design and implement clean energy solutions, and build on knowledge that helps produce and use energy in ways that are more efficient and sustainable. Manage science and technology programs and services, act as a window to federal financing and provide technical scientific and technical expertise. Work closely with our industry, government and academic partners and lend our expertise to Canadian industry through collaborations in research and development (R&D). Projects and activities may take the form of services and R&D agreements, research consortiums or collaboration on demonstration projects. Our analytical laboratories and pilot plants are equipped to develop, test and demonstrate clean energy solutions in real-world conditions.

---

BRADLEY BERNECHE

Bradley Berneche is the President and CEO of ÉcoTerra Walls. Mr. Berneche joined the family firm in 1975, gaining experience in its various operations, including a stint in marketing and sales for a major client of the firm. Appointed President in 1984, Mr. Berneche has led the company through a period of growth and diversification resulting in production facilities in the USA and the successful opening of European markets for the company's products.

From modest beginnings, the company has grown to become one of Canada’s leading home manufacturers. Involved in several industry associations in Canada and the USA, Mr. Berneche is dedicated to causes promoting and showcasing Canadian home building technology, including CMHC’s EQuilibrium initiative.

WAYNE CHANG

Wayne Chang is the President of Pivotry Consulting Group Inc. His company provides scientific and technical consulting services to renewable energy companies including solar cell start-ups and PV module manufacturers. He is an impassioned supporter of cleantech innovations and helping the next generation of engineers and entrepreneurs to be even more successful. Wayne brings over 15 years of hi-tech experience working in engineering groups facing technical challenges during product life cycles. Prior to founding Pivotry, he has worked as Research Scientist at the University of Western Ontario (London, ON), Engineering/Technology Program Manager at Applied Materials (Santa Clara, CA), Member of Technical Staff at Headway Technologies - A TDK Company (Milpitas, CA), Process Engineer at Rockwell Semiconductor Systems (Newport Beach, CA) and Northern Telecom (Ottawa, ON). He is currently a member of the Technology Transfer Committee for the NSERC Canadian Photovoltaic Innovation Research Network, and a former review panel member of the NSERC Strategic Project Grants for Sustainable Energy Systems. Wayne holds a Ph.D.(1993) and Master’s of Engineering Science (1990) from the University of Western Ontario and a Bachelor of Science in Honours Physics (1987) from the University of Waterloo.

 

CRAIG CHRISTENSEN

Craig Christenson joined NREL in 1979 and is currently a Principal Engineer. He leads the energy analysis efforts in the Residential Buildings Team and has previously led projects related to buildings, active solar systems, passive solar design, energy conservation, and energy modeling. He initiated and leads development of the BEopt software program for residential building energy analysis and optimization. He was involved in the early development of the concept of net zero energy buildings. He originated the concept of the unglazed transpired solar collector at NREL and participated in research which led to an R&D100 Award in 1994. Prior to joining NREL, Craig worked as a solar consultant and in a small mechanical engineering firm. He also worked for three years for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as a scientist and officer on oceanographic ships.

 

STEVEN CROWELL

Steven Crowell has been actively involved in innovative construction and design since 1976. He is currently President of Crowell Construction ~ Residential & Commercial Services Inc. and Vice-President of the Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association. He has received Canada’s Energy Efficiency Award in 2003 and CMHC Housing Award in 2000. His area of expertise focuses on the practical application of affordable high performance technologies, which encompass both the mechanical and structural aspects of residential and small commercial structures. His design philosophy favours an integrated, combination systems approach, utilizing solar, wind, geo-thermal, heat recovery, and heat storage for energy management. And incorporate those energy sources into a high performance envelope. His buildings address a wide range of building and occupant issues such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, health, environmental impact, accessibility, flexibility, affordability and so on. Probably the more notable aspect of his work is that he combines all of the above technical and social considerations into a single structure. Each innovation that is developed is deployed and tested in real life scenarios as well as the market place. He tends to rethink and innovate building design so as to follow a continually evolving leading edge.

 

MARC DUGRÉ

Marc Dugré is President of Regulvar inc., Laval Branch. He received his B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering in 1984 and became a member of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec in 1986. Hired by Regulvar in 1985 as a project manager, he took over the Quebec City branch in 1987 in order to develop the markets in Central and Eastern Quebec. Mr. Dugré has been the President of Regulvar Inc. since 1999 and as such, he manages all activities in Quebec. His interest in taking full advantage of leading-edge technologies has helped Regulvar stand out from the competition. Committed to his field, Mr. Dugré sits on several committees, including the Executive Committee of the Association de la construction du Québec.

 

MILFRED HAMMERBACHER

Milfred Hammerbacher is President of Canadian Solar Solutions Inc. With over 24 years of photovoltaic experience, Milfred has managed companies in four countries. He has been President of Canadian Solar Solutions since 2009. Before that, he was President of SSP Inc. and Assistant General Manager of Photowatt International. Milfred has a diverse business and technical background. Mr. Hammerbacher has provided leadership in technology, manufacturing and business development areas. His career has spanned the globe working in four countries giving him great insight into cultural sensitivity and regional business practices. Currently, Mr. Hammerbacher is the President of Canadian Solar Solutions Inc. and is responsible for the new subsidiary of Canadian Solar. The business scope includes manufacturing, sales, distribution and product development for the Canadian market as well as Global Project Development. Mr. Hammerbacher has B.S. and M.S degrees in Physics from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, 1979 and 1981.

 

J. MILLETTE

(coming soon..)

 

ROBERT THERRIEN

Robert is a Deputy Director with NSERC’s Research Partnerships Programs where he manages a multimillion dollar portfolio of research grants, ranging from Industrial Research Chairs, Collaborative R&D Projects and Strategic Research Networks. Robert is currently responsible for overseeing three (3) of NSERC’s multimillion dollar Strategic Networks including the recently funded NSERC Smart Net-Zero Energy Buildings Strategic Research Network (SNEBRN).