ECOALERT MAG-Summer2016

CONSERVATION COUNCIL OF NEW BRUNSWICK Summer 2016 Making a Difference... Meet four inspiring young innovators that are already hard at work building sustainable communities in New Brunswick Rudi Fowler Brittany MacLean Mark McCann Dale Prest Inside... Tula Farm Project Publication Poste- publications Mail 40050411 NB POWER SHIFT EXHIBIT • RENEWABLES IN NB • 5 DAYS FOR THE FOREST



editorial BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT Four young people who are Liane Thibodeau shaking up our world DIRECTORS Finally, the Conservation Council’s own John Bird here’s nothing more rewarding Brittany MacLean is tearing up the sod/ to me than working with young Stephanie Coburn entrepreneurs and innovators — soil, in her own calm, peaceful manner. She Patrick Colford Tand this special climate change used the Council’s Tula Farm property in John Crompton solutions edition of EcoAlert features four Keswick Ridge as the basis of her Master’s Susan Eddy of New Brunswick’s finest. Mark McCann degree of Science from the University of New Brunswick. She tested the soil, she and Rudi Fowler are young business Hannah Grant owners who take the idea of “sunny developed plans, she presented fantastic Frank Johnston ways” seriously. ideas about the farm’s sustainability and, well, Scott Kidd Their companies, MJM Solar Solutions she’s turned it into a growing concern, for David MacDonald and EPIC Energy Solutions, are both the good, again. Earlier this month, MacLean Tyler McCready based out of New Brunswick. McCann worked with the Multicultural Association of Fredericton and ten Syrian Rob Moir worked as an electrician families to build a garden Owen Taylor in the province for These four young on the Tula property. Once years before starting Paula Tippett up MJM Solar Solutions completed, the plot will be Jessica Vihvelin in 2010. Thanks to his people, and their roughly a quarter of an acre. These four young people, STAFF experience in the field families, provide and their families, provide – and of course, the sun – it was easy for inspiration for me. inspiration for me. They are EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR McCann to seize the risk-takers – backed up by Lois Corbett potential for renewables data that say doing things in N.B. His company is growing every the old-fashioned way is actually riskier day, and McCann is eager to have N.B. when you factor in climate pollution and its PROGRAM STAFF on the forefront of renewable energy consequences. infrastructure. Matt Abbott, Fundy Baykeeper They are community leaders – whether it’s showing off solar panels to their families or Rudi Fowler, partner with EPIC Energy, Anne Carruzzo, Translator has yet to get a power bill for his beautiful working with neighbours and landowners Dr. Louise Comeau, Program Director, Climate log home located in Tracy, N.B. Fowler across N.B., they are leading community Change and Energy Solutions worked in wireless communications for and regional conversations about the value Tracy Glynn, Forest Conservation many years before he started with EPIC. of acting to reduce carbon pollution and Nadine Ives, Learning Outside Coordinator A family member came over one day to building sustainable communities. They think outside the box -- whether it’s valuing the show him an almost non-existent power Stephanie Merrill, On Leave bill thanks to their solar panels. This forest floor and carbon retained in its soil, Brittany MacLean, Tula Farm project organizer led to the now 20 panels on Fowler’s or crossing cultural divides by working with home and a contagious enthusiasm for Syrian refugee families to build a community renewables, which he spreads every day garden. They work hard to find solutions that COMMUNICATIONS TEAM installing solar technologies in homes can be replicated, scaled-up, and valued. Mike Girard around the province. Corey Robichaud Our Emily McPhee has their stories Emily McPhee inside. Dale Prest from Community Forest LOIS CORBETT is the Angela Bosse International in Sackville, N.B., is one truly Executive Director of the down to earth guy. Conservation Council of ADMINISTRATION Literally. Prest discusses the value of New Brunswick Stephanie Phillips preserving forests -- not just the trees, but the forest soil -- and makes an eloquent argument that protecting forests as INTERNS carbon sinks will, over time, prove to be Karyn MacPherson an investment in NB. Olivia DeYoung For advertising inquiries or to subscribe to EcoAlert Magazine is printed on FSC-certified Zachary Bourque Ecoalert, please contact us at: paper with vegetable-based inks. Learn more [email protected] about FSC’s strict environmental and social SUMMER STUDENTS or telephone us at 458-8747 standards at ca.fsc.org. Ainslee K. MacMillan If you prefer to only receive EcoAlert in our Mike Ross GRAPHIC DESIGN convenient digital edition (available for free Jimy Beltran anytime on our website and accessible on Stacy Howroyd, [email protected] all your devices), please email us at info@ conservationcouncil.ca. www.conservationcouncil.ca /conservationcouncil @cc_nb @conservationcouncilnb 3

