The Best Practices in Building Systems (BPiBS) project team was delighted to participate in the 3rd Annual Community Energy Co-operative Canada (CECC) AGM and Community Energy Forum held at Royal Roads University from July 31 to August 2, 2025. The event gathered experts, community leaders, researchers and policymakers to discuss innovative pathways and practical solutions for community-owned renewable energy systems.

The three-day event featured keynote speeches, expert panels, and interactive sessions, each providing deep insights into community energy initiatives. A standout keynote was delivered by Dr. Anna Berka from the Community Power Agency, who emphasized community shared ownership and renewable energy innovations drawn from experiences in Australia. Her engaging session underscored the importance of local resilience, civic enterprise, and environmental sustainability in transitioning to a post-carbon economy.

Key Highlights from the Forum:

• Accelerating Community Energy Transformation (ACET):
  Contributions from the University of Victoria’s ACET initiative showcased transformative approaches and innovative student-led projects aimed at supporting just energy transitions in rural and medium-sized communities across Western Canada.
• Elizabeth May’s Insights on Climate Action:
  Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada, delivered an inspiring talk highlighting the urgency of climate action and the critical role community-owned renewable energy plays in Canada’s energy transition. She emphasized the need for policy frameworks that support decentralized, democratic energy systems, advocating for stronger federal commitments to renewable infrastructure investments. May’s compelling address underscored the importance of community participation and transparency in energy governance, stressing that local communities must be empowered to lead their sustainable energy futures.
• Community Energy Challenges and Opportunities:
  Panel discussions featuring renewable energy cooperative leaders, including Rob Baxter, Jodi Conuel, Rod Johnson, and Annette Dautel, provided critical insights into the current challenges facing renewable energy cooperatives and explored practical paths forward, particularly in policy advocacy and cooperative management.
• International Perspectives on Community Energy:
  A session highlighting global practices featured presentations from experts Dr. Julie MacArthur, Dan Curwin, Khaoula Bengezi, and Niels Vilstrup. They shared diverse strategies employed in the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, and Denmark, illustrating successful policies, practices, and community engagement approaches globally.
• Indigenous Leadership in Energy:
  A particularly impactful session, “On the Ground: Indigenous Experiences in Community Energy,” offered perspectives from Indigenous energy specialists, including Leighton Gall and Garrett Russ. The discussions emphasized the importance of integrating Indigenous knowledge and practices into community energy projects, ensuring cultural alignment and local empowerment.

We are excited about integrating the rich insights gained from the CECC Forum into the ongoing development of the BPiBS dynamic roadmap and knowledge mobilization strategies. The discussions and collaborations fostered at this event significantly contribute to our shared goals of promoting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient community building practices across Canada.

Photo credit: Alex Dekin