techlifev2.2

UpFronttAbLe of contents28contents50i coVerFeATureSdepArTmenTSCoverPhoto by Jason NessHair and makeup byMousy Brown's28 no car, no furnace,no problemHow one Edmonton family’scommitment to an energyfrugallife inspired theirdream home.33 zero inGet inside the house that willproduce as much energy asit consumes over the courseof a year.34 meet the buildersThe plumber, the carpenter,the draftsman – these threeare among the dozen or soNAIT alumni and apprenticesconstructing a net zeroenergy house.36 8 ways you can saveat homeCover stories by CherylMahaffy, Diane Bégin-Croftand Kristen Vernon20 innovate f Q & AOur home and native landHugh Seaton talks aboutapplied research being doneto help industry meet newland reclamation standards.By Mike Sadava42 people f AlumnusA novel careerAuthor Dave Hugelschafferdraws from his experience asa firefighter and forester towrite a compelling CSI-stylefiction series.By Mike Sadava48 techniqueSmall change, big results4 steps to starting a microgivinggroup.By Kristen VernonupFronT6 Contributors7 editor’s note7 letters8 president’s connections9 newsbytesTecHnoFile11 gadgets11 Where to recycleelectronics12 Digital invadersNetwork security expertsJohn Zabiuk and ScottEmpson on how to protectyour computer from the mostcommon threats.14 Simulationpoolside rescueParamedic students performan emergency pediatricresuscitation.4 techlifemag.ca

UpFrontcontribUtorspagE f 50pagE f 50pagE f 28pagES f 20 + 42Amy bizovie picked up a camera when she was 18 andhasn’t looked back. She enrolled in NAIT’s PhotographicTechnology program and, soon after graduating last year,joined NAIT as a staff photographer for a six-monthcontract. The job allowed Bizovie to take the bus to work –she takes it almost everywhere – which is not only betterfor the environment than driving her SUV, but also allowsher to leisurely sip her morning coffee from her travelmug. More importantly, the stint at NAIT gave Bizovie therewarding and challenging experience of photographingcelebrity chef Rob Feenie.Jennifer Cockrall-King is an Edmonton-based food writerwhose work has appeared in newspapers and magazinessuch as the Chicago Sun-Times, Maclean’s, CanadianGeographic and the National Post. She jumped at thechance to shadow Hokanson Chef in Residence RobFeenie, eager to pick up tips and techniques from one ofCanada’s top chefs. (“Great food is not about complicatingthings; it’s about doing little tiny things very well!”)Cockrall-King has been encouraging Albertans to buy localfood and drink and to eat at locally owned, independentrestaurants for a number of years as an active member ofSlow Food Edmonton and as the co-publisher of a culinarymagazine and website at edibleprairie.ca.In 1996, Cheryl mahaffy launched the freelance businessWords that Sing with the goal of writing about things thatmatter. She was pleased to interview Conrad Nobert andRechel Amores, the owners of Edmonton’s second netzero energy home, whose dedication to the planet is nothingshort of inspirational. No stranger to environmentaltopics, Mahaffy is putting the final touches on the secondedition of Agora Borealis: Engaging in Sustainable Architecturewith LEED-accredited architect Vivian Manasc.Her work appears in the anthologies Big Enough Dreams,Edmonton on Location, Outside of Ordinary and numerousmagazines. She also writes for a broad range of non-profit,civic and corporate clients.mike Sadava has been a journalist for nearly 30 years.Much of that time was spent with the Edmonton Journal,where he covered everything from crime to politics, andwrote a column called Sadava on Saturday. Forestry wasa common theme for his contributions to this issue oftechlife, with a story on applied research into reclamationin the boreal forest and a profile of forester and authorDave Hugelschaffer. Sadava writes for a variety of publicationsand can occasionally be seen plucking his mandolinor guitar in some of Edmonton’s finest clubs. Althoughhe lives in a draughty house that could only be describedas R-zero, he bikes as much as possible and grows a vegetablegarden every summer.techlifev2.2 2009people technology innovationtechlifemag.caeditorSherri Krastelmanaging editorKristen Vernonassociate and online editorDiane Bégin-Croft (Marketing ’97)art directorDerek Lueassociate art directorAndrea YurydesignersDebra Bachman Smith, Trina Koscielnuk, Sheena Rienercopy editorJill Pringleadvertising and circulation managerNicole Parker (Marketing ’08)contributing writersJennifer Cockrall-King, Donovan Francis, Kathy Frazer,Ann MacKay-Drobot, Cheryl Mahaffy, Michelle Mark,Lisa Ricciotti, Mike Sadavacontributing photographersAmy Bizovie (Photographic Technology ’08), John Book(Photographic Technology ’87), Leigh Frey (PhotographicTechnology ’01), Jason Ness (Photographic Technology’00)multimedia developers at techlifemag.caRobert Belland, Kim Brixcontributing expertStuart CullumsubscriptionsSend changes of address to circulation@techlifemag.ca.Go Green. To receive techlife electronically only, emailcirculation@techlifemag.ca.Sign up for techlifemag.ca, an e-newsletter deliveredevery two months, at techlifemag.ca/subscribe.htm.freelance submissionsSend queries to editor@techlifemag.ca. We do not acceptunsolicited manuscripts.letters to the editoreditor@techlifemag.caadvertising and circulation inquiriescirculation@techlifemag.caTechlife magazine is published twice a year by NAITCorporate Communications. Online features arepublished regularly at techlifemag.ca. Opinions expressedare not necessarily those of NAIT or the editorial team.Techlife is a proud member of the Alberta MagazinePublishers Association, abiding by the national magazineadvertising/editorial guidelines (albertamagazines.com).Follow NAIT at twitter.com/nait.6 techlifemag.ca

editor’s note • LettersUpFront"it'S aBout pEoplE making a commitmEntto thE planEt . . . in thEir oWn Way."When we first saw our home on the market, in the summer of 1996, the realtor informed usthat it was an energy-efficient house. It has a high-efficiency furnace, thicker walls with moreinsulation, triple-glazed windows and it’s airtight, she said. What we saw was a well-built housewith lots of windows, in a great location in Edmonton’s river valley.It wasn’t until we looked closer and saw the R2000 certificate on the wall of the utility room, next tosomething called a heat recovery ventilator, that we realized this house really was different.Thirteen years later my husband and I have learned about the benefits of owning a house designed to useless energy. Our energy miser has saved us 30 per cent on our heating bills while giving us good indoorair quality and, by using less energy, produces fewer greenhouse gases. Not to mention the passive solarheating provided by those banks of windows that caught our eye in the first place.Fast forward to 2009 and – with the help of several NAIT alumni and apprentices – the same builder hastaken energy efficiency to new heights with homeowners Conrad Nobert and Rechel Amores. Their centralEdmonton home (p. 28) isn’t even connected to a gas line and will contribute more electricity to the gridthan it consumes.techlife awardedAlberta Magazine PublishersAssociation – Runner-up,Best Cover (V2.1)Canadian Council for theAdvancement of Education –Silver, Best MagazineCouncil for the Advancement andSupport of Education, District VIII –Silver, Periodicals; Gold, Photo(NAIT Sandvik Coromont Centre forMachinist Technology, V1.2); Silver,Photo (On the Brink of Big, V2.1);Silver, Writing (Frazz Dazzler andthe Sunny Day Delay, V1.2)Sure, Nobert and Amores’ commitment to going green is extraordinary, but the technology is there foreveryone to take advantage of and may not be as expensive as you think. Nobert says they spent $20,000to achieve 85 per cent of their home’s energy savings.The stories in this issue show people making a commitment to the planet in varying degrees, in theirown way. Pas Paskaran (p. 48) is using micro-giving to change lives, while Stephane Contré (p. 16) hasdeveloped software to help make the world a safer place.Here at techlife, we choose to print the magazine (along with other NAIT publications) on FSC-certifiedpaper and give readers the choice of electronic over print (email circulation@techlifemag.ca).Send us a note and tell us what you’re doing to help look after the planet.Sherri Krastel, Editoreditor@techlifemag.caLETTErsHopefully I will never have tochange a tire, but if I do nowI’ll know what to do (Learn toChange a Tire, techlifemag.ca/tirechange.htm, February 2009)!Thanks for sharing your magazine– I love it!Sharon hartMicrosoft Canada Co.Western Region AcademicAccount ManageremAil ediTor@TecHliFemAg.cA or mAil your commenTSTo SHerri KrASTel, ediTor, “TecHliFe” mAgAZine,11762 – 106 ST. nw, edmonTon, Ab T5g 2r1I thought the magazine lookedterrific – very slick and good ideamaterial for me. I loved the storyabout Daniele Costa (A Kitchenof his Own, p. 58, V2.1, fall 2008)and I'm going to try his recipe. Irun into NAIT chefs practicallydaily on this beat and we are luckyto have such an excellent resourcein this food community.liane FaulderEdmonton JournalFood Columnisteditor’s note: Get more technologyfor your life delivered to your inboxevery two months. Subscribe toour e-newsletter at techlifemag.ca/subscribe.htm.we wAnt to heArfrom yoUnAit FAmily treeHas more than one generationof your family attended NAIT?Please send us your NAIT familytree for possible inclusion in anupcoming issue of techlife. Be sureto identify how everyone in yourfamily tree is connected to you,and include programs and gradyears for everyone, if known.Email your NAIT family tree toeditor@techlifemag.ca or send itby mail to Sherri Krastel, Editor,techlife magazine, 11762 – 106 St.NW, Edmonton, AB T5G 2R1.v2.2 2009 7

UpFrontpresident’s connectionsW.A. Sam Shaw, phD, President and CEOEducation for a greener worldDeveloping and promoting sustainable practices isn’tjust the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do. Andhere at NAIT, we are working to promote sustainablepractices while maintaining our commitment to highquality, industry-relevant technical training.We have established a sustainability strategy, policy andwebsite and were among the first technical institutes inCanada to hire a full-time sustainability officer. NAIT’sacademic plan commits us to demonstrating leadershipin economic, environmental and social responsibility.This translates into education for the real world – wheresustainable practices are an imperative for business,industry and society as a whole.NAIT’s approach ensures our students have theknowledge and skills they need to make a difference intheir workplaces and communities.For example, a team of Bachelor of Technology studentsis working with the Edmonton zoo to help make theiroperations more sustainable (Zootopia, p. 24) and theLandscape Architectural Technology students createda display for the spring Edmonton Home and GardenShow that integrated a variety of sustainable elements,including rooftop gardens, rain barrels, a naturalplayground and solar panels. Not only do these projectshighlight the importance of more sustainable lifestyles,they represent NAIT’s efforts to integrate sustainablepractices in the classroom, lab, and all other aspects ofthe institute.As you read through the magazine, I encourage youto think about sustainability in your own life. I hopeyou find inspiration in the stories of people who havebeen working hard to go green – in their businesses,classrooms, workplaces and homes.Whether through people, technology or innovation,NAIT is committed to educated, skilled and successfullearners. NAIT is striving for green – as an organization,member of the community and global player.Send me a note, I'd like to hear your thoughts onsustainability in technical education.W.A. Sam Shaw, PhDPresident and CEOsams@nait.ca8 techlifemag.ca