Rudi Fowler explains how the move to solar panel Log home photos: Matt Nicholson / Rudi photo: Joni Burtt Photography heating was the best move he ever made. The same wood boiler used for heating the home is responsible for heating their water too. The solar array provides surplus electricity that is used to power an air-to-water heat pump that heats the water all year around. The 12-inch-thick logs provide insulation and a high thermal mass which stores heat in the walls. Off-Grid Log Home Completely Self-Sufficient alking to New Brunswick local and couldn’t believe the numbers he was Rudi Fowler, it’s hard not to get seeing on his power bills, so much so that at least a little bit excited about he kept waving them in Fowler’s face. Tsolar panels. Fowler has yet to “I didn’t even know you could make get a power bill – thanks to the 20 solar power without direct sunlight,” says Fowler. panels lining his beautiful log home on the “I was never interested in solar – now, I outskirts of Tracy, N.B. don’t understand why we don’t see more “We always talk about solar as a pilot of it in the province. Long story short, I still project – why? This stuff works! We have don’t have the water turbine, but I do have this money-saving machine,” says Fowler. solar.” Fowler says adding solar panels to Adopting renewable energy technologies your home could increase the home’s the go-to guys in New Brunswick for solar. may seem challenging - especially for value and spark the adoption of more I like to think we’re pioneers, going where someone like Fowler, who has a family of renewable energy sources, but knows no one has gone before. It’s something we five – but the 29-year-old takes all barriers the process of getting these facts into the believe in – why not do it?” in stride as he takes steps to building a local energy narrative is a challenging Seven years ago, Fowler was building his better province. one. He adds the “nitty-gritty” of house in Tracy with hopes of installing a “I always talk about it as an investment. I sustainable home energy isn’t yet on the water turbine nearby to power the home. He can’t sell things I don’t believe in - I can sell main docket for reasons not always talked was confident it was the start to a productive solar to someone knowing they’re going to about in the grand scheme of things. stance on green energy – until his uncle start getting paid back right now, even on “As soon as solar makes more financial came by with a few sheets of paper. a cloudy day,” he says. “People are scared sense as an investment, we’re going to Fowler’s uncle and now business partner to change. It’s like selling someone internet have a lot of players come in,” he says. at EPIC Energy Solutions had just installed who’s never seen a computer before - it’s “The hopeful thing to me is we’re one of two solar arrays on his own house nearby, the same with solar,” says Fowler. 4 ecoalert SUMMER 2016

The main heat source is a wood boiler, with a hydronic in-floor system for heat distribution, and a wood stove is used as secondary heating. Around 16 tonnes of rounded rock, sourced from a local rock pit, form the striking 40-foot-tall fireplace. Fowler says New Brunswick residents need more incentives to install clean energy. Adjusting to the very idea of alternative energy sources for one’s home The is just the beginning. These incentives will C C be key to the success and business side of Climate solar - considering installing solar panels G G could cost up to $20,000 for one house. Guys “When you get someone who’s 25 years old and newly married – a realtor wants to Enjoy year round Comfort sell them a cheap starter house. Nobody while Saving up to 60% wants to jump right to selling a twelve-year investment [like solar panels] on a starter on your electric house because they don’t plan to keep it for 12 years.” heating & cooling bill! Fowler says the solution to the social and financial barriers surrounding alternative With over 20 years of experience, energy is education. Something as simple as an energy monitoring system on the fully licensed and insured, you will be outside of someone’s house could change making an investment for your family the way people look at their power bills and alternative energy in general. and the environment. “Everyone’s goal seems to be to zero their power bill and save money. I just Contact the Guys today to arrange commissioned a two-panel system on a your consultation in the client’s house – it’s not going to do a whole Fredericton Area lot for him as far as his bill, but it will take a little piece out of it. He can now see that those adjustments are making his bill (506) 261-5536 smaller. Even if you get one panel on there, www.facebook.com/theclimateguys/ once people are educated enough they’re usually all in,” says Fowler. – Interview by Emily McPhee 5 www.conservationcouncil.ca

Ecosystem Services An Interview with Dale Prest, Ecosystem Services Specialist, Community Forests International – Interview by Zachary Bourque Q: What is meant by the term ecosystem These things may be traditional, such additional 15,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide services? as its supply of timber, or untraditional, compared to a commercial plantation. This like the amount of carbon it’s capable of process is crucial to combat high levels of Prest: Ecosystem services are defined sequestering. Placing a dollar value is open greenhouse gases within our atmosphere, as everything that nature can provide to to interpretation and inherently flawed. It resulting in a positive impact on climate society. These include tangible values such does, however, provide a baseline, used in change rates. Climate change is a global as timber from forests, water from rivers, conversation and is a useful measure for problem, and the value of carbon storage is and fish from the oceans. They also include comparisons. unique within forests. Additionally, forests less tangible and sometimes overlooked in northern New Brunswick are also as aspects of nature, such as spiritual values valuable as a forest located in the highly and recreation. Q: What are some challenges associated populated north-eastern United States. with relaying the value of an area of Q: Why are these services important? forest to certain interest groups? Q: How is the soil affected from Prest: We, as humans, are a part of nature. Prest: The main challenge I have sustainable forestry practices? How is this As such, we have a reliance on nature and identified is that groups do not yet a climate change issue? its services for our continued existence. understand that inaction has a cost. Without these ecosystem services, many Economists will argue that this idea is Prest: Soils have been a sort of a “black things that we take for granted would be flawed, and is inherently flawed. However, box” at CFI. While there have been efforts impossible, such as breathing clean air and relative measures stem from certain things made to examine our soil, we have not drinking clean water. while leaving some others out, such as established systems to do this, which taking into consideration tree biomass and prevents us from knowing much, as of yet. not topsoil biomass. The environmental Soils differ greatly from one site to another, Q: Who benefits from these services? community believes this practice devalues changing in particle sizes, water saturation Prest: Every member of our society, on a everything, because it forces the full and the presence of organic matter. We global scale, benefits from these services. complexity of an environment to fit into have found that in a clearcut forest, the While everyone benefits, it is the world’s an economist model. Some believe act of exposing the forest floor increases poorest that benefit the most tangibly. They this justifies the complete liquidation of the average temperatures of the soil by 2 are directly reliant on several different nature, but this is not true. We believe it degrees Celsius. This increases the levels of environmental components to sustain their is paramount to put value on untouched activity of a variety of soil microbes, leading families and themselves. forests, or we lose them to other practices them to consume more carbon-based that aim to generate profits. Groups are matter (dead or dying organic matter) and We rely on most plants for climate not yet used to thinking in these terms, to increase rates of respiration, releasing regulation and nutrient cycling – factors but, usually once they are exposed, trust carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. It was that contribute to more effective agricultural is built alongside a positive rapport – we also found that after a clearcut event, it practices to take place. are not attempting to take money from takes 40 years for levels of carbon dioxide landowners. stored in the soil to return to pre-harvest Q: How can a tree be given a dollar levels. Topsoil, the top 1 metre of soils, has value? Q: How much carbon is CFI’s land also been documented to contain twice Prest: Placing economic value on trees currently sequestering? the amount of carbon contained in all trees combined on the same soil. It is our forests’ is a complicated process. It is done by Prest: On our 705-acre plot in Sackville, biggest pool of carbon. evaluating different things a tree may offer. N.B., the undisturbed forests are storing an 6 ecoalert SUMMER 2016

