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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2 | 45 Electrical & Communication Systems Electrical and communications systems step up to meet the needs of our planet by NATALIE BRUCKNER N ever before has the role of electrical and communications sys- tems been quite so important in meeting the growing needs of the planet. A recent report by the Canadian Climate Institute entitled The Big Switch: Powering Canada's net zero future outlines how electrical systems can play a central role in ensuring affordable, secure energy in the face of global volatility, while also advancing Canada's climate goals. This is hardly new information to those already working in this sector, many of whom have for years been committed to educating the masses and coming up with innovations that will not only help exceed goals, but make our lives through the means of communications and smart systems that bit easier. Experts know that understanding where the market is headed and how to tackle future challenges is essential – it allows businesses to pivot as required, and also take the lead toward a more sustainable future. In this regard, MCW Group of Companies is ahead of the game with its recently published Industry White Paper created in collaboration with KWM Consulting entitled The Changing Landscape for Energ y Performance Contracting in Canada. "COVID-19 provided a temporary global pause to the increase of greenhouse gas emissions … this is all due to the curtailment of human activity. As we enter what many believe could be a modern version of last century's Roaring 20s, now is the time for the EPC [Energy Performance Contract ] industry and all levels of govern- ment to strengthen a framework that will deliver meaningful permanent energy and carbon savings," says David Bellamy, executive partner at MCW Group. The white paper aims to provide clarity on this by offering a multi-faceted overview of the current state of EPC services delivery in Canada, and to provide unbiased evidence of historical success and recommendations regarding EPC project structures to policymakers, regulatory organizations, and prospective EPC clients in the Canadian public sector. It delves deep into everything from the adoption of innovative technologies (from Smart tech and AI to renewable energy and onsite microgrids), to the benefits of EPCs. The paper states: "Achieving the net zero emission targets established by the federal government requires collaboration between public and private sectors and the evolution of all stakeholders involved in the energy industry to adopt diverse solutions. It is therefore vital that the procurement processes adopted are not too prescriptive as to disallow true partnering and outcomes to be achieved." The white paper hopes to be a springboard for further discussion. WHAT'S TRENDING? During the pandemic, human centric design became very much a focus of the industry, and Ben Rajewski, engineering manager, electrical at Williams Engineering says this continues to be the case: "With people coming back to the office, we are getting requests from clients to add dimming zones for lighting in open offices." Another trend Rajewski is seeing is that many condo corporations, municipali- ties, and facility owners are realizing that electrical vehicles are here to stay and are coming in a big way. "They are requesting studies and designs to add electrical vehicle stations to their facilities and anticipating that eventually the majority of parking at a building should have electric charging capabilities," he says. Williams is currently involved in a number of fascinating projects that showcase their expertise in this realm, one of which is the Coronation Park Sports and Recreation Centre in Edmonton, which is currently under construc- tion. The $150-million, world-class recreation facility will include one of North America's only indoor velodromes, and will allow for world class cycling and triathlon competitions and training. "The facility includes both a velodrome and an indoor running track, and connects to the existing Peter Hemingway pool allowing for full indoor triathlon training year-round. It's an honour to be the electrical engineer of record for this exciting project. I began working on this project preliminarily in 2012 and to see it finally be coming out of the ground 10 years later is amazing. The facility will include a cycle track lighting system that will minimize shadowing, while providing high-level illumination for competi- tion broadcasts," says Rajewski. As the world moves ahead at a rapid pace, the team at Williams Engineering is excited about the role that electrification in existing infrastructure has on the decarbonization of the world. "Diesel, gas, and propane-fired systems are not a long-term solution for the climate, so electrifying our buildings needs to be part of the path to helping out the climate. This will involve adding electric heat, electric vehicle charging stations, solar, and wind power, where possible, to many of our existing buildings. It is exciting to be part of this change as an elec- trical engineer and it will be a new and unique challenge to help these buildings further electrify their systems," says Rajewski. Steven Nemetz, CEO/senior principal at Nemetz (S/A) & Associates, says an interesting trend he is seeing as a result of the pandemic is that because many people are still working in a hybrid situation (home/office), there is a major emphasis in increasing the technical efficiency of people's home smart tech sys- tems. "These systems need to not only be robust with hardware, but also need high speed internet connection to ensure speed of operations is not diminished when working from home," explains Nemetz. This has led to a need for stronger electronic fibre systems that organize information in categories to provide an efficient "easy-to-locate" way for people to access (i.e. standards, codes, processes, and reference material). The Future IS ELECTRIC

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