gAdgetstechnoFileGADGETs"TecHliFe" ASKS,do your elecTronicS Keep THe eArTH in mind?looking for greener gadgets? do your research before you buy. considermanufacturers’ environmental and energy policies, use of recyclable materials, energyefficiency (look for the energy Star label), take-back programs and steps to phase outhazardous substances (including pVc plastic and brominated flame retardants).These electronics andmore are available atthe NAIT Tech Store oronline at www.nait.ca/onlinestore.Toshiba REGZA TVTech Store customer service clerk tunc gunes suggests Toshiba’s REGZA TVfor meeting stringent new Energy Star TV standards that apply not only whenin standby mode, but also when in use, as well as for Toshiba’s commitment toreduce CO 2emissions from operations and to increase use of renewable energy.MacBookbyron brost, a Tech Store customer service clerk who owns a MacBook Pro,suggests MacBook laptops for their recyclable aluminum casing andglass display, energy efficiency – these laptops meet Energy Starrequirements – and elimination of mercury, arsenic, PVCand brominated flame retardants. He also notestheir minimal packaging and Apple’s environmentalcommitment.hand-crank flashlightand radioFor a gadget that requiresjust a bit of elbow grease topower, mike paul {pagE f 34}founder of Up-To-Code Mechanicalrecommends a hand-crank flashlightand radio. “Handy to have in yourtoolbox or garage, it lasts surprisinglylong,” he says. While he’s nevertimed exactly how long – the radiolasts longer than the light, andit doesn’t do as well if it’s beenin the truck in –20C weather –he’s never had a sore arm fromrepeated cranking. Paul usesDuracell model kp028; other brands, suchas the Woods radio and flashlightfeatured here, are also solar-powered.The Energy Detective“As homeowners, we are generally blind to how much energywe use. We know we should try to cut down, but the conceptis vague,” says Conrad nobert {pagE f 28}, NAIT ComputerSystems Technology instructor and co-owner of the Mill CreekNet Zero Home. To get a handle on how much electricity you’re using – and what it costs –Nobert recommends a little device called The Energy Detective. “People who know theirconsumption cut back by 10 to 15 per cent, easily paying for this $150 gadget in about a year.”where to recycleelectronicsIn Canada, over a third of householdshave computers and other electronics that areno longer in use. If not disposed of properly,hazardous substances such as mercury, lead andcadmium could be released into the environment.In order to reduce e-waste in our landfills, variousorganizations offer reuse and recycling programs.albertarecycling.caTVs, computer accessories, monitors, printers,laptops and notebooks.call2recycle.orgCellphones and rechargeable batteries fromcordless electronics.eco-cell.orgCellphones, accessories and batteries collectedfor environmental fundraisers.edmonton.ca/reuseAll types of items still in good condition, to bedonated to groups and individuals.education.gov.ab.ca/cfsComputers to be refurbished for schools.era.caAll types of IT and electronics, excluding TVs andmicrowaves.recyclemycell.caCellphones, smartphones, wireless PDAs,batteries and pagers.recyclinghotline.ca or 1.800.463.6326Search by material to recycle. Lists all typesof products, including alkaline batteries and CDs/DVDs.Some manufacturers and retail outlets alsohave recycling programs for electronics andaccessories.– DiAne bégin-CrOFtv2.2 2009 11

TechnoFileThreat: Social engineeringThese schemes are designed to manipulate you into divulging personalinformation or performing certain actions. They range from the “Dearcustomer” email that appears to come from a bank or eBay, seekinglogin information and asking you to change your password, to a phonecall to convince you to give up certain information.The difficulty, says Empson, is that they look and sound real. “Asunbelievable as it sounds, people fall for it everyday,” Zabiuk says.“Hackers wouldn’t do it if it didn’t work.”Protect yourself“Your bank will never ask you for personal information in an email,”Empson says. Not sure if it’s legitimate? Call to ask. “If you’resuspicious about an email, don’t click on anything in the email.”Threat: TrojansNamed for the Trojan horse of Greek mythology, Trojans are harmfulprograms that can sneak undetected onto your computer along withmusic, video or software downloads. Once on your computer, they canperform malicious tasks, such as turning your computer into a server tosend spam or using your computer to store child pornography.Activities that put your computer at riskDownloading files – music, video or software – that you’d normally beexpected to pay for, can put your computer at risk. Want MicrosoftOffice, but don’t want to pay for the licence? Downloaded the movieDark Knight three days after it was released in theatres? “If it sounds toogood to be true, it probably is,” Empson says.Protect your computerDownload from trusted sites, including iTunes, Napster andBlockbuster. Pay for music, videos or software if you’d normally beexpected to. Aside from putting your computer at risk, downloadingitems for free, when you should be paying, is a violation ofcopyright law. Assess a company offering online services. Look foragreements with movie studios and record companies and knowwhat you’re paying for. If a company offers unlimited downloads ofthe latest movies for $11.95 a month, you’re still not paying for themovies, just the bandwidth for a better download, Zabiuk says.Network security experts JohnZabiuk and Scott Empson on howto protect your computer fromthe most common threats.Are you a Mac user?Think you're not at risk?THINK AGAIN.Sure, fewer attackers target Macs, but onlybecause, as a percentage of market share,there are fewer Macs than PCs, Zabiuk says.“If the business world ran on Macs, you’dsee a complete reversal of that.”Threat: Spyware“It’s legal in Canada and the U.S.,” says Zabiuk, and it allows companiesto track what you’re doing online, build up a profile and then sell thatinformation to advertisers. The least invasive programs track yourInternet searches, but others can collect your personal information,usernames and passwords. Symptoms of spyware include a barrageof pop-ups, a hijacked browser, random error messages and slowperformance.Activities that put your computer at riskLike Trojans, spyware can sneak onto your computer when youdownload music, videos or software from untrustworthy sites.Protect your computerUse anti-virus and anti-spyware software, as well as a firewall, andupdate them regularly. Update your operating system and webbrowser. Download software only from trusted sites – and don’tinstall software without knowing exactly what you’re getting.v2.2 2009 13

TechnoFilesimulationParamedicstudents taketurns performingdefibrillation andemergency airwayprocedures, andadministeringmedication ona state-of-theartpediatricmannequin during atraining exercise atthe NAIT pool.Poolside RESCUEStory byAnn MacKay-DrobotPhoto byJason NessThe small figure lies motionless on the pool deck,swimming cap out of kilter, wet trunks sagging on alifeless body. A frantic mother watches as a lifeguardperforms CPR. Moments later, a group of NAITParamedic students arrive to perform an emergencypediatric resuscitation. The patient appears to be a boyof about six; he started drowning after choking on acandy and has gone into cardiac arrest.He looks, feels and responds like a human boy – excepthe isn’t one. He’s a state-of-the-art pediatric mannequin– or patient simulator – used by NAIT’s School of HealthSciences and he has the potential to save real lives.Paramedic students take turns performing defibrillationand emergency airway procedures, and administeringmedication. After 20 minutes of treatment on the pooldeck, the ‘patient’ is transferred to hospital.Simulation-based learning is a hallmark of NAIT training.Norbert Werner, associate chair of clinical simulationwith the School of Health Sciences – and a veteranparamedic – says simulations are one of the safest, mosteffective ways to prepare students for the unpredictableworld of emergency patient care. The training is alsointerdisciplinary, bringing together the team that wouldrespond to a real-world emergency, from paramedicsto the NAIT pool’s actual lifeguard. “We’re creating animmersive learning environment and following the lead ofother high-risk, high-reliability occupations like aviation,”Werner says. “Simulation-based education adds thecrosswinds, turbulence and ice of the real world and thatoptimizes clinical performance and patient safety.”Second-year paramedic student Trevor Stephenson agrees.“It prepared us for the real thing. We could literally getvitals, do procedures . . . we intubated . . . did IV therapy.The mannequin does everything short of talk and walk.”Features of a medium-fidelity simulation mannequinPre-programmed or manually operated voiceAnatomically correctSupports advanced airway managementSupports electrocardiogram, medication and IV therapyRespirationVariable heart and lung sounds (wheezing, coughing)Additionalfeatures of ahigh-fidelity modelEyes open and closePupils respond to lightExpires carbon dioxide14 techlifemag.ca

BUSINESS LEADERSLIVE HERE.In-depth business knowledge – plus the enterpriseapplication software skills you’ll need to put thatknowledge to use on the job. That’s what youcan expect from NAIT’s Bachelor of BusinessAdministration.The BBA degree delivers lots you might not expect, too:a choice of five areas of focus, including Accounting,Finance, Marketing, Management, and HumanResource Management. And the flexibility to study howyou want – full-time, part-time or online.JR Shaw School of Business – where leaders learn.APPLY NOW.VISIT NAIT.CA/BBA OR CALL 780.471.8874.EDUCATION FOR THE REAL WORLDwww.nait.ca/citimproving profitsbegins with leadershipnait’s leadership development program is designed forbusiness and industry professionals who will be enteringleadership positions. these rising leaders will learn to thinkdifferently about their actions and behaviours, allowing them toface challenges and contribute to their organization’s bottomline. this intense and interactive 12 module program includeseverything from leadership fundamentals to team dynamics, andwill involve monthly assignments, project work and a final exam.Develop your future leaders. Call us today.ph 780.378.1230 or visit www.nait.ca/citcorporate andinternational trainingv2.2 2009 15

Innovate16 techlifemag.ca

Two years after EdmontonTransit started using thecrime-forecasting softwaredeveloped by Stephane Contré(seen here on the ChurchillStation LRT platform),reactive calls have dropped52 per cent and proactivecalls have risen 159 per cent.Story ByMichelle MarkPhoto byJason NessWeb ExtraWatch the announcement of thewinner of novaNAIT‘s inauguraltechnology and business ideascontest.techlifemag.ca/novanaitchallenge.htmAfter a group of oil company contractors narrowly escapeda hail of bullets on a quiet road in the heart of Africa,Stephane Contré knew he was on to something.A security advisor with EnCana from 2003 to 2005 in thecentral African country of Chad, Contré had warned workers not totravel the over 200-kilometre route between their headquarters inthe nation’s capital, N'Djamena, and their drilling site at Bongor, onweekday evenings because of repeated encounters with highwayrobbers. But that night, delayed by mechanical problems, a convoyof workers opted to push ahead rather than wait until morning. Itwas a decision that could have cost them their lives. About an hourinto the trip, they were ambushed by gun-wielding attackers whofired on the trucks; a bullet pierced the windshield of one truck,nearly hitting the driver.Tasked with analyzing crime data from that region, Contréwas already noticing a pattern unfold, so it was no surprise tohim when he heard about the harrowing ordeal. “As it worked out,the robberies were highly correlated with the times when localarmy soldiers were off-duty,” Contré recalls. “A distinctive patternemerged and it related to the time of day and day of week.”Recognizing that pattern led Contré to develop an innovativecrime-forecasting software program that’s now being used to keepEdmonton Transit riders safer – and which recently won novaNAIT’sinaugural technology and business ideas contest.Bringing his idea to fruition, however, posed many obstacles.He had no background in the programming language and softwareneeded to develop a platform for his unprecedented analysisapplication. He encountered numerous data quality issues. He alsolacked the skills necessary to commercialize the product. Contréhad a lot to learn. But he persevered.Today, the Daily Crime Forecast is being piloted by his currentemployer, Edmonton Transit System (ETS). The software analyzescrime data to identify patterns in criminal or suspicious activity andgenerates forecasts for when and where such activity is likely tohappen. And the results are staggering.Two years after the software was implemented, reactive callsdropped 52 per cent, while proactive calls rose 159 per cent.v2.2 2009 17

