Prism Expands Its Presence on Vancouver Island

Our presence on Vancouver Island has reached an exciting new milestone — Prism local team has moved into a larger office in downtown Victoria! The new space at 204 – 1005 Broad Street reflects both our expanding team and the increasing demand for engineering, energy management, and sustainability services across the Island.

“We have supported clients on Vancouver Island for decades,” says Robert Greenwald, President of Prism Engineering. “Establishing a full-time office in Victoria two years ago was a natural next step as our work and partnerships on the Island continued to grow. This move into a larger space reflects both the expansion of our team and the growing opportunities to support clients locally. We’re excited to be even closer to our clients and partners as we continue to build on that momentum.”

More space to collaborate

The new 754-square-foot office occupies a unit in one of Old Town Victoria’s most iconic heritage buildings — the Weiler Brothers Warerooms, built in 1883–84. With a meeting room, kitchen, and shared amenities like a rooftop patio and bike room, the office provides a comfortable and collaborative space for our local team to connect, innovate, and deliver results for clients.

“Having a physical presence on the Island allows us to respond quickly to site requests and connect more directly with our clients,” says Adam Franklin, Associate and Vancouver Island Branch Leader. “Our clients value the opportunity for more face time and stronger local relationships — it helps us deliver solutions that truly meet their needs.”

A multidisciplinary team

With more projects and opportunities emerging, our local team is well-positioned to support organizations advancing their energy and decarbonization goals. Together, they bring a mix of skills, local knowledge, and passion for delivering practical, sustainable solutions to our clients.

The team also benefits from cross-office collaboration, working closely with colleagues in our head office in Burnaby and branch office in the Kootenays, ensuring clients receive the full breadth of Prism’s expertise.

Meet our Vancouver Island team:

Left to right: Adam Franklin, Associate and Vancouver Island Branch Leader, Shelby Tay, Communication and Design Specialist, Haydn MacLean, Mechanical Consultant, Christine Obee, Engagement Specialist, and Ross Hilliard, Energy Engineer. Not shown: Vaibhav Parmar, Electrical Engineer-in-Training.

Key local initiatives shaping a low-carbon future

With our new office and growing team in place, we’re proud to be contributing to meaningful work that’s shaping a more sustainable future for clients and communities across Vancouver Island. Among the projects that will have lasting local impacts are the EV Ready Fleet Plans and Charging Strategies for BC Ferries, the Capital Regional District (CRD), and Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District #68; mechanical upgrades for the Cedar Hill and Pearkes recreation centres and Saanich Municipal Hall; and Electrical Planning Reports for local stratas in Saanich.

Each of these initiatives contributes to reducing carbon emissions and advancing a more sustainable, energy-efficient future for local communities.

Stop by to say ‘hello’!

Ready to advance your energy and decarbonization goals? Contact our Vancouver Island team today and discover how we can deliver tailored solutions for your organization.

Whether you’re in Victoria or anywhere across Vancouver Island, we’d love to connect! Stop by our new office for a catch-up, a coffee, or to discuss how we can support your next project.

Prism is here to support your organization’s success.

Interested to learn more?
Connect with our team

Read more about our services
Electrical Planning Report (EPR)
EV Charging
Recommissioning and Retro-commissioning
Transportation Decarbonization Planning

Learn more about other projects on Vancouver Island
BC Ferries | Terminals Power Quality Review
Millstream Village | Power Factor and Quality
Nanaimo Regional General Hospital | Vulnerability Risk Assessment
Nanaimo’s Federal Building (BGIS) | BOMA Best Certification
School District #79 Lake Cowichan | Biomass Boiler

This September, we say goodbye to a colleague, mentor, and friend, Andrew Munro, Senior Electrical Designer, who is retiring after 31 years at Prism.

If you’ve had the chance to work with Andrew, you know he’s more than his job title, he’s a trusted advisor, a practical problem-solver, and one of the leading authorities in lighting and electrical systems auditing and design in British Columbia. His work has not only shaped the careers of many young designers at Prism but also positioned us as a respected firm in the field.

Andrew joined Prism just seven months after Casey Gaetz, Electrical Team Principal. Together, they laid the foundation of our Electrical team, driving innovation that continues to benefit our clients and communities. Over the decades, their collaboration led to innovations like custom tools for electrical evaluation and specifications for low-voltage lighting control systems, solutions that have supported smarter design decisions, improved building performance, and set new standards for energy-conscious engineering across BC.

Left to right: Brian O’Donnell, Founder, Casey Gaetz, Principal,
Andrew Munro, and Robert Greenwald, President.

