Melissa
Hamer

Melissa’s purpose is to contribute to change for a healthier climate and communities. As a learning and development professional with 7+ years of experience in adult learning projects, she has designed and delivered eLearning lessons and activities, instructional videos, instructor and student guides, visual aids, and in-person training on net zero energy buildings, embodied carbon, and ship navigation. She has a MA in adult education, a BA in political science from the University of Victoria, and certifications in training management (CPTM) and Agile product ownership (CSPO). She is interested in supporting gender-diverse people and women with mentorship and training to create change and has volunteered for technology training and mentorship for women and gender-diverse professionals in the industry. Melissa works at BCIT’s Zero Energy/Emissions Buildings Learning Centre (ZEBLC), which supports the construction industry in transitioning to net zero energy and zero emissions standards through flexible and hands-on education.

PROJECT

This project is about learning from and developing a longer-term plan for supporting Indigenous and remote communities with zero emissions-building knowledge and skills to respond to the community's housing needs. This project includes developing a strategy to adapt training for each community's needs and contexts (i.e. wet or dry climates), identifying pathways or next steps for learners to enter formal training or certification programmes and working with community stakeholders to find further training topics that are needed. The goal of this is to develop more lasting ways to partner with Indigenous communities in supporting their own community's housing needs and transition to net zero buildings.

In my current role as Project Leader at the BCIT Zero Energy/Zero Emissions Buildings Learning Centre, I support the Climate Emergency Action Plan through training on Net Zero (Energy and Carbon) buildings. Our team has partnered with several remote communities in BC, through a series of training on net zero building. While the feedback received was positive, we want to continue to learn and develop more lasting ways to partner with communities in this education.

MOTIVATION FOR AND COMMITMENT TO CREATING A BETTER AND MORE SUSTAINABLE PLANET

I grew up understanding our impact on the planet from energy use to waste products. However, when I learned that about 20% of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) come from buildings and electricity I knew I could contribute to a more sustainable planet, and better housing conditions by working on training for efficient buildings.

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