InnovateAs one ETS training officer says, the Daily Crime Forecastnot only curbs crime within the transit system, it is also a moralebooster for employees who are being deployed more effectively.“This allows us to focus our resources on where it’s most likely thatthings will happen and prevent those things from happening again,”Tana Vea says. “It’s like fishing with a fish finder. It tells you wherethings will happen and because you’re there, you see a positiveoutcome.”Contré says his idea for crime-forecasting software was bornnearly a decade ago when he was working as a cop in Ottawa.Officers were periodically given crime hot spot maps that lookedat where crime happened previously. “In a sense,” Contré says, “wewere always fighting yesterday's battle instead of anticipating whatwas going to occur today.”During his time in Africa, the pieces of the puzzle beganto come together – and with most nights spent confined to acompound because of security concerns, Contré, who has abachelor’s degree in civil engineering and no formal training incomputer programming, hunkered down and taught himself whathe needed to know to develop the Daily Crime Forecast. “Everynight I’d spend a couple of hours on my laptop reading and learningand programming. That’s how I was able to learn most of my skills.”Then came the issue of data quality. “Figuring out how to workwith imperfect data was quite a challenge, but I was able to workthrough that.”In fact, Contré developed 81 different algorithms, none of whichworked, before going back to the drawing board. “Finally, I just hadto step back and totally change the way I was working at the problem,”he says, adding that what he came up with took him in an entirely newdirection.Fast forward to 2008: with his software proven to work, and workwell, Contré was ready to commercialize it. The opportunity to help himdo just that landed in his mailbox last fall. A copy of techlife magazine,addressed to a previous resident, caught Contré’s eye with its offerof a chance to win $10,000 in services from novaNAIT, the institute’scentre for applied research and technology transfer. Contré entered theinaugural novaNAIT Technology Commercialization Challenge and won.Stuart Cullum, novaNAIT executive director, says picking Contré overthe other 35 applicants, including seven other finalists who pitched theirbusiness and technology ideas to a panel of judges, was difficult. “Whatwe liked about Stephane’s software was that it had a very clear andpractical application. It was already being used in a policing context andwas piloted within that context and it had reaped significant results.”The centre is now helping Contré commercialize the Daily CrimeForecast, as well as providing him access to its business incubator, theDuncan McNeill Centre for Innovation.Contré sees the potential for the Daily Crime Forecast as virtuallylimitless. For example, on a recent tour in Afghanistan, Contré (who isalso a reservist with a local military intelligence company) effectivelyapplied his model to roadside bombing situations. He envisions a daywhen, with the help of novaNAIT, his crime-forecasting software willbe used around the world by police and security agencies – even oilcompanies operating in dangerous territories – to keep people safer.GROUP HOME AND AUTO INSURANCE for members of NAIT Alumni AssociationPROTECTION MADE EASY...GROUP RATES MADE EASIER!As a member of NAIT Alumni Association, youcan SAVE on your home and auto insurance throughpreferred group rates, while enjoying high-qualityinsurance products and outstanding service.Request a quote and you couldInsurance programendorsed by:MelocheMonnex.com/nait1 866 352 6187(Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.)The TD Insurance Meloche Monnex home and auto insurance program is underwritten by SECURITY NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY and distributed by Meloche Monnex Insurance and Financial Services Inc.in Québec and by Meloche Monnex Financial Services Inc. in the rest of Canada.Due to provincial legislation, our auto insurance program is not offered in British Columbia, Manitoba or Saskatchewan.*No purchase required. Contest ends on January 16, 2010. Skill-testing question required. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. Complete contest rules available at MelocheMonnex.com.Meloche Monnex ® is a trade-mark of Meloche Monnex Inc.TD Insurance is a trade-mark of The Toronto-Dominion Bank, used under license.18 techlifemag.ca

innovateQ & Aour homE And nAtiveHugH SeATon TAlKS AbouT AppliedreSeArcH being done To Help induSTrymeeT new lAnd reclAmATionSTAndArdS.AlbertAthe boreal forest covers 60 per cent of Alberta andis a vital habitat for wildlife, as well as a majorcarbon sink and a source of economic opportunity.It is also the location of thousands of oil and gas wells,service roads and pipelines – the construction of whichhas led to the removal of vegetation and topsoil fromlarge areas within the forest.The novaNAIT Boreal Research Institute, locatedin Peace River, recently received a $1.47-million grantfrom the provincial government, through the nationalCommunity Development Trust, for research that willassist industry with reclamation. Techlife talked to HughSeaton, manager of the centre, about the forest andhow the research, which will involve NAIT students andaboriginal communities, will help industry adjust to newAlberta standards for land reclamation.The green band on the map denotes the boreal forestregion in Canada. (Base data for the Alberta mapprovided by spatial Data Warehouse. Copyright Alberta2009.) Above, a view of the boreal forest just outsideEdmonton.20 techlifemag.ca

Photo ByJASOn neSShigh defLand rec•la•ma•tion| ˡland ˡre-klǝ-ˡmā-shǝn | nounLAndLand reclamation is theprocess of restoring a sitethat has been degraded byindustrial activity to a statesimilar to its original condition.Alberta guidelines specifyreturning land to “a state ofequivalent capability,” with amixture of shrubs and treesto avoid the dominance ofa single species that couldimpede the diversity ofplants needed to restore afunctioning ecosystem.teChliFe:About one million hectares ofAlberta land have been affectedover the years by the energysector. Can you give us an idea ofthe amount of ongoing oil and gasactivity in Alberta’s boreal forest,and how great the need is forreclamation?hS:Currently in Alberta, about 20 percent of the land that needs to bereclaimed is being reclaimed, sothere’s a real need to acceleratethe rate of reclamation. There are176,053 wellsites in the borealforest region, representing 35per cent of the Alberta total. Ofthose, 79,991 or 45 per cent areabandoned. This is higher thanthe provincial rate, which is 35per cent, indicating a high needfor reclamation in the borealregion.teChliFe:How will the research you’redoing at the boreal centre helpthe oil and gas industry meet newgovernment regulations?hS:Alberta’s new reclamationstandard calls for two layers ofboreal plant species to reclaima site. That’s a greater challengethan the previous standard, whichwas a single grass cover. Ourresearch team has a forestrybackground and can bring thatknowledge to the oil and gassector.teChliFe:Can you describe some of theresearch you plan to conduct withthe $1.47-million grant?hS:Our research is going to bevery applied. We’ll be settingup operational trials in differentecosystems – in wetland,upland and mixed-wood sites.We’ll be looking at differentplanting regimes, different soilamendments and differentsilviculture practices. We’ll havedemonstration sites, where wetake a wellsite and break it upinto different areas and give itdifferent treatments. We’ll also belooking at a collection of borealseeds and plants. We have ageneticist on contract scopingaround for priority shrubs tomake available to industry forreclamation. We want to developmanuals on best practices andmake them available to industry.teChliFe:Will this research haveimplications for reclamation in theboreal forest outside the Peacedistrict, including the oilsands,and even outside Alberta?hS:Our focus is on conventionalwellsites and other industrialareas outside of the oilsands.Having said that, we see apotential connection to theoilsands in the area of revegetation.Once the soil isstabilized, then re-establishingthe plant community is similarno matter where you are in theforested area. The other areaswhere we see crossover are inbest practices and education.– miKe SADAvAv2.2 2009 21

Supportingeducational &environmentalprogramsthat helpto ProtectTomorrow.Today– one of theways we’recontributingto Canada’sfutureAs a responsible energysupplier, we supportthe developmentof innovativeprograms thatengage theenvironmentalawareness ofCanadians.We work withorganizationsthat advanceeducation,conservation andunderstanding inthe areas of air, land,water and energy.www.imperialoil.ca/giving

AsK An expertinnovate> [From ideATo mArKetpLAce]stUArt cULLUm, executive director of novanAit,the institute’s centre for applied research andtechnology transfer, explains the three principlesinnovators need to consider when developing aproduct or service.> [PrinCiPle 1: mArKet unDerStAnDing]Most entrepreneurs or inventors are creative. They havestrong technical abilities and can build almost anything. Whatthey often lack is an understanding of the marketplace. Evensomething completely novel won’t necessarily sell.WhAT CANnovaNAITDO fOr yOu?execuTiVe direcTorSTuArT cullum explAinS.1. DO yOu hAve A prODuCt OrServiCe yOu’D liKe tO DevelOp?We can assess your idea and providetechnical and business developmentexpertise.2. Are yOu intereSteD inCOnDuCting ApplieD reSeArCh?We can assess and develop yourproposal and help find the resources –the people and the facilities – neededto conduct applied research.3. Are yOu An eArly-StAgeteChnOlOgy bASeD COmpAny?Our Duncan McNeill Centre forInnovation offers incubation servicesthat can help your business become aviable, sustainable venture.4. WhAt OppOrtunitieS exiSttO preSent yOur COnCept tOnOvAnAit?We have an open-door policy forpeople pitching applied researchand innovative ideas. In addition, theHATCH competition and the novaNAITTechnology CommercializationChallenge provide opportunitiesfor support to NAIT students, staff,alumni and Edmonton-area innovators.Visit our website at novanait.cafor information about upcomingcompetitions.5. WhAt FunDing iS AvAilAble tOhelp pAy FOr nOvAnAit ServiCeS?We can help determine which internalor external applied research andenterprise development fundingprograms are appropriate. For instance,programs such as the novaNAITPrototype Development Programand the Government of Alberta’sInnovation Voucher Pilot Program(novaNAIT is a service provider) allowentrepreneurs and companies toaccess government dollars to advancetheir product or service.learn more at novanait.ca.“New Coke,” introduced in 1985, is a famous example of aproduct innovation where the market was not well understood:Coke drinkers had an emotional attachment to the 99-year-oldtaste and panned the new soft drink. Two-and-a-half monthslater, the company brought back the much loved Coca-ColaClassic. Fortunately, Coca-Cola was large enough to withstandthe cost of repositioning. Most start-ups wouldn’t have theresources to recover.Understanding whether a product or service will sell, to whom,in what form, for how much and what it will compete againstwill help determine whether an idea has sufficient commercialvalue.> [PrinCiPle 2: plAnning]Too often entrepreneurs forge ahead on the technicaldevelopment of their ideas without first considering what isrequired to develop viable business opportunities. Businessplanning is important; even more important is the processand strategic thinking involved in building the plan. Taking anidea to market requires a lot of money – likely more than mostinventors have. Entrepreneurs who can demonstrate the marketopportunity and the plan to succeed will find others willing toinvest in their passion.> [PrinCiPle 3: peOple]I have found the old adage to be true: investors will put theirmoney in a B-grade idea with an A-grade team before anA-grade idea with a B-grade team. Innovators need to thinkabout the skills that will complement theirs and when thoseskills will be required.v2.2 2009 23