Policy Talk being overseen by NB Member of Parliament and Fisheries Minister, the Hon. Dominic LeBlanc. „ We met with officials from the NB „ Executive Director Lois Corbett gave a Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture, keynote presentation on climate change and Aquaculture and Fisheries to discuss renewable energy solutions to the annual vital policy areas with respect to plenary of the Joint Economic Development government policy on promoting and Inc., the not-for-profit that works to foster procuring local food. Aboriginal economic development in New Brunswick Attendees at CFI’s Horse Logging workshop learn about ecoforestry from „ The Conservation Council of New logger and sawmill worker Peter de Graaf. Brunswick has been selected as an intervenor in the National Energy Board’s Q: What is CFI currently doing to educate review of the proposed Energy East oil and promote ecosystem services to a pipeline. Announced on June 22, the decision general audience? means the Conservation Council’s team of scientists and experts can file written evidence, Prest: Our main focus, to achieve such ask written questions about evidence supplied goals, lies with hands-on demonstrations. Ecosystem Services We believe the best advocacy for by TransCanada, comment on draft conditions, and present written and oral arguments during education is through demonstrations of hearings. Lois Corbett, Executive Director, says progress and innovative models. Such demonstrations include showing how „ We met with recently appointed NB she expects the team will examine: forests can be measured and valued to Minister of the Environment and Local „ The pipeline’s potential impacts on specifically combat climate change. We Government, the Hon. Serge Rousselle, freshwater fish and fish habitats in New have also begun to deliver provincial and briefed him on the contents of our Brunswick; and regional assistance for landowners Climate Action Plan for New Brunswick, who wish to hold demonstrations on their authored by Dr. Louise Comeau. We also „ The impact of the pipeline and increased property. We’ve also been working with the briefed officials in the Premier’s office, shipping traffic on the Bay of Fundy and its private landowner committee in NB to help Department of Intergovernmental Affairs, wildlife such as the endangered Right whale; achieve these goals, and made efforts to the Department of Energy and members reach the general public. of the Legislature’s Select Committee on „ The state of emergency preparedness for The most valuable role the forest has, Climate Change.  responding to an oil spill in the Bay of Fundy; and, to us, is that it pulls carbon from the atmosphere, contributing to the fight „ Our Fundy Baykeeper has been „ The risks associated with oil spills, the use against climate change. We strongly working in collaboration with marine and of dispersants in the Bay of Fundy and New believe that focus will shift from the freshwater groups from across Canada Brunswick’s freshwater rivers, creeks and production of pulp and timber to how to to prepare for the recently announced streams. utilize forests to mitigate climate change. review of the federal Fisheries Act, now Woodstock | Fredericton | Moncton Saint John | Bathurst | Halifax HEAT PUMP OPTIONS: Central Heat Pump Geo Thermal Savings ® Properly installed heat pumps by certified red seal technicians, could save you up to 60% Mini Splits of your heating costs. Call us Toll Free at 1-800-567-3440 Recreated PMS www.valleyrefrigeration.ca HELPING YOU SAVE MONEY! 7 www.conservationcouncil.ca

