Daniel is the Ottawa Region Lead Mentor for the Climate Reality Project Canada, He completed training in Mexico City in 2018 and has years of previous interest in energy and environmental conservation. He is the principal of the Building Science Trust (a small engineering consulting firm focused on energy conservation and conversion to renewable fuels in buildings). He is a mechanical engineer with over 35 years of experience in Net Zero Retrofit planning, energy conservation, capital planning, plant and project engineering and maintenance supervision. He has worked in manufacturing, mining and building science. He also teaches mechanical engineering at community colleges. Furthermore, he has conducted property condition assessments, energy audits, reserve fund studies and Net Zero planning on homes, schools, office buildings, commercial buildings, shopping centres, high- and low-rise residential properties, hospitals and airports. Not only that, but he also does Net Zero Retrofit planning for houses.
Why did you join the climate movement/what pushed you to become interested in climate change issues?
I've been interested in protecting nature since I was a boy. It's been an innate drive for me. However, over the last 20 years I've had a career in building science where I learned energy conservation techniques and more recently the skills to switch buildings to renewable fuels economically.
What is one achievement you are proud of?
After my two adult children, I'd have to say that creating a business to help home and building owners plan to move their houses/buildings to fossil fuel-free Net Zero is my best achievement.
What was your most iconic/memorable Act of Leadership?
It has to be creating the Net Zero Retrofit (NZR) planning business for house and building owners. I frequently post-related information on social networks that help influence people to move their homes and buildings to GHG free renewable energy and save money too!
What are some climate change initiatives you are currently taking part in?
I'm a lead mentor for CRPC, I frequent attendee and influencer at Ottawa Green Drinks, a member of the Smart Net Alliance (business owners moving sustainable solutions), I produce energy audits and NZR plans for home and building owners and I frequently support climate sustainability leaders on social networks.
What do you think is the most effective way for people to take climate action?
If you own a car on your next car purchase, make it an EV and move your house to Net Zero.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I have moved 30 times in my life, and I'm not in the military!