greenscapeZootopiaWith the goal of minimizing the zoo’s environmentalfootprint, the team is exploring ways the zoo can reduceenergy consumption and waste. In addition, they aredeveloping a purchasing policy for greener alternativesin horticultural, cleaning and visitor-service products.The students will also be helping the zoo develop ideasfor promoting environmental awareness among bothvisitors and staff. “The zoo wants to teach people, notjust show them,” says Potts.“We’re already working on a lot of environmentalissues,” says Dean Treichel, Valley Zoo operationsA TEAM Of sTuDENTs Is hELPING ThE EDMONTON ZOO rEDuCE ITsENvIrONMENTAL fOOTPrINT, sTArTING WITh ThE ENErGy-INEffICIENTBuILDING ThAT PrOvIDEs WINTEr hOusING TO sKuNKs AND OWLs,AMONG OThEr CrEATurEs.Story ByKAthy FrAzerPhotoS ByJASOn neSS AnDAmy bizOvieSurprising fact: Edmonton’s Valley Zoo has aphysical footprint almost as big as the famed San DiegoZoo. Although the Valley Zoo may not have the numberof animals, traffic or global reputation of its Californiacounterpart, it shares the concern of many zoosworldwide: making operations more sustainable.Providing some help in that regard is a team offour students from NAIT’s Bachelor of Technology inTechnology Management (BTech) program: alums BradPotts and Tyler Mercier, who hold Civil EngineeringTechnology and Chemical Engineering Technologydiplomas, respectively; Atiqur Rehman, who has amechanical technologies diploma from Pakistan; andSaid Darras, who has an agriculture degree from Jordan.They are completing their capstone project, a twosemestercourse that addresses a specific real-worldchallenge faced by an industry partner.supervisor. “But having the student team here givesus an opportunity to zero in on one or two specificinitiatives, and really push those forward.”To keep the scope of their project from becomingtoo ambitious, the team is focusing on a key building:the Old Winter Quarters. Built in the early 1960s withtypical ‘60s technology, it provides housing for a varietyof creatures whose usual zoo habitats are unsuitablefor year-round use, as well as other animals used foreducational purposes. Tropical birds, waterfowl, birdsof prey and small mammals like skunks and meerkatsall make a noisy home in this building, with its flat-roofdesign, low R-value insulation and energy-inefficientwindows.“We’re definitely looking at practical solutions,” saysDarras, “and the nature of dealing with animals has tobe factored in. A change you could make at home mightnot work in a zoo situation.”The Edmonton zoo’s Old Winterquarters (immediate right) providesseasonal housing for the skunk (above)and owl (centre right). It’s also thesubject of a BTech capstone projecton reducing energy consumption andwaste being undertaken by (far right,from left) Brad Potts, Atiq rehman,said Darras and Tyler Mercier, seenwith zoo veterinarian Dr. Milton Ness(in the centre).24 techlifemag.ca

BTech: The degree with a differenceSpring 2009 will welcome the first-ever graduating class from NAIT’s Bachelor of Technology inTechnology Management (BTech) program. Launched in 2007, the BTech is unique in Alberta.BTech students enter with a diploma in an applied science, health science or engineeringtechnology field and study for two years, adding managerial skills, critical thinking abilities andresearch experience to their industry-focused technical knowledge.The degree winds up with a capstone project, in which teams of students work with industrypartners on an identified problem or opportunity.The capstone teams are deliberately made up of students with diverse backgrounds. Not only doesthis reflect what they’ll experience in the workforce, it provides differing perspectives on a problem,often leading to a better solution. Plus, says Joe Varughese, BTech program chair, “Students learnthat others are depending on them to be subject experts. They find out fast that ‘I don’t know’ isn’tan acceptable response.”www.nait.ca/btechv2.2 2009 25

NAITSpacesARENAA $200,000 retrofit tothe arena has reducedelectricity consumptionby 40 per cent, preventinggreenhouse gas emissionsequivalent to removing97 cars from the road.GREAT save!26 techlifemag.ca

The Ooks women’s, men’s and alumniteams hit the ice in December tosupport the Kids with Cancer Society.The six teams, sponsored by membersof the Edmonton business community,raised $12,729 during the secondannual NAIT Ooks Stick it to Cancerfundraiser.Photo byjason NessThe NAIT arena has scored big energy savings and better iceconditions thanks to a recent retrofit.The installation of high-efficiency T5HO fluorescent lamps and alow-emissivity ceiling have a net annual electricity savings of 40per cent, while cutting annual carbon dioxide emissions by 530tonnes – equivalent to removing 97 cars from the road for a year.Retrofits to the 35-year-old arena cost $200,000, with an expectedpayback within less than four years.Between 70 and 90 per cent of the energy input into the arena’sold mercury vapour lights dissipated as heat, and between 92 and95 per cent of the electricity used to power the old incandescentlamps was lost as heat, says Dennis Gibeau, NAIT’s manager ofenergy management.Not only are the new lights more efficient, but when combinedwith the reflective properties of the new ceiling, they also eliminateshadows on the ice. “I can see the puck quite a bit better,” saysdefenceman Nick Stermer, a second-year Personal Fitness Trainerstudent. “It’s helped me put the puck in the net,” adds right-wingerChad Richmond, a third-year Finance student.The low-emissivity ceiling, meanwhile, reduces heat transferbetween the warmer ceiling and the colder ice surface – and thatmeans the rink’s refrigeration system doesn’t have to work as hard.Before the ceiling was installed, both compressors often ran 24hours a day; now, just one compressor can maintain the ice.“I skate on it myself and I see a difference,” says arena programmerTerry Baumgartner. “It’s not as soft.”Though at times, he adds, the ice can be too cold. Gibeau, however,is stick-handling a fix for that – an infrared sensor that measuresthe temperature of the ice, rather than the brine, will provide moreprecise temperature control.– kristen Vernonv2.2 2009 27

CoverStoryHow one Edmonton family’scommitment to an energy-frugallife inspired their dream home."Open up! Open up!” Standing on the doorstep, I hear the pint-sized bundle of energyeven before I see it, as five-year-old Luc struggles with a door stuck tight by a Januarythaw-freeze cycle.Inside, the excitement continues. “We’re going to watch a movie!” Luc exclaims,bouncing backward onto the couch in glee. He’s clutching Ice Age, a title whose ironystrikes only later as I reflect on the spectre propelling his parents’ journey: global warming.For Luc and his three-year-old brother Jacob, watching a movie is an event. So is ridingin a car. And if the rack of half-dry clothes in the corner of the living room is any indication,the clothes dryer is as foreign to them as the army of dodos they’re about to meet in themovie.And that’s not all. Before year end, the two boys and their parents, Conrad Nobertand Rechel Amores, will be living in what aims to be Alberta’s first-ever LEED Platinumcertified residential building – and Edmonton’s second net zero energy house, a structuredesigned to produce at least as much energy as it consumes over the course of a year.As the kids settle into their parents’ bedroom with Ice Age, Nobert takes me for a tourof what’s becoming known as the Mill Creek Net Zero Home. Just down the street from thefamily’s current abode, it’s framed and wired, but still a skeleton – albeit with a beautiful firbeam above the front porch, rescued from a liquor store.“What about this house makes it net zero?” I ask, and Nobert is off and running. In twodays he’ll be describing how this house is put together at the Telus World of Science, so it’sall fresh in his head. Sixteen inches of insulation. A seal so tight that all the cracks add upto no more than a dessert plate. Large south-facing windows. Cement flooring to augmentthermal mass.“Insulation is boring, right?” he says, wondering for a moment whether it makes forgood reading. “People want to put solar panels up before they even seal their house.” Yetthe more complex parts of this house would make little sense without superior insulationand a painstaking seal.Story ByCheryl MahaffyPhotos byamy bizovie,leigh freyand jason nessConrad Nobert andRechel Amores with theirsons, Jacob and Luc. Thefamily will soon be livingin a house that producesas much energy as itconsumes over the courseof a year.28 techlifemag.ca

v2.2 2009 29

CoverStoryAbove, Luc plays on a widewindow ledge made possibleby 16-inch walls filled withcellulose fibre insulation, adesign feature that cutsheat loss by more thanone-third over conventionalconstruction.Right, the Nobert-Amoresfamily relaxes in lightflooding in through a largesouth-facing window;passive solar will provide54 per cent of the net zerohome’s annual heatingrequirements.That said, the design also demonstrates that a dashof complexity can amplify the impact of the mundane.Take window awnings. They’re standard issue in energyefficienthouses, but because the sun’s angle shifts fromseason to season, placement is always a compromise.The awnings envisioned for this house will not onlyincorporate photovoltaic cells, but flex to maximize thesun’s rays. (Exactly how those awnings will move hasyet to be designed, a fact that makes Amores nervous.Nobert, always the can-do, is optimistic about thehomebuilder’s proposal for accomplishing this.)There’s a premium to be paid for such innovations.About $75,000 of the house’s $550,000 price tag canbe attributed to the net zero design. “The first $20,000gave us 85 per cent of the benefit,” Nobert says. “It'sonly because of our level of dedication that we spentthe extra $55,000. My point being, every new houseshould spend that first $20,000.”A grey water system that will collect water fromthe home’s three showers to flush toilets is adding$3,500 while saving about $60 a year. Solar panelswill cost $40,000 while returning about $800 a year.Personal values rather than anticipated paybacks drivesuch decisions, Nobert readily admits. “But peopledon’t question the $40,000 they put down on a Sierra.What’s the payback on your car?”On the flip side, being green will rack up savings. Forstarters, there’s no furnace. None. Baseboard heaterswill fill in any heating gaps. That alone will save morethan $9,000. The family will use so little natural gasthat it makes no sense to connect to gas lines, savingmore than $350 a year while adding self-sufficiency.The house will be on the electrical grid, but is designedto feed more electricity back than it consumes. Thus:net zero. “Green can be more expensive, but sometimesit will save money if you do it right – if you push it farenough,” Nobert says.Theirs will also be a flex house, another conceptthat captures the imagination. Many families shift fromhouse to condo as they age, Nobert notes. “But our planis to create our condo right here. We’re using a lot ofenergy to build this house in the first place. We want itto be able to work for us as long as possible.”Already, the home is plumbed and wired to allowa self-contained suite upstairs. The main floor will bebarrier free, with a fully accessible bathroom.The motley crew of Ice Age animals has experiencedmany adventures by the time we rejoin Amores and theboys in the family’s current home. “It’s boiling in here.You turned up the heat, didn’t you?” Nobert observes30 techlifemag.ca

mildly, and there’s reason to believe he’s right.Amores cradles a magic bag to warm her hands;originally from the Philippines, she’s no fan of the cold.Hearing that, I’m all the more impressed by her abilityto flex with what some partners might dismiss out ofhand as an obsession with green.Truth be told, Nobert’s youth held signs of his pathto come. Growing up near Spruce Grove, he was thesort who’d rally friends to pick up roadside garbage. “Myparents were never big consumers,” he says. “Both livedclose to the land as kids, growing up on farms. I think Ijust picked up their values and ran with them.””Green can be more expensive, but sometimes itwill save money... if you push it far enough.”– conrad nobertAbove left, the Mill CreekNet Zero Home will have35 solar panels, making itone of Edmonton’s largestresidential systems. Above,the fir beam above the frontporch was rescued from aliquor store.The two met at the University of Alberta in the early’90s, where Nobert graduated from computer science(1999) and Amores earned a zoology degree (1993)and an environmental science degree (1995) beforecompleting NAIT’s Computer Systems Technologyprogram in 1999. Married that same year, each beganworking for NAIT soon after: Nobert as a computerprogramming instructor, Amores as a systems analyst.“We were different people back then,” Amoresrecalls. “It’s funny because I did study in theenvironmental science program, but we didn’t talk aboutliving a different way. We were young and foolish – andthought we were invincible.”Theirs has been a meandering journey with stopsand starts, yet always trending toward green. Theyno longer eat meat (other than seafood), shop locally,compost, garden – and of course, hang dry.For a while, Nobert ran a Volkswagen Jetta onbiofuel concocted in his garage from waste restaurantoil. But that proved time-consuming. What’s more, heknew that a widespread shift to biofuel would quicklyoutstrip the waste oil supply and require newly growncrops, in his mind “an expensive, topsoil-destroyingboondoggle.”home tourTour the Mill Creek Net ZeroHome on June 6, 2009 aspart of the Eco Solar HomeTour (ecosolar.ca). Watchfor other upcoming tours atgreenedmonton.ca.v2.2 2009 31

