This article was originally published in District Energy Magazine, Q4 2024.

As the world races the clock to meet climate targets, communities are proving to be vital players.

Utility master planning and climate action plans are guiding the way, and community engagement is emerging as a pivotal force in helping both deliver. UMP and CAP plans touch everywhere we work and live – from busy urban streets to rural settings.

The district energy sector is becoming better versed in the technicalities of the energy transition. However, technology is just one side of the coin. The other equally crucial side is community willpower.

In my opinion, there are no significant technology challenges to reaching our climate targets. The solutions exist today.

Much is yet to be done on the community engagement front, however, and this is not as easy as it sounds.

Communities that stand united and act on plans to achieve common goals will be the ones that adjust best and benefit most from the transition. A greenhouse gas reduction project might look perfect on paper. However, it may well face unforeseen challenges without community support. On the bright side, we’ve witnessed projects fast-tracked and costs reduced when the community is genuinely involved. This proves to us – the technical crowd – the value of community engagement.

“A sense of ownership among stakeholders is crucial to long-term success."

I see community engagement in sustainable energy planning facing three primary categories of challenges.

• First, social and cultural barriers. These include general resistance to change, especially where large infrastructure projects are required, and equity concerns, which can hinder progress and create skepticism;
• Second, technical and economic hurdles, such as the novelty and complexity of modern energy systems, financial constraints and the difficulty of communicating long-term benefits;
• Third, institutional and logistical obstacles, including regulatory barriers, coordination difficulties, and the need to attend to diverse and competing interests.

All of the above can slow effective engagement and delay sustainable energy initiatives. Overcoming these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that addresses social, technical and institutional factors simultaneously. That is an effective community engagement strategy.

Effective community engagements tap the combined power of several interconnected strategies. Tailored approaches – customized by site and place – recognize each community’s unique characteristics, ensuring that energy and climate action plans resonate within local and project specific contexts.

The concept of "co-creation" taps into local knowledge and fosters a sense of ownership among stakeholders, crucial for long-term success. This approach can be supported by using interactive platforms and technology that democratize the planning process, allowing for diverse participation.

Transparency and continuous communication build trust and maintain community interest, while establishing robust feedback mechanisms creates a dynamic dialogue between project developers, users, regulators, financiers and other stakeholders. Capacity building and education help communities make informed decisions, which in turn demystifies complex concepts and helps highlight long-term benefits.

We know of real-world examples that show the transformative power of effective community engagement. Projects such as Rethink Glasgow and the 3NE solar farm in Alberta showcase how inclusive approaches and active participation can lead to sustainable outcomes.

The Rethink Glasgow initiative exemplifies how using robust digital technology can succeed in community engagement aimed at creating a greener urban environment. The Glasgow project sought to gather input from residents on sustainable urban development post-pandemic. It utilized an interactive online map where residents could drop pins and offer suggestions about making various city areas more sustainable. And it allowed over 1,300 residents to actively contribute ideas to the city’s climate action plan, democratizing the planning process and ensuring that diverse voices and ideas were considered.

“Rethink Glasgow used digital technology to collect input. The map here shows a pattern of feedback that included 1,300 residents." Rethink Glasgow

Engagement was straightforward and accessible, allowing residents to participate at any time and from anywhere. The result was a community-driven climate action plan that reflected the actual needs and aspirations of residents. Insights gathered from this engagement have shaped the city’s strategies for a more resilient and sustainable future, and the project has been recognized for its innovative approach to civic participation.

Development of the 3NE solar farm project in Fort Chipewyan, Alberta, serves as another powerful example of effective community engagement. Owned by the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Mikisew Cree First Nation and the Fort Chipewyan Metis Association, the project involved indigenous stakeholders at every decision-making stage. This strategy ensured that the project not only aligned with the community’s energy needs but also enhanced its understanding of renewable energy technologies.

“Communicating in a way that transcends mere consultation."

Community members engaged through consultations and participatory decision-making, which improved energy literacy and gave residents an ownership point of view. This involvement also helped developers manage the project efficiently, allowing it to be completed on time and under budget, enabling the community to reinvest savings into other sustainability initiatives, such as a wood-fuel business, further promoting local economic development and energy resiliency.