Stops Along Join us as we guide you through six of New Brunswick’s New Brunswick’s most notable clean energy projects compiled by Renewables NB, the province’s renewable energy hub for Renewable Roadmap renewable energy projects in New Brunswick. – by Corey Robichaud 1 Off-Grid Passive Home in Baie-Verte Energy Source: Sun, Wind System: Passive solar home with a passive fridge Number of Occupants: Seven Results: Homeowner is happy with the solar energy gain from the southern sky Our journey begins atop Uniacke Hill near Baie-Verte (Shediac) at the end of a long country road. You can spot a humble two-story house sheltered from the westerly and northerly winds of the Northumberland strait by a wall of trees to the North. You’ll also notice there aren’t any electrical lines ruining the picture-perfect scene. That’s because this off-grid passive solar home uses the natural environment to both heat and cool the house as well as refrigerate their perishables. The open fields on the south side provide a cool breeze that keeps the house cool during the summer months, while the windows on the same side allow sunlight to warm the house all year round. The cool winter air also circulates through the food storage to keep the food cold during the winter. While the homeowner believes living off-grid is a lifestyle choice, he says some benefits of living off- grid include a reduced impact on the environment, enjoying more fresh air, more exercise, and less consumption. That’s right, upgrading your home with passive solar energy is a one-time investment that keeps on giving. All it takes a little planning and a lot of ingenuity. 3 Solar Hot Water Collectors at 2 Fredericton’s Kimble Drive Fire Hall Cost: $7,800 Installed by: Independent Power Systems Suppliers: Thermo Dynamics Ltd. System: 2 x flat plate collector solar hot water systems Geothermal Heat Pump in North Lake Results: produces good amount of hot water, but not Construction Date: November 2010 measured Cost: $24000 Wondering how our local government is making the change? Located in the heart of the warm dry climate Installed by: Valley Refrigeration of the Grand Lake Basin, the city of Fredericton is the Suppliers: Florida Heat Pump perfect place to set up a solar water heating system. Just inland from the Bay of Fundy towards North Lake, you’ll find a newly renovated That’s why the city upgraded the Fredericton Fire house surrounded by a wide open field. What you won’t notice is the 30-metre stretch of Hall’s outdated natural gas heater with a solar hot coiled pipes buried beneath the yard that provide heat and electricity to the house. water system that preheats the water before the Upon buying the house, the homeowner replaced the previous electric heaters in the natural gas heater finishes the job. In the future, 439 m2 home with a more efficient Ground Source Heat Pump that both heats and cools the city is planning to upgrade the hall’s digital his home as well as his hot water tank. To help insulate his home during the cold winter control system to monitor and control their heating, months, the homeowner coated his basement walls with spray foam (R18) and installed ventilation and air conditioning system. Similar solar a Heat Recovery Ventilator that preheats the air entering the Ground Source Heat Pump heating systems are also being planned for other city- with the warm air leaving the house. owned buildings such as the city’s police stations. 8 ecoalert SUMMER 2016

4 Saint-André Biorefinery Cost: $3.5 million (expected pay off in 10 years) Installed by: Various private businesses lead by the engineering firm CH4 in Ottawa Suppliers: Most of the machinery was purchased from Martin Machinery System: Biodigester using manure and food waste. (320 000 kWh generation/month) Biorefining technology isn’t pretty stuff, but it’s one of the most sustainable ways of producing renewable energy, and it also cuts down on methane emissions. That’s why Laforge created a multi- million dollar biogas facility on a dairy farm in Saint-André, which generates renewable energy by converting nearby farm waste and organic food waste from regional food processors into nutrient-rich organic fertilizer. The facility generates enough energy to power the dairy operation and 1,000 homes, while also saving them money on the disposal and transportation of waste. 5 Lamèque Wind Farm Located on Lamèque Island in the northeastern part of the Acadian Peninsula, the Lamèque Wind Farm was initially conceived in 1999 when local community leaders started thinking of ways to help stimulate the local and regional economy. Now fully operational, the wind farm includes thirty 1.5 MW wind turbines that cover roughly 3,100 acres and generates 45 megawatts of clean energy – enough to power roughly 8,000 homes throughout the region. Since its original conception, the Lamèque Wind Farm project has evolved into a commercial partnership between the Lamèque Renewable Energy Cooperative, developed in 2002 to act as the community stakeholder for the project, nearby local municipalities, and the wind farm’s project owner and operator, ACCIONA. The Lamèque Renewable Energy Cooperative plays a leadership role by serving as the liaison with the local population, and representing the community’s interests in order to maximize local spin-offs. ACCIONNA owns and operates the wind farm and royalties are shared equally between them and the Cooperative. The Cooperative recovers $175 000 annually for community development projects. 6 Falls Brook Centre For over 20 years, the Falls Brook Centre (FBC) has assisted the province’s shift towards its renewable energy economy by serving local communities as a centre for educational demonstrations, workshops and training in sustainability in rural New Brunswick. Recently, the Falls Brook Centre moved to a beautiful old farm house in Glassvile, NB, where they provide on-site training, demonstrations and work with local schools to engage our youth on a variety of topics, including: forest and wetland conservation, biodiversity, and renewable energy technologies. The site currently hosts a number of clean energy systems for visitors to explore like solar (photovoltaic) panel networks, zero-waste composting, and even energy efficiency retrofitting using their own on-site buildings as examples. Visit and also learn about wind-power’s new role in rural New Brunswick by getting an up-close look at one of the Falls Brook Centre’s two 3.5kw Vertical Axis Wind- turbines, one located on-site in Glassville and the other in the rural community of Knowlesville. Better yet, spend a night in on of the centre’s sustainable campsites and enjoy the center’s hiking trail of edible fruits, nuts, and berries, their newly restored orchard, and nearby waters. http://fallsbrookcentre.ca/wp/ 9 www.conservationcouncil.ca