CoverStoryHIGH defLEED | ˡlēd | abbreviation - Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design is aninternationally accepted building rating system that provides benchmarks, standards andcertification for environmentally sustainable construction. In Canada, the rating system hasbeen tailored for Canadian climates, construction practices and regulations.Net zero | ³net ˡzē-(ˡ)rō | adjective - produces as much energy as it consumes onan annual basis. | noun - such a state.Green-collar | ˡgrēn ‒ ˡkä-lǝr | adjective - Describes the type of job that,according to a United Nations Environment Programme report, not only contributes topreserving or restoring the environment, but has adequate wages, safe working conditionsand worker rights. Green-collar jobs can be found in a variety of fields, from plumbing andelectrical to engineering and architecture to administration, marketing and retail.Above, seen from the rear,the more complex parts ofthis house, including solarpanels, would make littlesense without the superiorinsulation and seal.Then, in July 2007, the family went car-free. “Wedebated it, believe me,” Amores says. “But Conrad said,‘Let’s just try it, and the second you want a car, we canbuy one.’ So I thought it’s not forever.”Other than the occasional rental car, cycling fills inthe transportation gaps, winter as well as summer. “Icall it my zero-minute commute,” Nobert says. “I couldbe putting in an hour in the gym; instead, I hop on mybike and appear at home with my workout done.”Being car free, coupled with the fact that bothparents work three days a week, applies welcomecounterbalance in a go-go-go culture, Amores says.“We’ve slowed down because we can’t go fast.”What’s more, they’re saving $25,000 by notbuilding a garage behind their net zero home.The journey to net zero had a detour of its own. Backin 2000, the couple hoped to live an energy-frugal lifein the 1954 raised bungalow we’re sitting in now. After$25,000 in energy efficiency improvements, the homeproved markedly snugger but no more energy efficientthan a standard new house. “And so we realized that, toget as far as we wanted to go, we would have to startfrom scratch,” Nobert says.In 2005, they bought a 100-year-old house twodoors away, thinking they’d rent it out for a decade, thentear it down and build an energy miser. Escalating realestate prices prompted Nobert to dream of speeding upthe timeline, and the dream grew legs when he caughtwind of plans to build a net zero home in Edmontonwith a team involving designer and homebuilder PeterAmerongen of Habitat Studio & Workshop. WhenAmerongen said they already had a lot in Riverdale forthe net zero house, Nobert had a comeback: “Then wewant to be next.”It meant a wait, but that gave Nobert time todeconstruct the old house. He saved Douglas fir andmaple flooring for the new home. He saved windows foruse as cold frames. He knocked out dozens of 2x4s witha sledge hammer, until tendonitis forced him to call ahalt. By July 30, 2008, when the bulldozer came in, thehouse was little more than wood and plaster.Now Net Zero Two is taking shape underAmerongen’s watchful eye. “We’re very much on thesame page,” the homebuilder says. “In fact, if anything,they’re pushing me to go further, probably more thananyone else has ever done. I didn’t think it was possibleto get to net zero on that site without being impractical,but Conrad wouldn’t let go.”Not that there weren’t compromises. Nobert’sdesire to use a composting toilet, for example, fell preyto cost, round-the-clock venting needs and predictionsof an occasional invasion of flies. “We’re prettydedicated,” Amores says. “But flies in the bathroom?”There’s no doubt Nobert and Amores hope theirnet zero home will help spur a massive migration togreen. Nobert has become somewhat of an evangelistfor the cause, giving speeches, submitting to interviewsand tracking the home’s construction on his website,greenedmonton.ca. Beyond building with care, thecouple is determined to use this home in a way thatproves we can reduce our dependency on fossil fuels.That’s what it will take, they believe, to leave Luc andJacob a world in which life can survive.“Conventional thinking was that natural gas is prettycheap, so it doesn’t make sense to do what we’re doing,”Nobert says. “That thinking is what we’re trying to turnon its head.”Not to outrun an ice age, but to stop global warmingin its tracks.32 techlifemag.ca

8Zero inGET INsIDE ThE hOusEThAT WILL PrODuCEAs MuCh ENErGy AsIT CONsuMEs OvErThE COursE OfA yEAr.3571246910,591 kWh Estimated total amountof energy neededannually for heating, hotwater and appliancesbetWeen8,000 AnD8,500 kWhAmount of energy thesolar electric system willgenerate annually2,500 kWh Amount of energythe solar hot watercollectors will produceannuallyrear view of the millCreek net zero home.DESiGn ByhAbitAt StuDiO &WOrKShOp ltD.illuStration ByDereK lue1 16-inch walls are filledwith cellulose fibreinsulation made fromrecycled newspaper,cutting total heat lossby more than onethirdover conventionalconstruction; six-inchwalls are fitted withbatts of insulationin traditionalconstruction.2 Large south-facingwindows, coupledwith interior concretefloors that absorb heatduring the day andthen release it duringthe evening, provide54 per cent of thehome’s annual heatingrequirements.3 The 6-kW solarelectric system, with 12photovoltaic moduleson the roof and 10 oneach solar awning, willbe one of Edmonton’slargest residentialsystems when fullyinstalled.4 Solar awnings willbe moved seasonallyto orient the solarmodules towards thesun for maximumelectricity productionand to shade thewindows in thesummer.5 Solar hot watercollectors provide90 per cent of thehome’s annual hotwater consumption.The remainder isproduced by electricity.6 Interior wood trim andexposed beams wererecycled from localsources, including thehouse that once stoodwhere this one is beingbuilt.7 A grey water collectionsystem flushes toiletswith shower water.Water-efficientplumbing fixturesand toilets will savethe equivalent of734 bathtubs a yearof water comparedto a new home withfixtures that meetEdmonton’s new waterefficientfixtures bylaw.8 A locally manufacturedlight pipe – a tube thatpipes sunlight intothe room – providesdaylight to thewindowless secondfloorbathroom.9 A selection of the mostefficient appliances,plus the decision tohang-dry clothesinstead of using adryer, will reduceelectricity use by 50per cent over that of atypical new home.v2.2 2009 33

CoverStoryAbove, the push to net zero hasprovided a welcome challenge for(from left) Mike Paul, journeymanplumber and gasfitter-first class;Paul Whincup, architecturaltechnologist; and Bernie Schaloske,journeyman carpenter.Story ByCheryl MahaffyPhoto byJason Ness34 techlifemag.ca

Mike PaulPlumbing isn’t the first placeyou’d expect to find beauty orforward thinking in a home. Butcontractors working with MikePaul of Up-To-Code Mechanicalexpect the unexpected.Take the solar thermal systemPaul installed in Edmonton’s firstnet zero house. “It’s not onlyfunctional, but it looks wonderful,”homebuilder Peter Amerongensays. “We had mechanical,chemical, electrical and structuralengineers working this out, andhe was sitting at the table withthese guys, very familiar notonly with plumbing conceptsand flows, but with the physicsnecessary to make this work.”Paul began a plumbingapprenticeship on the reboundafter partying through two yearsat the University of Alberta andlosing his spot in forestry. “At firstI wasn’t totally set on plumbing asa career,” he recalls. “But as soonas I entered NAIT and started tolearn more about the codes andthe trade, I was hooked.”Launching Up-To-CodeMechanical in boom time 2003,Paul now employs 11 and is stillrunning to keep up, despite globalshifts in fortunes.It’s a tribute to his curiosity aboutwhat’s coming next, says BernieSchaloske. “Demand hot waterheaters, solar hot water collectors– those are challenges that floathis boat.”Paul WhincupIt’s not every high schoolstudent who studies homelottery flyers for fun. PaulWhincup did, mentallymanipulating the blueprintsbehind those dream homes.Immediately after high school,Whincup joined Habitat Studio &Workshop as a jobsite labourer.Still intrigued by the bones of aplace, he enrolled in ArchitecturalTechnology at NAIT whilecontinuing to work part time.Graduating in 2007, he tradedthe hammer for such electronicdesign tools as AutoCAD andSketchUp. Study any plansfor a house designed by PeterAmerongen, and chancesare you’re seeing Whincup’sdraftsmanship.Like most Amerongen homes, NetZero Two took shape in SketchUp,a 3-D Google application thatenables clients to envision andeven adjust the design. Whincupthen transferred the design toAutoCAD for a 2-D perspectivethat details the building’s skeletonand circulatory systems. The pushto net zero added a welcomechallenge as he plotted out greywater systems, moveable awningsand more.A 3-D vision of Whincup’s ownfuture includes a possible degreein architecture, although he’sloath to leave a job that offersdaily education. What’s certainis that the place he’ll somedaydesign for himself will bekilojoules more efficient than thedream homes of his youth.the plumber, the draftsman, The carpenter –these three are among the dozen or so NAIT alumniand apprentices constructing the mill creek netzero energy house.Bernie SchaloskeWhile others in carpentry classwere building stairs, BernieSchaloske and a classmate builttwo half-scale models of the wallsystem that makes the Riverdaleand Mill Creek net zero homeswarm and airtight. One modelserves as a teaching tool at NAIT;the other is on display at theRiverdale Net Zero Duplex, whereSchaloske discovered his callingafter decades of occupationalmeandering.Born into a broiler-raising broodin B.C., Schaloske traded sunnyShuswap for Edmonton in 1995after his family sold the farm.Stints in market gardening andpharmaceutical inventory werefollowed by symphony marketing,which connected him with thecity’s musical community and withhis life mate, but not with a career.He got closer after addinglandscaping and masonry tohis resumé. But it wasn’t untilthe father-to-be, who enjoyedrenovating his first home, decidedhe needed year-round workthat he signed on as a finishingcarpenter and entered NAIT’sMillwork and Carpentry program.“I learned very, very quickly thatthere’s a lot more to a carpentryticket than I was ever going tolearn by doing a ton of baseboardsand window casings,” Schaloskerecalls. So when a classmate ravedabout the diversity at HabitatStudio & Workshop, he knockedon the custom builder’s door.A journeyman since February2008, Schaloske is among thedozen or so NAIT graduates andapprentices building the MillCreek Net Zero Home. “If there’sone disappointment, it is that Icould have figured this out a lotsooner,” he says. “The consolationis that it’s been a very, veryinteresting ride.”v2.2 2009 35

CoverStoryillustration byandrea yuryHere are some quick fixes you can make to reduce energy and water consumption.[1]Toilets: Older toilets can use as muchas 20 litres of water compared to thesix litres or less for a $100-$250 lowflushtoilet.[2]Shower heads: Showers account for66 per cent of hot water consumptionand 22 per cent of total water use in atypical home. Ranging from $8-$90, anenergy-efficient shower head uses up to35 per cent less hot water, saving about$65 on your natural gas bill.[3]Programmable thermostats:Premium-efficiency models cost about$100. For every one degree Celsiusyou lower the house temperature for aminimum of eight hours, you can expectto save two per cent on your heating bill.[4]Heating: A furnace accounts for 60per cent of the total energy used in ahome. A high-efficiency furnace costsabout $5,000 and can save 35 per centon heating bills.[5]Air leaks: Air leaking from gaps underdoors and around windows and throughfoundation cracks and unsealed fixturesaccounts for 25 to 40 per cent of theheat lost in older homes. An investmentin weatherstripping and caulking, whichcan cost $100 to more than $1,000,can save hundreds of dollars in yearlyheating costs.[6]Ventilating fans: Energy-efficientrange hood and bathroom fans canuse up to 65 per cent less energy thanstandard models.[7]Ceiling fans: Energy-efficient fanscan move air up to 20 per cent moreefficiently than standard fans. Save evenmore with an energy-efficient lighting kit.[8]Lighting: Compact fluorescentlight bulbs cost about $3 each anduse up to 75 per cent less electricitythan incandescent bulbs, paying forthemselves in about five months.Get more informationon energy efficiencyimprovementsfor your home• greenalberta.ca• green.cbc.ca• co2re.ca• edmonton.ca/ecovision• powerwise.ca– Diane Bégin-Croft36 techlifemag.ca

Onepart fresh.Four partsrecycled.Water is essential to the production of our highquality product Syncrude Sweet Blend. Since ouroperation began we’ve found ways to use and reusewater so that our dependence on fresh water isminimized. Through technology we’ve developed,about 80 percent of the water we use is recycledand our overall water usage is less than half the oilsands industry average. And we continue to searchfor even more efficient ways. That’s why we’ve beenindustry leaders from the beginning—innovating inwater conservation and all areas of oil sandsdevelopment. Go to syncrude.com to find out how.The Syncrude Project is a joint venture operated by Syncrude Canada Ltd. and owned by Canadian Oil Sands Limited, Conoco-Phillips Oil Sand Partnership II, Imperial Oil Resources, MocalEnergy Limited, Murphy Oil Company Ltd., Nexen Oil Sands Partnership, and Petro-Canada Oil and Gas.