Making an impact through design

Throughout his career, Andrew contributed to countless projects that brought him excitement and professional fulfillment. Among the most meaningful were his long-standing work with Vancouver Coastal Health and Fraser Health, where he played a central role in delivering lighting upgrades, conducting reviews, and setting standards across dozens of buildings and sites.

These projects spanned decades and allowed Andrew to collaborate with diverse teams to solve complex challenges and improve energy efficiency on a large scale. He also played key roles in award-winning projects like the Richmond Olympic Oval Event Hall Lighting Upgrade and the Vancouver Convention Centre Exhibition Areas Lighting Upgrade, both recognized in 2019.

The ‘Ballroom’ at the Vancouver Convention Centre and basketball courts at the Richmond Olympic Oval.

A philosophy of work

What set Andrew apart was his thoughtful and disciplined philosophy of work. He often reminded colleagues that “you’re only as good as your last project,” a mantra that kept him striving for excellence on every assignment and delivering consistent value to clients.

“You need to have fun with the work, experiment, and stay disciplined. Technology can give you clues, but you also must learn to trust your instincts,” he says. For him, projects were never just about technical results—they were about curiosity, growth, and creating meaningful outcomes for people and places.

“Backed by solid engineering practices, Andrew brings together the ability to look at issues from a practical perspective. He has been able to show clients the practical nature of designs and how they are best suited to meet their needs,” says Casey. “Andrew also has had a sharp eye for documentation, always ensuring every detail is clear so clients understand exactly what their projects require and can move forward with confidence,” he adds.

Andrew at Prism’s first office on Hastings Street,
Burnaby, sometime in the mid 1990s.

Dedication to clients

Andrew’s devotion and unwavering commitment to client success have been a hallmark of his career.

“Andrew has always been dedicated to looking after clients, making sure the right solutions are chosen and that installations meet both best practices and code. His commitment to doing what’s best for clients has set a high standard for our team,” says Robert Greenwald, President of Prism Engineering.

Looking ahead

Outside of work, Andrew is always chasing new challenges, from Tae-Kwon-Do to motorcycling. In retirement, he plans to continue exploring his family history, with hopes of uncovering new stories on a trip back to the United Kingdom.

From all of us at Prism: Thank you, Andrew, for more than three decades of client-focused design, technical excellence, and mentorship. You’ve left buildings, teams, and clients stronger, smarter, and more sustainable—and that’s a legacy worth celebrating!

Andrew looking cool for the camera.

Prism is here to support your organization’s success.

Interested to learn more about Andrew’s work at Prism?
30 Years of Bright Ideas: A Chat with Andrew Munro

Read more about our services
Electrical Services

If you haven’t yet explored the BOMA Enspire Program’s 8-session webinar series, now is the perfect time to catch up on the highlights. We’ve released four condensed videos—available both on our YouTube channel and embedded in this page—to give you a sense of what each session covers and highlight the key takeaways.

The series is designed to help building owners and property managers uncover opportunities for energy savings, carbon and water reduction, and sustainable building operations.

Webinar 1: A Practical Methodology for Energy Efficiency and Carbon Reduction

Robert Greenwald, President of Prism Engineering, and Stephen Dixon, Principal at TdS Dixon Inc., introduce the series with a structured approach to energy management that can drive energy, cost and carbon savings in existing buildings.

Webinar 2: Low-Cost Opportunities including Existing Building Commissioning (RCx)

Richard Senez, Energy Management Professional at Prism, and Stephen Dixon, Principal at TdS Dixon Inc., share practical, low-cost strategies to enhance building performance through operational improvements, recommissioning and smart diagnostics.

Webinar 3: HVAC and DHW Electrification Opportunities

Sam Thomas, Principal and Strategic Energy Management Team Leader at Prism, and Stephen Dixon, Principal at TdS Dixon Inc., explore how to identify electrification opportunities, maximize heat recovery, and align HVAC upgrades with long-term asset planning.

Webinar 4: Deeper Retrofits Through Building Envelope Upgrades

Sam Thomas, Principal and Strategic Energy Management Team Leader at Prism, and Stephen Dixon, Principal at TdS Dixon Inc., discuss how upgrading roof, walls, and windows can enhance energy efficiency, improve occupant comfort, and reduce heating and cooling demands in buildings.

Not a participant of BOMA Enspire yet?

These are highlight sessions only. To watch the full webinar recordings, enroll in the BOMA Enspire Program. Applications are open until October 31, 2025 — but funding is limited and reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Learn more about the program and how Prism can help

What’s next?

New highlight videos will be uploaded to our YouTube channel following each webinar. Registration is already open for the upcoming session, “Deeper Retrofits through Building Envelope Upgrades,” co-presented by Sam Thomas and Stephen Dixon on September 10th, 1–3 pm EDT.