Visiting New Brunswick’s Smart Grid technology testing laboratory: A glimpse of our province’s renewable future in the making hat happens when you give NB Power’s Products and Services smart people access to research lab is one of three facilities that research labs and scientists form the Smart Grid Innovation Network Wwho can test new, innovative (SGIN). The University of New Brunswick products? and Siemens are also involved in this collaborative effort to provide facilities and Why, a smarter way to power our homes support for local entrepreneurs hoping to and businesses using Smart Grid tried, accelerate the development and testing of tested and proven renewable energy Smart Grid capable products or services in technologies and products – some designed New Brunswick. right here in New Brunswick! Once applicants are approved for SGIN, With that question in mind, I visited NB and depending on the maturity of their Power’s Products and Services Research product, it can be taken to one of the three Lab, and the company’s Smart Grid SGIN facilities for further development. Technology Exhibit, where I was guided young engineering students monitored the by NB Power’s Reduce and Shift Demand data collected from a series of pipes, valves If the product it still only an untested idea, Program Leader for Lab operations and and digital sensors that were attached to concepts or prototypes can start their customer pilots, Marcel Landry. a row of Smart Grid capable appliances I journey at the Smart Grid Research Lab at could pick out from the room behind me. the University of New Brunswick where “It’s in this laboratory that we are working they can be modeled and tested with a to reduce our reliance on more expensive Next door to the utility’s head office on number of sophisticated programs used to fossil fuel burning plants so we can King St. in Fredericton, NB Power both test new Smart Grid concepts, models and maximize the use of non-emitting sources, offers public tours on its Reduce and Shift algorithms, which are then fed back into the renewables, biomass and others.” said Demand (RASD) interpretative centre, and product development. Landry. “We’re being more economical and conducts research as part of a three-lab more environment friendly.” network of engineers and companies that Next, it goes to the Interoperability test new smart technology products to Lab at Siemens where they facilitate the To my left, the entire wall was covered with development of a product’s capability to a life-size display of a home topped with prepare them for the Province’s greatly communicate with Siemens Integrated Load anticipated Smart Grid. solar panels and connected to a modern Management (ILM) software, which functions power meter, power storage battery and In development since 2012, New as a sort of “traffic” controller for all the electric car charging station. The display Brunswick’s Smart Grid will connect the devices connected to the Smart Grid. demonstrated how these new technologies existing traditional electricity grid with the can work together to lower power telecommunications networks we use today If everything’s good, then it’s up to the NB consumption and emissions, but also gave for our internet and cellphone services. This Power Products and Services lab to make me a look into the front yards of the future. will give NB Power and their customers the sure the product functions as designed and ability to manage their energy consumption is safe and efficient on the utility grid. It then In line before me stood an array of easy receives final validation that the product to understand appliances like a heater that more efficiently, as well as connect a meets the Smart Grid’s requirements before new spectrum of smart devices built to warms bricks during low-demand times to participate in the new Smart Grid. being tested in a number of selected homes be used to heat the house throughout the and business around the province. Products day. I was also shown two different designs Landry says that by developing newer that meet all the requirements for Smart for water heaters and thermostats that and smarter ways to conserve, generate, Grid participation, and are successfully can adjust the temperature based on your store and sustainably use electricity, New field tested, can then be considered for routine heating needs and participate in Brunswick will be able to slowly shift away larger offerings by the vendor or participate utility demand response programs. from fossil fuels to generate its power, in various demand side management in favor of renewable and non-emitting Through a window to my right, I was able to programs. catch a look at the lab floor where a team of sources. – Story by Corey Robichaud 10 ecoalert SUMMER 2016

A Day of Farming Turning Sod at Tula Farms with Syrian refugees – Story by Angela Bosse n the 1980s, the Conservation Council The principles of agroecology revolve used Tula Farm as a co-op harvest share around empowering people through agricultural program. Flash forward to local food production and protecting the I2016 and Tula Farm is being revived, with environment with sustainable farming CCNB’s Brittany MacLean spearheading practices, such as crop rotation, closed- a new initiative in partnership with the system farming, animal integration, Multicultural Association of Fredericton: a diversifying crops, managing ecological cooperative garden plot for Syrian refugee relationships and minimizing toxins. and Bhutanese immigrant families. Once finished, the plot will be roughly a Tula Farm in Keswick Ridge, approximately quarter acre. The nine families who worked 25 km west of Fredericton, was donated to to cultivate the garden will be able to feed the Conservation Council of New Brunswick their families with the harvest throughout the as a land trust by long-time environmental summer. and peace activists and educators Jim and “Our approach with the Newcomers’ Kay Bedell. The Bedells named their farm garden also includes creating a safe and after the Tula people in Nigeria, with whom inviting space for participants to learn. they worked with as Cuso volunteers. Many of the program participants have The Conservation Council used the land to agrarian backgrounds. While most of the establish the Harvest Share Co-op, Canada’s participants are very familiar with organic first Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) and ecologically sensitive practices, learning program. The program involved community about coping with different pest species members buying annual shares to support and the shorter growing season is taking MacLean is still looking for donations the local and organic farmers at Tula Farm. In time. Despite all they have to learn, many of gently used garden tools for the return, the co-op members received a weekly participants are eager to learn more so they box of fresh produce. can gain employment at local farms or start families to use to tend their plots. their own farms.” Tula Farm hasn’t been used for agriculture in 20 years, but the property has been hosting MacLean hopes to expand the project into well as the opportunity to lease plots to a nature trail used by the students at Keswick a teaching farm that will offer agricultural try farming without the strain of a large Ridge school as part of the Conservation education programs for participants, as financial commitment. Council’s Learning Outside Project, while a nearby farmer has graciously been looking after the rest of the of the 29 acres. Now MacLean, the Conservation Council’s new Tula Farm Project Coordinator, plans to Make their Future your Legacy continue the tradition of ecologically sound practices using agroecology - a system that uses biological principles to improve farm production and conserve natural resources. Your planned gift to the “The goal was just kind of to imagine what could be done here and to figure out how Conservation Council helps to develop it in a way that honoured the Conservation Council’s mission, but also that New Brunswick’s most wasn’t a liability and could take care of itself eective environmental financially,” MacLean said. Tula Farm was the focus of MacLean’s organization create a greener, capstone project for her Masters degree healthier and prosperous way in environmental management, and after researching the property and coming up of life for the people of our with a plan to use the land for agriculture again, MacLean decided to go with the province, now and for farming system she uses on her own farm: generations. agroecology. “Agroecology is a broad term for agricultural systems that basically respect the surrounding ecology, the need to produce food, and the surrounding human Contact us about leaving a Planned Gift to CCNB today communities,” she said, “ It means to farm in a way that honours the ecological integrity of + (506) 458-8747 | [email protected] the place that you are farming.” 11 www.conservationcouncil.ca