NAITSpacesPeoplefireplacesENTREPRENEURN 53 32.223W 113 31.046Kate Zmurchyk models the Beautiful Lady Tree T-shirt (graphic onopposite page). Located at 114 Street and 99 Avenue along the top ofthe river valley bank in Edmonton, this is the tree that started Earth’sRevolution clothing company.38 techlifemag.ca

PeoplealumnusThe view from the ridge is worth the climb; it’s likestanding at the lip of a volcano.…Smoke boils upin a dense grey column. Flames glow orange, likeglimpses of flowing lava. The canyon is a perfect chimneyup the side of the mountain. There’s no way we’re gettingin front of that.You can almost feel the heat and smell the acridsmoke of a raging forest fire when you read OneCareless Moment, Dave Hugelschaffer’s latest novel.Hugelschaffer’s protagonist, Porter Cassel, is awildfire investigator who tends to skirt the lines ofauthority but always solves the mystery and gets hisarsonist. While the novels have been compared to thepopular CSI television series, Cassel has been calledthe “Dirty Harry” Callahan of forest fire investigators.It’s no accident that Hugelschaffer’s literary work,which is unique in its subject matter, accurately depictsthe work of a fire sleuth and the makings of a forestfire. Forestry has been his career for 20 years, both inthe private sector and the provincial forest service –including many summers fighting fires, starting whenhe was a NAIT student (Forest Technology '89) –although he hasn’t fought a fire for five years.Bear Lake, in a home he shares with his wife Cindy, fourchildren, a guinea pig, rabbit, chameleon, fish and asmall mop of a dog, Hugelschaffer says firefighting isa dangerous business, but one he misses and hopes toreturn to.“There’s a certain amount of excitement – you neverknow what you’re going to find. You’re going to anunpredictable event, but you’re also well-trained. It’sexcitement mixed with dread and anticipation.”He’s had his share of close calls.He was in a helicopter when the pilot brought thechopper so close to a power pole that the rotors clippedoff transformers. He was forced to jump into a sloughto escape flames after the wind unexpectedly picked upand drove a fire towards him before the water pumpscould be set up. And, sadly, he has lost friends, forestrangers who died in helicopter and plane crashes in theline of duty.But his novels are not just based on personalexperience. He has done extensive research,interviewing coroners, arson and explosives expertsfrom the RCMP, and top American fire investigators.His books are so exact in outlining procedure that theyStory ByMike SadavaPhotos byJason NessRight, Hugelschaffer’slove of outdooradventures provideshim with authenticcontent for hisburgeoning careeras a crime writer.The relationshipbetween forest firesand crimes such asmurder is central tothe plot lines of hisnovels.”Little kids say they want to grow up to be a forestranger or a firefighter, and I did both.”– dave hugelschafferHugelschaffer has been in the thick of fires thatcovered an area roughly twice the size of Prince EdwardIsland. He has been on initial attack crews, headingout in a helicopter minutes after the fire is reported, tobe the eyes and ears of the dispatchers who send outequipment and firefighters. He has been with the firstpeople on the ground to start setting up the battle lines.He has also investigated several fires.In Careless, Hugelschaffer describes what it’s like toapproach a fire.Up ahead the road forks, and a small brown sign pointsthe way to Blood Creek. We rattle over more washboard,then start uphill on a steep, winding grade. The trees – bigponderosa thick with fir understory – are so close to theedge of the road it seems the forest might slap together likea giant vise, trapping us.I hope the fire isn’t burning in the same type of fuel.Relaxing in the rolling Alberta countryside nearhave been handed out to students by a trainer of fireinvestigators.From his work and his research, Hugelschafferhas discovered that fires are often used to mask othercrimes such as murder. This relationship, and solvingthose mysteries, is central to his plot lines.It may seem unlikely that an Alberta forestermanages to get his books printed by a Torontopublishing company that includes the likes of Nino Ricciand Marie-Claire Blais in its stable of writers. MarcCôté, publisher of Cormorant Books, says the companyreceives up to a thousand submissions a year, but it’s nomystery why Hugelschaffer’s unsolicited work buckedthe odds: “They’re just really good stories. You have aninteresting character; you’re inside his head; you hearhis voice and you want to spend time with him.”Côté won’t say how many Hugelschaffer novelshave been sold, but they’re successful enough thatCormorant will continue the series.42 techlifemag.ca

Author Dave Hugelschaffer draws from his experienceas a firefighter and forester to write a compellingCSI-style fiction series.v2.2 2009 43

People f alumnusWIN autographedcopies of day intonight and onecareless momentAuthor Dave Hugelschaffersays little kids want to growup to be a forest ranger or afirefighter – and he did both.When you were a child, whatdid you want to grow up tobe? Tell us and we’ll enter yourname into a draw for one ofthree sets of Hugelschaffer’snovels – Day into Night andOne Careless Moment.Send 200 words or less toeditor@techlifemag.ca byJuly 15, 2009."They’re just really good stories. You have aninteresting character; you’re inside his head; youhear his voice and you want to spend time with him.”– Marc Côté, publisher, Cormorant BooksAbove, novelist DaveHugelschaffer in thecabin he built on hisparent’s propertyin rural Alberta. Hisprotagonist, PorterCassel, is a wildfireinvestigator whoskirts the lines ofauthority, but alwayssolves the mysteryand gets his arsonist.Web ExtraRead the first chapter ofOne Careless Moment andwatch the video trailer forthe book.davehugelschaffer.comHugelschaffer started writing when he was about 16,mainly because he was a voracious reader. A farm boyfrom near Bon Accord, his interest in outdoor activitiestook up his time and he didn’t get serious about writinguntil five years later, with his first forest service postingin Fort Chipewyan. He had no takers for his first threenovels – one a science fiction novel, the other two hedescribes as serious works with ecological themes.Success in getting his work published didn’t come untilhe started the Porter Cassel series.“There wasn’t a moment, but a gradual realizationthat no matter how much you like to write for variousreasons, if you’re going to have success you have towrite something that people want to read. You have toconvince (a publisher) to invest money in you, that youhave a product they can sell.”Despite his growing literary success, Hugelschafferhas no plans to quit his day job at the SustainableResource Department office in Edson, where he countsamong his successes a Premier’s Award of Excellencefor his innovative work with the Integrated LandManagement team, which co-ordinates activities ofthe forestry and energy sectors to reduce their totalenvironmental impact.He has always loved outdoor pursuits, such ascanoeing and running sled dogs – even spending time inthe bush as a trapper – and says forestry is the perfectcareer for him.“I was looking for something related to my desire tobe outside with some adventure and excitement ratherthan in a lab or an office. It’s one of those jobs whereyou can do that. Little kids say they want to grow up tobe a forest ranger or a firefighter, and I did both.”Not to mention turning that experience into aburgeoning career as a crime writer who can describeso well the mixture of terror and awe evoked by aforest fire.Fires appear different when seen from the air. They’resilent and look smaller against the surrounding forest. Theycan appear deceptively benign, almost beautiful in their ownway. But there’s nothing beautiful about this one. It’s a killer,belching flames and poisonous fumes. A real dragon.44 techlifemag.ca

eading roomPeopleGREENINGTHE READ 4 must-read books tackle sustainable topicsA Short History of Progressby Ronald WrightThis is the book for anyone wondering if we intelligent, resourceful, technology-rich humanscould allow ourselves to fundamentally alter the environment we depend on for our survival.It is a concise and highly readable account of how our ancestors adapted so well to theirsurroundings that they destroyed the environment that sustained them. Hindsight this cleargives us the foresight we’ll need if we wish to avoid their fate.Peter Amerongen {PAGE f 28}Habitat Studio & Workshop Ltd.Your Money or Your Life: 9 Steps to Transforming YourRelationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independenceby Vicki Robin and Joe DominguezThis book helped me see the value of a simpler (greener) lifestyle that allows moretime for family and friends. Following the book’s advice, we have gained a lot offinancial freedom while working less and living more.Rechel Amores {PAGE f 28}NAIT systems analyst and co-owner of Edmonton’s second net zero houseThe Golden Spruce: A True Story of Myth, Madness and Greedby John VaillantThis must-read book will alter your understanding of the environment, Canadian historyand miracles. The story of a violent act against a golden spruce on British Columbia’s QueenCharlotte Islands is so steeped in Canadian history and politics that you will wonder howthis is not a mandatory read for post-secondary students.Leslie Chivers {PAGE f 56}Student, NAIT Forest Technologythe Carbon Buster’s Home Energy Handbookby Godo StoykeI like this book because it makes the link between saving money and saving theenvironment. Most of the personal energy efficiency investments described in thebook offer better returns than government savings bonds and pension funds.Conrad Nobert {PAGE f 28}NAIT Computer Systems Technology instructor and co-owner of Edmonton’ssecond net zero housev2.2 2009 45

people3 queSTionS6people weighed in,here's what they hadto say.Q1: wHAT’S yourfAvOurITE GrEENPrODuCT And wHATmAKeS iT green?Q2: How mAnyCELLPhONEsHAVe youowned?Q3: wHAT Are youdoing To sAvEMONEy?DebrA COuWenbergNAIT Tech Store retailsupervisorPlastic folding crates and the lugeco shopper reusable bag, whichfolds up like a wallet, in placeof boxes and plastic bags.The Lug Eco Shopper is available atthe NAIT Tech Store or online atwww.nait.ca/onlinestore.four. My first, 14 years ago,was a Motorola.where to recycle oldcellphones pagE f 11The genesis of thecellphone, mobileevolution pagE f 58In our house we ask,“is this a want or a need?”Only needs areaccommodatedat the momentbecause we aresaving forholidays.SAiD DArrASStudent, NAIT Bachelor ofTechnology in TechnologyManagementpagE f 24stainless steel waterbottle. Disposable plasticwater bottles can leachtoxic chemicals whenthey are reused and stayin the environment forhundreds of years.Thirteen. The firstcellphone I boughtwas aMotorolain 1995.I buy only what i need and inproper quantities. I plan mypurchases, set a budget and staywithin it.Web ExtraGet budget tips from JR Shaw Schoolof Business Finance instructorChristine Tarbox.techlifemag.ca/budget.htmDAve hugelSChAFFerAlum; Author of PorterCassel mystery seriespagE f 42household cleaner Tko.Made from orange peel, it worksbetter than most chemicalcleaners, but without theharmful environmental effects.Never had a cellphone until Imoved into the country. nowi have several as I have beenwaiting two years to get a landline installed.Installed a high-efficiency woodstove to heat my house and reduceenergy costs.miKe pAulAlum; Founder of Up-to-Code Mechanical Ltd.pagE f 34solar flat plate hot watercollectors because they makehot water out of thin air.Twelve phones? Water and10-foot ladders are my No. 1enemy.i take my foot off the gas when thelight turns from green, spend timein the dark and turn the burner/ovenoff when the meal is almost ready.bernie SChAlOSKeAlum; Journeymancarpenter with HabitatStudio & Workshop Ltd.pagE f 34get Clean automatic dishwasher andlaundry products. They are highlyconcentrated, biodegradable and haveno phosphates or chlorine bleach.four. My first was a verybasic Nokia in 2001.Pack lunch every dayand use a home equityline of credit to saveon interest.KAte zmurChyKFounder of Earth’sRevolution and part-timeNAIT anatomy instructorpagE f 38Ecoholicby adria Vasil;It guides me toso many otherwonderful greenproducts.I have owned threecellphones. The firsthad a huge batteryand a talk piecethat flipped open.i stash cash around the house forsmaller ventures and add a littleevery month to my big savingsaccount.Answer more questions for a chance to win nAitbrandeditems. Details at techlifemag.ca/contests.htm.46 techlifemag.ca