Focusing on the building envelope, this session examines how roof, wall, and window upgrades can drive deep retrofits and improve both energy efficiency and occupant comfort, while reducing demand for heating and cooling.

Register now

Prism is here to support your organization’s success.

Interested to learn more?
Connect with our team

Read more about our services
Energy and Carbon Audits
Green Building Certification
HVAC
Recommissioning and Retro-commissioning
Sustainability Engagement

Learn more about BOMA Enspire
Download BOMA Enspire’s Program Guide (PDF)

The Continuous Optimization (C-Op) program, offered by BC Hydro in partnership with FortisBC, continues to be one of the most effective ways for building owners and property managers to improve building performance, cut operating costs, and reduce emissions.

Last fall, we shared that the program had shifted its focus to recommissioning and retro-commissioning projects only, and that participants no longer needed a key account manager to qualify. Now, there’s another important update: a limited-time bonus is available for repeat participants.

Take advantage of this limited-time offer.

What’s new for repeat participants?

If your organization completed a C-Op project four or more years ago, you may now be eligible for additional funding. This new offer recognizes that continuous optimization is not a one-time event—it’s an ongoing process that delivers deeper results over time.

Here’s the funding details:

• Standard funding (for investigation): Up to $0.15 per square foot of building area, helping to cover the cost of working with a qualified service provider.
• Bonus funding (for implementation): An additional $0.04 per kilowatt-hour (kWh)/year, based on the verified annual electricity savings from your new C-Op project. The total incentive funding bonus is capped at a maximum of $25,000 per project.

Together, these incentives make it easier than ever to fine-tune your facilities, address performance drift, and capture new opportunities for energy savings, emissions reduction, and improved building operations.

Why participate again?

Buildings don’t stay optimized forever. Changes in occupancy, equipment aging, and evolving operational needs mean that even well-commissioned facilities benefit from periodic and ongoing commissioning.

“Just like a car, your building can’t go decades without a tune-up. Performance naturally shifts over time. This bonus is a great opportunity to re-check your systems and make adjustments that often lead to even greater results than the first time around,” explains Sam Thomas, Principal and Strategic Energy Management (SEM) Team Leader at Prism Engineering.

How Prism can help

As an approved service provider, Prism has helped over 300 facilities across British Columbia unlock the benefits of recommissioning through the Continuous Optimization program.

If your organization completed a C-Op project four or more years ago, Prism can help your organization seize this limited-time opportunity. Talk to us to confirm eligibility and start planning!

Prism is here to support your organization’s success.

Interested to learn more?
Connect with our Energy Team Leader

Read more about our services
Recommissioning and Retro-commissioning

See project examples
Energy and Carbon Management Projects

Learn more about BC Hydro’s and FortisBC’s program
Continuous Optimization

A message from Robert Greenwald, President of Prism Engineering.

This year marks a significant milestone for Prism—we’re celebrating 35 years of engineering, energy management, and sustainability impact!

In the early days, we opened our doors with a simple yet ambitious purpose—to help organizations save energy. Back then, energy management was still a relatively niche field. But we saw a clear opportunity to support clients in operating their buildings more efficiently, cutting waste, and reducing costs.

As we grew, so did our clients’ ambitions.

Climate goals emerged. Emissions targets tightened. New technologies offered deeper insights and more impactful solutions. We’re proud to have worked alongside the industry to meet those moments.

Proven impact across sectors and communities

Over the past 35 years, that steady evolution has defined who we are. From our head office in Burnaby, we’ve expanded across the province, with branch offices in the Kootenays, Okanagan, and Vancouver Island, and staff located in Kamloops and Sea to Sky. What began as a small operation has grown into a trusted consulting firm in engineering, energy management, and sustainability services.

We’ve had the privilege of working with organizations in various sectors—municipalities, school districts, health authorities, commercial property managers, industrial sites, and multi-unit residential developers—helping them lead the way in climate action.

Our team has delivered insights and strategies that could save up to 435 million kWh of electricity and 3 million GJ of natural gas each year—preventing nearly 171,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere annually and generating approximately $54.3 million in energy cost savings for our clients.

But numbers only tell part of the story.

Left to right: Reception area at the Burnaby office; view of the City of Nelson; Nicole Huard, Senior Sustainability and Climate Action Specialist, and Bartjan Kiers, Associate and Senior Mechanical Designer, in front of the Kelowna office; Vaibhav Parmar (front), Electrical EIT, and Adam Franklin, Associate and Senior Electrical Engineer, working in the Victoria office.

The people behind Prism’s success

At the heart of Prism’s success is our people. Our team brings expertise, care, and creativity to our work—whether a team member has been here for two months or three decades. From our consultants and engineers to our project managers and support staff, every person at Prism plays a role in shaping solutions that make a real impact.