48 Years of Transmission & Distribution Grid hile working in New Brunswick even new families with limited income Experience as an electrician, Mark McCann should be able to afford his products, saw firsthand the changing world and he is hoping to offer several financial Wof power and how it affected incentives to get those newcomers to the people in his home province. A few years household solar technology interested. later he became a powerline technician, his “I’m not sure if the province will offer last position at NB Power, but the first step incentives, but we’ll do our own. We’re Grid Tied Systems in deciding what he wanted to do instead. not waiting for anybody,” he says. After years of watching both power rates and McCann hopes companies like MJM Off Grid his customers’ patience fluctuate, McCann Solar Solutions will become the norm for decided to do something about it. alternative home energy. He’s especially “People are tired of having no say over Home Energy Assessments increases in their monthly spending. If I could optimistic about the smart technology to pay my bills all at once and be done with them come – like Wi-fi-enabled energy boards and Smart Grid technologies able to track Gas Tankless Hot Water I would!” says McCann. “Nowadays everybody and analyze how much power is being wants to see the bills either drop, go down or go away completely.” generated, lost or stored. McCann says other power companies will have to rise Heat Pumps McCann started up MJM Solar Solutions in to the challenge as he hopes it will soon 2010. The company specializes in installing be the only way to do power. Engineering Services solar panels and all accompanying technology “NB Power as we know it today will to cut electric energy costs. The NB native felt alternative energy sources needed to be change,” says McCann. “I believe others feel the same way. It’s important for a Consulting brought to the forefront. place like New Brunswick.” Although smaller than most mainstream Design energy companies, McCann saw the – by Emily McPhee potential in offering solar products to New Brunswickers because he believes it’s the Sales direction we need to move in as a province. Installation more people to see the “We’re trying to get savings and the long- term benefits. As long as our [current energy grid] is operating in Contact Mark Today this country the way it is, the increases [in price] are going [email protected] to be a given for the next long while.” McCann +1.506 461 5221 wants potential customers to get interested in www.mjmsolar.com MJM because it will save them money. He says Financing Available 12 www.conservationcouncil.ca

Behind the Scenes At Conserver House Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) Honeybee (Apis sp.) Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) Pollinator Garden Calling all pollinators! Summer is here and that means our pollinator garden is in full bloom. We had so much fun planting the garden last year Scarlet beebalm (Monarda didyma) that we decided to add even more native flowering plants and shrubs this Female Ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) year. We spent time this spring weeding, planting and mulching the garden, and giving it some TLC so it looks its best for our guests. Looking to spread the word on pollinators? Find our series of pollinator postcards on our With generous funding from the Fredericton Community Foundation and website’s publications page. the NB Wildlife Trust Fund, we are hosting workshops centered around the garden that will teach everyone about the importance of pollinators and the big role pollinators play in New Brunswick’s economy and ecosystem. Walk Lightly Upon the Earth We received a lovely tapestry made by Angie Martz (88), Ruth Monohan (85), and Theressa Kergoat (94), from the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception in Saint John. The piece is titled “Walk Lightly Upon the Earth.” The Sisters learned to weave only four years ago, what amazing women! We thank the Sisters of Charity for giving us this lovely piece; we are very excited to hang it in our boardroom for all to see! Fundy Baykeeper wins It’s a Full (Conserver) House! Visionary award Our very own Fundy Baykeeper, Matt Abbott, was We are running out of desks — a happy problem. awarded the Gulf of Maine Council’s 2016 Visionary Award in June. The award is presented annually to This summer, we were able to increase the number of hard- working, dedicated and energetic young people with the addition an individual or organization within each of the five Gulf of Maine jurisdictions of Massachusetts, New of three new six-month interns and four summer students. Hampshire, Maine, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. We’ve also received funding to expand our important climate The award recognizes innovation, creativity, and change and energy solutions program and have hired Dr. Louise commitment to marine protection by businesses, Comeau to lead it. environmental organizations, or individuals who Check out our website to learn more about the members of the are making a difference to the health of the Gulf of Conservation Council’s dedicated team. Maine. Way to go Matt! 13 www.conservationcouncil.ca