v2.2 2009 47

techniquedo you think $5 a weekisn’t enough to make adifference? Think again,says NAIT Physics instructor PasPaskaran, who is championingmicro-giving groups as a newway of giving. “Individually,there’s a limit to how much eachone of us can donate to charity,but when you have a group of10 to 20 people, the impact ismuch greater,” he says. In amicro-giving group, each membermakes a small weekly donation toa charity of the group’s choice.A similar concept earlier thisyear brought together morethan 200 micro-bloggingTwitter communities fromaround the world fora Twestival, raising aprojected US$250,000for a non-profitorganization thatbuilds wells indeveloping countries.STORY BYKRISTEN VERNONPHOTO BYJASON NESSPaskaran and nine co-workersformed the inaugural microgivinggroup at NAIT last spring.Paskaran has since helped formsix other autonomous groupsat NAIT and six in communitiesacross Canada, including Calgaryand Ontario.So far, Paskaran’s inauguralgroup, whose members eachdonate $5 a week, has madethree donations of $650. Thegroup has supported Edmonton’sYouth Emergency Shelter Society,a non-profit that serves youth incrisis, Edmonton’s Bissell Centre,an inner-city drop-in centre, andthrough Heifer International, wasable to help 10 families sustainthemselves. Three families weregiven goats, another a beehiveand six others were givenchickens.The various charitablecauses brought forward byfellow members of the microgivinggroup have inspired DonStewart, high school partnershipco-ordinator with NAIT’sDepartment of Recruitment andStudent Life. “It has motivated meto watch for other good causes.I recently read about a group inUganda providing recumbentbikes to disabled individualswanting to start their owndelivery businesses,” hesays. “One bike providesthe means to supporta family. How cool isthat! I will bring thissuggestion forwardthe next time wemeet to decide howto disburse funds.”sTEPs TOsTArTING AMICrO-GIvINGGrOuP1. Form a group withco-workers, friendsor family. paskaranrecommends a groupof between 10 and 20people.2. decide how muchmembers of the groupwill donate each week.3. decide which charityor charities the groupwill support.4. Appoint someone tocollect the money andmake the donation. Toreceive tax receipts,identify the membersof the group and theirindividual contributionswhen making thedonation. Tax receiptsare only issued fordonations to canadiancharities.< Pas Paskaran challengesothers to consider thedifference $5 a week canmake to people in need.48 techlifemag.ca

The future is in your hands, andwe have your success in focuswithSandvik Coromant Centre forMachinist Technology Awards

CuliNAITPROFILE“It’ll be intense,” Feenie warns. “I won’t yell and screamat you. I’m not that kind of chef,” he reassures, knowingthat the alpha-male antics of chef Gordon Ramsaymight be on their minds. “But I will say so if I seesomething that I don’t like.” Then, to end on a lighternote, he adds, “This is your show, you are responsiblefor your dish but I’m your wingman. That’s how akitchen works.”Celeb chef Rob Feenie shares hismantra with students as the firsteverHokanson Chef in Residence.Story ByJenniferCockrall-KingPhotos byamy bizovie andJason Ness"Each one of you is responsible for your course, but I’mhere to support you,” says Canadian culinary superstarRob Feenie, slowing his usual rapid-fire chefspeak to amere gallop. He’s addressing a gathering of lucky andnervous 20-something Culinary Arts students in theircrisp white chef jackets, gathered around a kitchenisland prep station. With just over one hour to go beforelunch, Feenie runs through the menu with militaryprecision – portion sizes, cooking temperatures andplating instructions.The eight-minute “preshift” is part game-plan review,part pep talk. The students are about to cook a threecourselunch for 90-some Edmonton restaurant pros,media and other invitees. The lunch is part of a threedaychock-a-block schedule set out for Feenie as NAIT’sinaugural Hokanson Chef in Residence – a programdesigned to provide opportunities for students to learnfrom some of the best chefs in the world. He’s alreadypresided over three master class demonstrationsfor hundreds of eager student chefs, question andanswer sessions, receptions, a dinner and a stream ofinterviews with local and national media. The lessonright now? A glimpse into the pressure and passionof cooking at the highest level. This isn’t a classroomscenario. The over 90 hungry guests who will soon fillErnest’s dining room are the real deal.Having a chef of Feenie’s calibre as a wingman is likewinning the culinary lottery. Feenie, 44, has worked ina three-star Michelin restaurant in France and with thebiggest-name chefs in the United States. Determinedto shine the light on his home turf, Feenie openedhis own restaurant, Lumière, in Vancouver in 1995, atthe age of 29. Five years later, Lumière became thefirst freestanding restaurant in Canada to achieve theglobally recognized Relais Gourmand designation andlater the Traditions et Qualité: Les Grands Tables duMonde seal of approval. (Only a handful of restaurantsin Canada have the former, Lumière is the only one tohave the latter.) In 2002, he expanded with LumièreTasting Bar, and, in 2004, Feenie’s. During this time, hehosted six seasons of New Classics with Rob Feenie onFood Network Canada and authored three cookbooks(he is now writing a fourth).Despite his impressive list of hard-won accolades, evenFeenie admits his farthest-reaching accomplishmentoccurred in just one surreal hour. While about sixmillion TV viewers looked on, Feenie bested uber-IronChef Masaharu Morimoto in 2005 on an episode ofIron Chef America. "The victory wasn’t so much aboutme winning,” says Feenie, grinning widely (chefs arecompetitive animals). “It was about showing thatwe have great talent in this country.”50 techlifemag.ca

Chef Rob Feenie givesCulinary Arts students aglimpse into the pressureand passion of cooking atthe highest level.v2.2 2009 51

culinAiT f proFileFeenie'S SucceSS iS THe reSulT oFdecAdeS oF long, unglAmorouS HourSSpenT leArning And Honing HiS crAFT.Above, rob feenie workswith students in one of thestate-of-the-art kitchensin the hokanson Centrefor Culinary Arts. right,seared scallop.Feenie’s star-studded Rolodexalso catches the students’attention. He’s cooked for Stingand friends on the singer’s yacht.Bill Clinton thinks he’s a goodgolfer. And he hangs out with prohockey players and the likes ofMichael Bublé. But, Feenie makesclear, this is the result of decadesof long, unglamorous hours spentlearning and honing his craft.“Perfection is impossible, butexcellence isn’t. If you aim forperfection, then, at the very least,you’ll achieve excellence. If youonly aim for excellence, then youmight only reach good.” Feenierepeats this several times overhis three days at NAIT. Over andover, he talks about balancing theconfidence needed to competewith the best in the world withthe openness needed to learnand take criticism constructively.Kimberly Farrugia, 19, listensintently to the advice. Thissecond-year Culinary Artsstudent hopes to own a pastryshop one day. “It’s like he’s givingus a heads-up on some of theexperiences and pitfalls we willgo through.”Feenie speaks frankly withthe students about his ownvery public personal “kitchennightmare” when, in 2007, hewas forced to walk away from hisaward-winning restaurants after adispute with his business partnersproved unresolvable.He also talks about the radicalcareer shift he embarked onin 2008 when he becamefood concept architect for theB.C.-based Cactus Club Caférestaurant chain. Feenie setsthe culinary vision for the entirecompany, says Christy Wilson,director of marketing for thecasual fine-dining chain. “Hesets the direction, the tone, thelook, the feel (local, fresh, organicwhen possible). In addition, hewrites all his own recipes, trainsthe regional chefs and mentorsour chefs at all levels.” For him,it’s another trail to blaze: how toreinvent and elevate this segmentof the restaurant landscape.The breadth and depth of hiscareer means Feenie can speakto the different paths the culinarygrads might consider, makinghim an obvious choice. “The longlist of names for NAIT’s first chefin residence became the shortlist, and then chef Feenie’s namefloated to the top quite quickly,”explains Perry Michetti, associatedean of the School of Hospitalityand Culinary Arts.For John Hokanson, who, togetherwith his wife Susan, has been alongtime benefactor of NAIT’sculinary programs and whose$1-million endowment createdthe chef in residence program, thereal success of Feenie’s visit wasto see “how excited the studentswere and what a fine job thesestudents do” at functions such asthe lunch.Indeed, the students rise to theoccasion. All three courses – thedelicate scallop carpaccio, thecrispy pan-seared salmon withgreen pea risotto and red winesauce, and the simply seductivewhite chocolate crème brûlée– get rave reviews from theguests. A bit of culinary magicwas created in the NAIT kitchen,and it may be awhile beforethese students have anotheropportunity to cook with a chefof this stature. After all, Feeniehas made a career out of being atough act to follow.52 techlifemag.ca

ecipe h culinAiTingreDientS4 lArge ScAllopS6 TbSp exTrA-Virgin oliVe oil2 TbSp cilAnTro oil*pincH eAcH oF Fleur de Sel AndwHiTe pepper1 TSp Finely cHopped JAlApeÑopepper¼ cup TomATo concASSÉ**1 TbSp Finely Sliced FreSH minTleAVeS1 TbSp Finely Sliced cilAnTro1 lime, Juice only1 lemon, Juice onlysCALLOPcarpaccioAS FEATURED IN FEENIE’S: BRUNCH – LUNCH – DINNER>methODFor this dish, buy the freshest scallopsyou can find. Here, I match scallopswith both lime and lemon, as well aswith cilantro oil and interesting herbsand spices.Cut each scallop horizontally into fourthin slices and arrange on four chilledplates. Cover with plastic wrap andrefrigerate until needed.To serve, remove the plastic wrap fromthe plates. Drizzle 1½ tbsp extra-virginolive oil over each serving of scallops,making sure each slice is coated.Drizzle cilantro oil over scallops.Season with fleur de sel and freshlyground white pepper. Sprinkle jalapeño,tomato, mint and cilantro over eachscallop slice. Sprinkle with lemon juiceand lime juice.Cilantro oil*ingreDientS1¼ cupS cilAnTro, STemS remoVed1 cup oliVe oilpincH oF SAlTmethODSet up an icewater bath by filling a large bowl withcold water and ice.Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add cilantrofor 10 seconds, stirring to ensure all leaves areblanching. Immediately drain off hot water andplace cilantro in a strainer. Plunge into icewaterto stop the cooking process. When cool, removecilantro from water and pat dry with paper towels.Place cilantro in a blender and blend on high untilcilantro is puréed. Slowly add olive oil and salt andcontinue blending.Will keep for two weeks refrigerated.– RECIPE COURTESY OF CHEF ROB FEENIETomato concassé**1. Remove the core/stem end from thetomato; score an X in the skin on the bottomside. Place into boiling water for 10-15seconds, remove from the water and placeunder cold running water.2. The peel should now just slip off; if it doesnot, pop the tomato back in the boiling waterfor a few more seconds.3. Cut in half, remove the seeds and rinse out.4. Chop into ¼-inch dice.– PROVIDED BY NAIT CULINARY ARTS PROGRAMWin a coPy ofFeenie's: BrUnch -lUnch - dinnerUpload a photo of yourfavourite recipe to Flickr andadd it to the NAIT group atflickr.com/groups/nait for achance to win a copy ofFeenie’s: Brunch – Lunch –Dinner. The draw will takeplace July 15, 2009.Web ExtraGet a behind-the-scenesglimpse of the media blitzannouncing NAIT’s first chefin residence.techlifemag.ca/feenie.htmv2.2 2009 53

