From LtoR: Pappur Shankar, Nani Pradeepan, S K Sharma, Sanjay Makkar, Prabhakar Rayaapa & Dharma P Jain

In the 21st century, energy has come to signify multiple concepts – development, growth, sustainability, and cost efficiencies. A necessary ingredient in every human endeavor, energy is necessary for development and growth, but as the 20th century showed us, unbridled use of energy can leave a trail of devastation for us and especially for our future generations. So, energy has come to signify conservation, sustainability and cost efficiencies.

In an effort to create awareness about the need for energy conservation, the Energy Committee of the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) organized a workshop on Energy Conservation – Conventional & Renewable. Surinder Sharma and Nani Pradeepan, both energy sector veterans, and members of ICCC’s Energy Committee were the key presenters at the workshop.

Speaking on the occasion, Sanjay Makkar, President, Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) emphasized upon the single-minded focus of the Chamber’s new leadership in organizing programs that are relevant to the members. He lauded the role of Pappur Shankar, ICCC’s director of energy and mining in taking the initiative to organize a program on a subject of such topicality. Makkar said that the creation of the new ministry of Climate Change and Environment by the Trudeau government indicates that is focused on an issue that has acquired major dimensions that need urgent resolution.  

Pappur Shankar, in his welcome remarks, said that the committee will continue to focus on both commercial and social aspects of the subject of energy and conservation. He said the committee will also be organizing an event focused on the mining sector.

In his presentation, Surinder Sharma provided insights into increasing carbon emissions and its impact on climate change.  The role of business in ‘sustainability’ and how to use Energy Audits and Technology Measures to improve the business bottom-line by saving energy and bringing a ‘Culture of Conservation’.  He also gave a broad outline of the Incentive Programs offered by Hydro Companies to make projects viable.

Sharma is the Founder and CEO of Power Saving Systems Inc. - a leading service provider and Energy Consultants for the saveONenergy programs offered by Enersource Hydro Mississauga, Toronto Hydro and PowerStream that assists the Industry and Small Businesses to conserve energy.  He has presented several workshops in this field, conducted energy audits and operates the Small Business Lighting Program of Toronto and Mississauga.

Nani Pradeepan followed Sharma. He provided insights into harnessing solar power is important for our energy future - providing energy diversity, reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and decreasing carbon emissions. Government of Ontario’s Feed in Tariff programs pay premium for property owners and businesses for the solar electricity they generate. This makes solar energy not only a way to generate clean electricity but also but also financially rewarding.

Pradeepan is the Managing Director of New Dawn Energy Solutions – an energy technology company based in Markham, Ontario that provides turnkey solar and energy saving solutions in Ontario and abroad. Nani is a professional engineer in the province of Ontario. He possesses bachelors and master’s degrees in electrical engineering. His specializations are in solar, small wind power systems, energy optimization and project management.

Participants at the workshop	Participants at the workshop