Right Whale population declining in Bay of Fundy – Olivia DeYoung This year it seems that instead of a few months. In 2015, only eight North Atlantic right whales showed up. So why are these huge marine mammals commonly seen in the Bay passing by areas in which they use to be of Fundy during the summer seen so often? Researchers don’t really months are swimming know. What they do know, through a plankton-monitoring program, is that the towards different waters. whale’s food of choice has been found in smaller concentrations in recent years. This could be due to a variety of factors, Researchers who study the black including water temperature and tidal behemoths have noticed fewer of currents. them entering the Bay of Fundy and “The population is increasing, which is the Scotian Shelf to find their favorite great news, but most of the threats [to the meal, plankton. Last year a number of right whale’s survival] are not decreasing,” the whales were seen farther north. Merriman said. “The two big ones remain “In the last few years, they haven’t collisions with ships and entanglement been coming into the Bay of Fundy with fishing gear. So a lot of organizations or they’ve been coming in for a short are working to try to reduce both things, time and leaving, as though they are because more whales means more not finding food,” said Cathy Merriman, encounters.” in an interview with the Telegraph Back in 2003, shipping lanes were moved Journal. Merriman is a species-at- in the Bay of Fundy to reduce the number risk biologist with the Department of of large ship strikes, one of their leading Fisheries and Oceans. “Last year, quite causes of premature death.Earlier this a large number of them were observed month, new federal regulations came into up in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, effect to better protecting the traditional near the Gaspe Peninsula. So this is feeding and nursery grounds of right relatively new to us.” whales. The New England Aquarium has An estimated 526 North Atlantic right counted right whales in the Bay of whales remain in the ocean. They spend Fundy since 1980. In years past, there their winters down south in calving grounds have been more than 200 right whales off Georgia and Florida before travelling to spotted. In 2013, the researchers find food up north in the summer months. counted only five. The next year there A fisherman removes entangled fishing were more than 60 whales, but they The low numbers make them one of the gear from the Bay of Fundy. (Fundy North only stayed for about two weeks world’s most endangered whales. Fisherman’s Association) 14 ecoalert SUMMER 2016

A Bold, Made-in-New Brunswick Plan to Address Climate Change Read the full report “A Climate Action Plan for New Brunswick” at: www.conservationcouncil.ca/our-programs/climate-and-energy/ ”We all have a part to play in solving climate change.” – Dr. Louise Comeau, Director of Climate Change and Energy Solutions Climate change and government policy. Our electricity affects us all, but strategy accelerates investments in especially the poor, the energy efficiency, renewable energy, old and the sick, even electric vehicles, and the Smart Grid to here in Canada and New balance a more distributed provincial Brunswick. It affects us and regional electricity system. These whether we contribute a lot programs would allow the province to or a little to the problem. phase out the use of coal to generate In New Brunswick, the cost of post-tropical electricity as Ontario has done and storm Arthur in 2014 exceeded $12.5 Alberta will do by 2030. The provincial million. Combined with damage costs from investment strategy cuts pollution and other flooding events since 2010, the cost waste from infrastructure and industry, to New Brunswickers over the last five years forestry, and agriculture. The policy exceeded $80 million. The cost of extreme “Post-tropical storm Arthur strategy regulates emissions limits; puts weather will get worse unless serious action a price on pollution (which along with is taken to slow climate change. opened New Brunswickers’ federal financial support would finance investments); commits to buying the The province estimates that the annual eyes to the reality of climate most efficient, least polluting products cost of damage to homes from coastal change. We now know and and services; invests in zero emissions flooding due to climate change could reach research; and requires infrastructure and $730 to $1,803 per New Brunswicker by accept that climate change land use planning to consider climate 2050, higher than any of the other Atlantic is a reality. The Conservation change impacts. Provinces, and five times higher than the The Conservation Council’s climate Canadian average. Add climate change Council wants to start a action plan proposal is a contribution impacts to health from more hot days and serious conversation about to national and provincial processes. disease-carrying insects such as ticks, The federal Government is negotiating and to forests from fires caused by drier adapting to, and mitigating, with provinces and territories on their conditions, and we can see how inaction the damage to our contributions toward commitments we risks our quality of life and our pocket made last December at UN climate books. communities as a result of a negotiations in Paris, France. New Climate change solutions are opportunities rapidly changing climate.” Brunswick’s Select Committee on we can’t afford to miss. German households, – Dr. Louise Comeau, Director of Climate Climate Change will engage New for example, pay an average monthly Change and Energy Policy Brunswickers in a conversation later electricity bill of $96.36, at a rate of 33.88 this summer about our province’s cents a kilowatt-hour and usage of 284.42 contribution toward regional and national kilowatts. U.S. households pay an average climate change commitments. of $111.95 a month, at a rate of 11.88 cents jobs for the long-term. The International per kilowatt-hour and usage of 942.33 Renewable Energy Association reports The most important thing citizens, kilowatts. The average U.S. rate is about renewable energy jobs in the United States business leaders and policy-makers the same in New Brunswick, but we use, on increased 6% in 2015 while employment can do right now is to support federal average, 17,000 kWh/year because we heat in the oil and gas sector decreased 18%. and provincial/territorial governments in our homes with electricity. New Brunswickers In China, renewable energy employed 3.5 bringing greenhouse gas emissions down. pay more for electricity because low rates million people, while oil and gas employed We need to work together because we mean we do not invest as much as we 2.6 million. can’t solve the climate change problem should in energy efficiency and conservation alone. And together, we can be part of the as do countries in Europe. The Conservation Council of New global energy revolution. The transition Brunswick believes doing our part to solve to a modern and clean energy system is Transitioning from coal, oil and gas to climate change is the key to managing where the jobs are. Let’s make sure that renewable energy is critical to solving energy costs and creating jobs here at New Brunswick is part of it. View the full climate change. New Brunswick needs to home. Our three-part action plan proposal report here or find it on our website at be part of the energy revolution to create covers electricity, provincial investments conservationcouncil.ca 15 www.conservationcouncil.ca