culinAiT f À lA cArTe101USE THE RIGHT TOOLFOR THE JOBThere are different knivesfor different purposes in aprofessional kitchen, but there’salways one knife that you’ll endup using 75 per cent of the time.for me, it’s my kasumi sushi knife.i also like my mac sushi knife.KEEP THEM SHARPknives are like hockey skates:they’re better and faster whensharp. You don’t have to exert asmuch force with a sharper knifeor risk having the knife slip, whichit can do when dull. remember:sharper knives are safer than dullones; bigger knives as are alsosafer than smaller ones.geT A grip: cHeF rob Feenie oFFerSTipS And TecHniqueS To HelpSHArpen your cooKing SKillS.GRIPlose the “hammer grip!” Usea “pinch grip.” Place your thumbon the part of the blade just infront of the handle – yes, thumbon the flat surface of the blade.Your forefinger goes on the otherside, like you’re pinching theknife blade near the handle. Theother three fingertips will restcomfortably on the handle. Yourpalm should not be touching thehandle.THE NON-KNIFE HANDThe fingers should be curled,like you are holding a tennisball. rest the vertical part ofthe blade lightly against theknuckles and never lift the edgeabove your knuckles. lead withyour knuckles to push the foodtowards the knife. keep yourfingertips and thumb tucked back.THE MOTIONUse a rocking motion, startingat the tip and moving towardsthe handle, not the other wayaround. keep the tip of the knifein contact with the cutting boardfor maximum safety.– AS tOlD by rOb FeenietO JenniFer COCKrAll-King54 techlifemag.ca

Health. Opportunities.Rewards.At Sherritt International, with more than 80 years of business successas a leading diversified natural resource company in Canada, theseattributes are fundamental to who we are and how we reward ouremployees.Health & SafetyTaking care of our employees is the key to taking care of our business.A healthy workforce promotes success, so we strive every day and everyhour to ensure that our workplace meets or exceeds health and safetystandards.OpportunitiesSherritt offers attractive salaries and incentives and provides ourworkforce with a host of growth opportunities. Our five divisions:Metals, Coal, Oil & Gas, Power and Technologies offer an array of careeroptions, both in Canada and internationally, with exposure to a widerange of process technologies, projects and skilled people.RewardsChallenging and rewarding work. Opportunities for advancement. Astable company that believes in, and values, its people. A safe andpositive work environment. These are just a few of the rewards thatSherritt offers.Please visit the Sherritt website at www.sherritt.comfor more information or to submit an application.Sherritt International Corporation is a leading diversified natural resource company involved in the production of thermal coal, nickel, cobalt, oil and gas andelectricity. Sherritt’s success is built on utilizing innovative technologies and the breadth of its financial and operational expertise to increase productivity andprofitability. Sherritt continues to explore opportunities to grow its $9.5 billion asset base through expansion of its existing businesses, capital projects andstrategic acquisitions.

TECH LEADERSLIVE HERE.Combine advanced technical knowledge with criticalthinking and managerial skills, and you have a recipefor workplace success. That’s what you can expectfrom NAIT’s Bachelor of Technology in TechnologyManagement degree – the only one of its kind inAlberta.With six industry-focused specializations and achoice of full-time, part-time or online studies, theBTech delivers flexible, manageable ways to get ahead.It’s what leaders are made of.APPLY NOW.VISIT NAIT.CA/BTECH OR CALL 780.471.8874.EDUCATION FOR THE REAL WORLDREaLEDuCation FoR tHEWoRLDKEEP WORKING WHILE YOU INCREASE YOUR EARNING POWER WITH NAIT’S CONTINUINGEDUCATION AND DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAMS. DOWNLOAD A COURSE CALENDAR TODAY.www.nait.ca/ContinuingEducation or www.nait.ca/DistanceLearning56 techlifemag.ca

clickPostScriptsWHAT’S NEW @> get close to natureObserve lake vistas, flora andfauna remotely on the BigLake Environment SupportSociety webcam, featured inthe inaugural issue (PrototypeChallenge Hatches Online BirdWatching, p. 27, V1.1, 2007).techlifemag.ca/birdwatching.htmExplore forestry camp withForest Technology student andblogger Leslie Chivers. ReadChivers’ postcard from his sixweekstint in the woods.techlifemag.ca/forestry.htm> Get expert tipsArlene Dickinson of the Dragons’Den offers consumers andentrepreneurs advice for makingthe best of the economicdownturn.techlifemag.ca/economic.htmCertified Financial Planner JeffShigehiro (Management ’03)of Shigehiro Financial Planningoffers advice for your portfolio.techlifemag.ca/investing.htmLearn about the advantagesof buying local products withCorbin Tomaszeski of FoodNetwork’s Restaurant Makeover.Tomaszeski (Cooking ’92) wasalso featured in the inauguralissue (Corbin in the Kitchen, p.58, V1.1, 2007).techlifemag.ca/buylocal.htm> Experiencesomething newExperience Cuban culturethrough the eyes of Machinistchair Stewart Cook (MachineShop certificate ’87, Machinistapprenticeship ’90). Cook writeshis postcard while on a dayoff from working with a NAITinternational partner.techlifemag.ca/cuba.htmDiscover savoury experiencesserved up by NAIT grads in thelatest Platings Directory.techlifemag.ca/platings.htm> contestsFind out how you can enter towin an Earth’s Revolution T-shirt,a set of Dave Hugelschaffer’snovels, Feenie’s: Brunch – Lunch– Dinner and NAIT–brandedmerchandise.techlifemag.ca/contests.htm> More technology foryour lifeMinimize your footprint byopting for the digital editionof techlife and subscribe totechlifemag.ca for more onlinecontent.techlifemag.ca/subscribe.htm5 ways to get involved @ NAITalumni retired staff alumni, friendsand partners1Purchase aprivilege card toaccess variousNAIT facilities andservices, includingthe McNally Library,swimming pool andweight room.Alumni Office780.471.8539www.nait.ca/alumni2Sign up for home,auto and travelinsurance withTD Insurance MelocheMonnex. Proceeds fromthe partnership supportscholarships at NAIT.tdmelochemonnex.com/nait1.877.536.77553Former Ooksmen's hockeyplayersJoin the Ooks HockeyAlumni Association.Membership includesa season pass to homegames, as well as accessto the gym, pool andalumni ice sessions.Membership fees supportplayer scholarships.ohaa.ca4Volunteer forARNS, theAssociation ofRetired NAIT Staff.Advancement Office780.471.8539www.nait.ca/arns5Support a student– donate ascholarship.Student Awards780.491.3056v2.2 2009 57

postScriptsrewindMOBILE EVolutioncolin polAnSKi, ASSociATe cHAir oF THe TelecommunicATionS progrAm, TrAined onTHe generAl mobile TelepHone SerVice wHen He wAS An ApprenTice AT nAiT in THemid-’80S. polAnSKi duSTS oFF THeSe relicS For A brieF leSSon on THe geneSiSoF THe cellpHone.198osgenerAl mObile1946 telephOne ServiCeIntroduced in St. Louis in 1946,the Mobile Telephone Servicewas the first practical mobileradio telephone, essentially atwo-way radio. Calls wereoperator assisted, and withjust a few frequencies, only afew calls could be placed at once.In the ’80s, a facsimile mobile interfacedevice could be used to fax with this radiotelephone. Bell Canada introduced the firstcommercial mobile telephone service in Canadain 1947. Popular in vehicles and in remote locations in the oilpatchwhere landlines didn’t exist, mobile radio telephones were still usedin Alberta as late as 1999.nOvAtel’S AurOrA-400(AutOmAtiC rOAming rADiO)Alberta Government Telephones, nowTelus, launched North America’s first400-megahertz cellular system in 1982 toserve the province’s resource industries.The system divided geographic units intocells, enabling neighbouring areas to use the samefrequencies at the same time without interference. However,the system couldn’t hand off calls between cell towers. Features includedvoicemail and call forwarding. With no open speaker, users could make privatephone calls. NovAtel’s Aurora-400 (Automatic Roaming Radio) was insertedinto a briefcase and weighed about 10 pounds.AnAlOg CellulArThe second-generation Improved Mobile Telephone Service (IMTS)was introduced in 1964. While it allowed users to skip the operatorand place a call directly, like its predecessor the IMTS had anopen speaker, allowing anyone within earshot to hear the call. Thesystem could only handlea limited number ofsubscribers and wait listswere long – five to 10 yearsaccording to a 1984 issue ofCommunications News.1964imprOveD mObiletelephOne ServiCeIn October 1983, the FederalCommunications Commission(FCC) authorized a commercialanalog cellular system inChicago – the first in theUnited States. WhileAlberta GovernmentTelephones beatU.S. companies to market withthe Aurora, the U.S. system, whichoperated on the 800 megahertz band of the radiospectrum, went one step further, enabling calls to be handed offbetween cell towers – the foundation of all cellular networks.mOtOrOlA DynAtACMotorola’s Martin Cooper made the world’s first phone call on aprototype of the first truly portable cellphone in 1973, but it wasn’tuntil 1983 that the FCC approved the Motorola DynaTAC, alsoknown as “the brick.” The phone, which weighed 28 ounces andhad a battery that allowed for 30 minutes of talk time and eighthours of standby time, went on sale to the public in 1984. Cellularservice launched in Canada in 1985. Theoretically, this phonecould still be used in Alberta as late as Oct. 1, 2008, when Telusfinally ended analog service.72 per cent of Canadian households2008 have access to at least one cellphone.Albertans lead the way at 82 per cent.58 techlifemag.ca– KriSten vernOn

Suncor Energy aims high.We haven't looked back since 1967 when we achieved our first milestone: the commercial development ofCanada's oil sands. Since then we've challenged ourselves to reach new heights in production growth,environmental performance and support for communities. Success drives us to meet even higher standards ofexcellence. Look to Suncor to continue raising the bar – expanding operations, developing renewable energy,supporting community development and investing in new technologies to reduce our environmental footprint.Find out more about how Suncor is responsiblydeveloping North America's energy supply.www.suncor.comoil sands | renewable energy | innovative technologies | environmental solutions | contributions to communities | careersPM#40063296return undeliverable addresses totechlife magazineNAIT Corporate Communications11762 - 106 Street nwEdmonton, Alberta, Canada t5g 2r160 techlifemag.ca techlifemag.ca