October 30, 2025 – Conference
12:10 pm
- 12:55 pm
Speakers:
Ashley Jones
Business Development Officer
SOFIAC
Business Development Officer
Ashley brings over five years of experience in the energy sector, assisting both public and private organizations in achieving their sustainability objectives. She spent more than a decade with a top Energy Service Company (ESCO) and has taken on a leadership role in Business Development at SOFIAC. As a LEED-accredited Green Associate, Ashley is eager to help organizations navigate the challenges of the Canadian climate crisis.
Speaking at:
Wil Bell
Building Solutions & Decarbonization Lead
Modern Niagara
Building Solutions & Decarbonization Lead
Wil Bell is a Building Solutions & Decarbonization Lead for Modern Niagara’s Energy Solutions team. As a Professional Engineer and Certified Energy Manager, with a focus on creating a more inclusive & sustainable future, Wil uses his experience designing & developing district energy plants, heat pump replacement initiatives, and large energy efficiency improvement and GHG reduction projects, to help commercial, industrial and public sector organizations reduce their carbon footprint and total energy expenditure.
Speaking at:
Sarahjayne Benedict
Operations Facilities Management Specialist
IKEA Canada
Operations Facilities Management Specialist
Sarahjayne Benedict is an Operations Facilities Management Specialist at IKEA Canada, where she leads initiatives in sustainability, energy conservation, and water management. Passionate about decarbonizing the retail sector, Sarahjayne integrates sustainable facility strategies into everyday operations, aligning with global People & Planet goals at IKEA.
She holds ISO 50001 certification – a testament to her expertise in systematic energy improvement. Further strengthening her credentials, Sarahjayne earned the Sustainability Facility Professional (SFP) designation from the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), a qualification that empowers professionals to embed sustainable practices into building operations.
At IKEA Canada, a company recognized as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for 17 consecutive years, Sarahjayne plays a key role in advancing decarbonization efforts, including optimizing renewable energy use and water conservation. Her work supports the company’s broader ambition: halving greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 2030 and reaching net-zero by 2050.
Speaking at:
Matt Brunette
Program Manager, Energy Performance
Toronto Region Conservation Authority
Program Manager, Energy Performance
Matt is the program manager of Partners in Project Green’s energy performance programs. He brings over 9 years of experience in energy efficiency, climate change impact assessments, and energy education. He’s leads PPG’s Energy Leaders Consortium and site assessment programs in Brampton
Speaking at:
This panel session will explore the power of a holistic, systems-based approach to sustainable retrofits—going beyond product-specific upgrades to drive meaningful, long-term impact. Rather than spotlighting individual technologies, the discussion will showcase integrated strategies that maximize energy efficiency, cost savings, and decarbonization.
Attendees will gain insights from industry experts who will share real-world best practices, emphasizing collaboration, coordinated planning, and accountability across project phases. Key themes include integrated mechanical-electrical-building systems planning, the value of design-build models, and aligning stakeholders early to improve outcomes.
Sponsored by:
Booth #201
Since the launch of its market disrupting program across Canada, the energy savings and GHG reduction of many companies is now being realized without the need of any client capital dollars investment.
SOFIAC offers a unique investment solution to accelerate the energy transition and the decarbonization of companies’ assets in an advantageous financial framework.
SOFIAC’s financial value proposition allows clients to acquire high-performing assets without making a financial contribution, generate positive cash flow, preserve their borrowing capacity, and comply with accounting standards, all while achieving their energy transition and decarbonization goals.