A CLIMATE ACTION PLAN FOR NEW BRUNSWICK: HIGHLIGHTS We propose a three-part climate action plan covering electricity, provincial investments and government policy, which would be funded by a federal contribution and carbon pricing revenue. 1. Electricity: 2. Provincial Investment Plan: Approximately 3.3 million tonnes Approximately 3.2 million tonnes 1. Accelerate energy efficiency and 5. Set a solar rooftop target of conservation programs under 200,000 kilowatts (kW) of NB Power’s Reduce and Shift cumulative installed commercial Demand program to advance and residential solar power by the 609 MW by 2038 target to 2025 (100,000 kW each for between 2020 and 2025. 1 residential and commercial, grid connected and off-grid). Province-wide investments using carbon pricing revenue 2. Retrofit buildings that depend on could be in the form of tax incentives, grants, and/or oil and gas for heating/cooling. 6. Set a goal of 10,000 electric loan guarantees to generate emissions reductions from vehicles on the road by 2020, 3. Phase out coal and the use of with the number of electric car transportation, industry, waste, agriculture, and forestry. fossil-fuel-fired electricity for sales increasing each year, so that Investments could include: exports by 2030. by 2030 there would be 140,000 1. An average 40% emissions improvement target from 4. Accelerate Smart Grid to 150,000 electric vehicles on the the industrial sector by 2030 to generate reductions of implementation. road. 1.7 million tonnes of greenhouse gases. 2. Incentives to purchase energy-efficient vehicles to A Climate Action Plan for New Brunswick: Electricity keep their operating costs low once the carbon pricing regime takes effect. Heavy trucks and transit vehicles should be a priority for programs aimed at more electric PROVINCIAL INVESTMENT PLAN CCNB CLIMATE ELECTRICITY 3. Methane capture in landfills and wastewater options, as well as biofuels. The goal here should be to 06 01 generate an additional 1 million tonnes of reductions by 2030. treatment plants, composting programs to reduce 05 future methane emissions from landfills, and improved recycling programs to reduce the use of virgin materials 2020 ACTION PLAN in manufacturing. 2025 02 4. Farm management plans that include methane and fertilizer management (to reduce nitrous oxide 03 emissions), as well as soil conservation through organic and mixed crop practices, and riparian zone protection. 04 Increased support to farmers to support renewable energy use on farms. PROVINCIAL POLICY PACKAGE 5. Use of biofuels in forest operations, including heavy equipment and vehicles. Improved harvesting practices to better protect soil combined with increased Accelerate energy efficiency Accelerate Smart Grid and conservation programs implementation silviculture, including of hardwoods, to diversify our forests and increase carbon capture capacity through Retrofit buildings that Set a solar rooftop target of depend on oil and gas 200,000 kilowatts (kW) photosynthesis. A combination of reducing emissions and increasing soil and forest sequestration, as well Phase out coal and the use of 10,000 electric vehicles on fossil-fuel-fired electricity the road by 2020 as actions in the waste and agriculture sectors could generate a further 500,000 tonne contribution to our 1 https://www.nbpower.com/media/102794/irpjuly2014-english.pdf, p.128 provincial greenhouse gas target for 2030. 16 ecoalert SPRING 2016

A CLIMATE ACTION PLAN FOR NEW BRUNSWICK: HIGHLIGHTS NEW BRUNSWICK Provincial greenhouse gas emissions reduction target 35-45 % below 1990 levels by 2030 3. Provincial Policy Package 1 Make climate action legally required 4 Require lifecycle assessment of all infrastructure projects, through passage of a Climate Action Act that including the impacts of climate change and more extreme establishes the provincial greenhouse gas weather and the implications for greenhouse gas emissions emissions reduction target of 35 to 45% and biodiversity compared to other options to find the best below 1990 levels by 2030, puts in place the available solution. mechanisms needed to implement the climate 5 Add low-carbon requirements to all government procurement. action plan, including carbon pricing, industry targets, and coal phase-out from electricity production. 2 Establish an economy-wide carbon pricing 6 Adopt the Energy Code for Buildings in the year it is released nationally and invest in training of inspectors to ensure regime (either through a carbon levy or cap adequate enforcement. and trade and/or hybrid). 7 Invest in formal and informal education and training that demonstrates to New Brunswickers the causes of climate 3 Reform the Energy Utilities Board to remove change, the opportunities for all citizens to participate in barriers to reducing electricity demand solutions and that supports retraining and training of workers, through mechanisms that decouple NB Power particularly in the trades, including general contracting, revenue from throughput or volume sales electrical engineering, renewable energy technicians, software through performance-based rate-making that engineers (for Smart Grid and other electricity-related includes energy efficiency and conservation innovations). performance metrics. A provincial policy package must be implemented for our Climate Action Plan to be successful. We have an opportunity to work with other www.conservationcouncil.ca provinces and the federal Government to really @conservationcouncilnb move Canada forward toward a climate friendly @cc_nb /conservationcouncil economy and lifestyle. For more information about our Climate Action Plan contact: Dr. Louise Comeau, Program Director Climate Change and Energy Solutions, CCNB. Let’s make sure that New Brunswick is part of it. [email protected] 506 238 0355 17 www.conservationcouncil.ca

5 Days for the Forest Sept. 19, 6 pm Old Hemlock Forest Walk with Jim Goltz | Odell Park Sept. 20, 6 pm OMISTA’s Local Chews & Brews | Crowne Plaza Sept. 21, 7:30 pm TREEvia Night | The Grad House 676 Windsor St. • Forest Gala with Gypsophilia | The Playhouse Sept. 22, 7:30 pm $40/ticket. On sale at The Playhouse. Sept. 22, 9:30 pm • Tumba Sound at The Capital. $8 at the door. Film screening of A Beautiful Forest Sept. 23, 6 pm Conserver House, 180 St. John St. 18 ecoalert SPRING 2016

19 www.conservationcouncil.ca