The Energy Futures Lab’s Strategic Communications Director, Delyse Sylvester introduces the Lab’s public engagement strategy. Most system change processes focus almost exclusively on technological innovation and large-scale policy shifts to integrate and scale the innovations. The EFL recognizes that engaged citizens co-create a receptive culture, and that this is essential to the long-term success of new innovations.
The Energy Futures Lab is all about transitioning Alberta’s energy system for a sustainable future. But what do we mean by the “energy system” exactly? Are we talking about oil and gas or renewables or both? What about the electricity generation and transmission infrastructure? All of those are part of the system. But those are talking about physical things, raw materials and their transportation. What about how we actually use energy?
The Energy Futures Lab is very pleased to announce the support of the Alberta Real Estate Foundation (AREF). AREF’s Board of Governors has approved a grant of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($250,000.00) to foster community engagement with a focus on energy literacy across Alberta.
Imagine 20 years of energy transition condensed into an immersive half day simulation. The Newtonian Shift drops you into the outdated, inefficient, polluting energy system of Newtonia. You may find yourself working for a utility, or a bank. Or maybe you are a First Nations leader, oil and gas producer, or the director of an environmental non-profit.
Energy Futures Lab Fellow Megan Zimmerman and Barend Dronkers from the Pembina Institute recap last month’s Calgary community energy workshop. A group of diverse stakeholders came together to discuss opportunities and best practices in Alberta for local energy development and ownership.
Energy Futures Lab Director Chad Park speaks to GLOBE 2016 attendees at the Walrus Talks Energy event. Chad’s talk challenges the simplistic approach of ‘with us or against us’ debates, and calls for new dialogue to enable the transition to a carbon competitive economy.
The January EFL workshop was the first chance for the EFL Fellows to dip their toes into backcasting waters. Backcasting is central to the Lab because it establishes the creative tension between our desired future and the current reality that will drive innovation in the Lab.
The Energy Future Lab is proud to announce the Government of Alberta as a convening partner. The Hon. Shannon Phillips, Minister of Environment and Parks offers her support for the Energy Futures Lab.
Chad Park sits down with Imaginea Energy President and CEO (and EFL Advisory Council member) Suzanne West to discuss her vision for Alberta’s energy future (including her aspirations for hydrocarbons).
We are all familiar with the idea of starting with the end in mind. This is the essence of “backcasting”, a methodology for planning in complexity. Sustainability expert, Pong Leung introduces the backcasting framework and its application to the sustainability challenge.
We are an Alberta-based coalition of diverse innovators and leading organizations working together to accelerate the transition to the energy system the future requires of us.
© 2025 Energy Futures Lab. All Rights Reserved.