The 3NE solar farm now supplies over 25% of Fort Chipewyan’s annual electricity needs, reducing reliance on diesel fuel by more than 200,000 gallons per year and cutting annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2,535 tons. The project demonstrates the environmental and economic benefits of community-engaged renewable energy initiatives and highlights the critical role of local community leadership in advancing sustainable energy solutions.

In essence, the power of community engagement strategies lies in its ability to transform residents from passive observers to active participants in shaping their futures.

That said, it’s important to understand that the role of community engagement transcends mere consultation. It’s about co-creating a future where voices are heard, concerns are addressed and more potential solutions are considered.

By adopting these strategies, communities and project developers can create resilient, sustainable communities that are well-equipped to tackle the challenges of climate change. As we move forward, embracing community engagement as a fundamental component of sustainable energy planning will be crucial in driving us toward our climate goals.

For find out how an integration strategy can help your building’s technology transition, contact us at connectconsulting@hhangus.com.

Mike Hassaballa, MA.Sc., P.Eng., is Manager, Decarbonization, at HH Angus and Associates, where he focuses on advancing sustainable solutions for project design and operation and on decarbonizing heating and cooling systems and promoting eco-friendly construction practices. 

Mike Hassaballa                               
MA.Sc., P.Eng.

E: mike.hassaballa@hhangus.com

In recent years, we’ve seen growing interest from clients in pushing their buildings forward from being “digitally-enabled” to “smart.” Smart buildings promise a host of benefits, such as better user experiences, enhanced operational efficiency, and improved security and safety. And while there have been many advances in technology systems to simplify this transition, the most effective path to a smart building is through integration.

Integration refers to the seamless connectivity and interoperation of various technology systems within a building. It can produce a wide variety of results, whether it’s opening a door, displaying information on a dashboard, or sending a notification to the correct person that a visitor has arrived for a meeting. The challenge for facility owners and operators lies in identifying which integrations will deliver the most substantial impact and what functionality will users truly value. Integrating systems comes at a cost – these may include physical connections, additional licencing fees, or even new staff. How can you know which integrations will have the greatest return on investment (ROI)? What process would building occupants like to see simplified? To navigate these complexities, an integration consultant can help companies  develop a comprehensive strategy.

The Case for an Integration Strategy

Establishing Clear Objectives

An integration strategy establishes clear objectives that align with the organization’s overall vision, goals, and design assumptions. At the outset, it is crucial to determine the organization’s most important objective; for example, is it security, efficiency, or user experience. A company that prioritizes security will focus on integrating systems that enhance building safety and protect data integrity. On the other hand, an organization emphasizing user experience will seek integrations that streamline operations and improve comfort for building occupants.

It's also important to understand an organization’s constraints. Integration systems can significantly change an existing workflow - making IT support, change management and operational readiness important considerations to ensure a successful shift towards a smart building environment.

Ensuring Consistency and Standardization

A well-crafted integration strategy ensures consistency and standardization for system integration requirements, both now and in future. By looking at integration holistically, organizations can minimize costs and maximize ROI. Standardization helps in maintaining compatibility across different systems, which in turn reduces the risk of integration failures and ensures smooth operation. This approach also helps future-proof the building, making it easier to incorporate new technologies.

Providing an Actionable Implementation Plan

An integration strategy provides an actionable implementation plan. This plan guides organizations and vendors through the complexities of implementation projects, helping to manage unforeseen challenges and mitigate risks. An effective strategy identifies coordination issues, planning gaps, and requirements for commissioning, training, and support early on. This proactive approach ensures that all stakeholders are aligned and prepared to handle challenges that may arise during the implementation phase.

The Role of Integration Consultants

Integration consultants play a crucial role in this process. We bring a wealth of expertise in identifying the most impactful integrations and understanding what end-users value most. Our experiences and insights help us craft strategies that not only align with your organizational goals but also address the practical realities of implementing system integrations in buildings.

As buildings become increasingly complex, integration represents the next step in their evolution from digital to smart. By establishing clear objectives, ensuring consistency and standardization, and providing actionable implementation plans, organizations can unlock the full potential of their technology investments. This holistic approach to integration is not just about adding new systems; it's about creating a seamless, efficient, and future-ready environment that meets the needs of all stakeholders.

For find out how an integration strategy can help your building’s technology transition, contact us at connectconsulting@hhangus.com.