Derek Ellis, BA,MES

Sustainability Division Director - Department of Environment and Climate Action, Prince Edward Island

Canada’s smallest province is taking action in big ways, aiming to become Canada's first net-zero province by 2040. This team is leading ambitious initiatives, including a Free Heat Pump Program that has delivered over 11,000 heat pumps to Islanders in need thus far - cutting furnace oil use by 35%. Other key efforts include a rooftop solar program for households, a subsidized “Toonie Transit” system, a rebate program for traditional and electric bikes, and a bike refurbishment partnership with the Reach Foundation.

Derek is the Sustainability Division Director for PEI’s Department of Environment and Climate Action. Amongst his many initiatives, he most notably led the creation of the 2040 Net Zero Framework, and has enabled 20MW of new rooftop solar installations. Derek’s next frontier includes expanding the Level-3 EV fast-charging network, essential for the province’s transition to electric vehicles. In his mission to generate climate action, Derek has found that efforts to buck the status quo require tact, effective communication, and persistence.