Our culture is rooted in care, collaboration, and shared purpose. People join Prism because they want to work on projects that matter, in an environment that values impact, connection, and teamwork.

We’ve built a workplace that supports learning and career development through mentorship, skills training, and leadership opportunities. We’ve invested in initiatives like our Associate Program, which recognizes individuals who take on leadership roles and make exceptional contributions to our collective success.

Prism staff, from left to right: Adam Franklin, Associate and Electrical Engineer, and Chris Fontaine, Associate and Electrical Team Co-Leader; Sam Thomas, Principal and Strategic Energy Management Team Leader; Duane Mattson (retired), Mechanical Engineer, and Alvaro Sandrin, Senior Mechanical Engineer; Emma Harrison, Energy Management EIT.

Trusted by clients for 35 years

Of course, we wouldn’t be here without the trust of our clients.

Whether you’re a new or long-standing client, thank you! Your vision and ambition push us to do our best work. Many of you are on track to achieving bold climate targets, and we’re proud to be your partner in getting there.

Together, we’ve implemented award-winning projects, driven long-term energy savings, and made meaningful progress toward decarbonization.

We’re also proud to have built lasting partnerships with BC Hydro and FortisBC, supporting these local utilities over the years with a wide range of Demand-Side Management programs, including joint Strategic Energy Management (SEM), Continuous Optimization (C-Op), and Energy Wise Network initiatives. These and other client collaborations have amplified our impact and allowed us to bring sustainable solutions to even more of our clients.

Left to right: David Pereira, former Sustainability Manager at BCIT, and Sarah Smith, Principal and Sustainability Team Leader, during one of six BCIT’s Sustainability Vision Stakeholder Consultation Process sessions, 2019; Stephen Kooiman, Principal and Mechanical Team Leader, and Hamid Samani, Principal and Senior Mechanical Engineer, inspecting an electrical panel; Robert Greenwald, President of Prism Engineering, presenting at an Energy Wise Network session, 2017.

Our commitment to continuous improvement

What’s kept Prism strong over 35 years isn’t just our technical expertise—it’s our ability to adapt. Today, we offer a full range of consulting services—from strategic energy management and recommissioning to electrical planning reports and long-term sustainability strategies.

Our 6-Step Deep Retrofit Approach is designed to help clients reduce energy and carbon emissions in a comprehensive, practical way. It’s built on a simple idea: before investing in new technology, start by maximizing the potential of what already exists—a practical approach to integrating sustainability strategies into building and asset renewal.

Throughout our journey, we’ve also walked the talk. Sustainability isn’t just something we deliver for clients—we practice it in our own operations. From reducing travel emissions and upgrading our offices, to accounting for climate impacts in our everyday decisions, we hold ourselves to the same standard we recommend to others.

Changing Systems for a Better World

And as we reflect on our impact, we’re also looking ahead.

Buildings account for a significant portion of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions—especially from heating systems. To align with today’s climate science, we must strive for deep reductions in carbon emissions.

Our purpose, Changing Systems for a Better World, is about modernizing infrastructure, optimizing operations, and helping people across organizations understand their role in climate action. This mission reflects both who we are and where we’re going. It’s about seeing the full system—from buildings and technologies to people’s actions—and working together to create change that lasts.

Thank you!

As we mark this 35-year milestone, we’re filled with gratitude—for the trust of our clients, and the dedication of our staff. We’ve accomplished a lot together. And the journey is far from over.

Here’s to the next chapter—full of ideas, action, and impact!

Prism and PUMA staff, 2024.

Applications are now open for the BOMA Enspire: Building Performance Excellence Initiative, a funding program designed to help commercial building owners and managers improve building energy performance and take meaningful steps toward emissions reduction and deep retrofits.

As a qualified service provider, Prism can help you confirm your eligibility and provide full support throughout the application and project implementation process.

Why participate in the program?

Whether you’re considering recommissioning, planning a heat pump conversion, or exploring carbon savings, BOMA Enspire funds the essential early-stage work that sets your emissions reduction project up for success.

The program is a low-risk, high-impact opportunity that provides up to 80% financial support (funding does not cover construction or equipment) for a range of pre-implementation activities, including:

• Energy and carbon audits.
• HVAC, envelope and GHG assessments.
• Recommissioning and controls optimization.
• Green building certifications (BOMA BEST, LEED^®, ENERGY STAR^®).
• Feasibility studies (e.g., electrification, heat pumps, steam conversion).
• Lifecycle costing and business case development.
• Project management and tendering support.
• Energy monitoring design and M&V strategy.

New deadline application is December 1, 2025 — funding is limited and reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.

What types of buildings are eligible?

All buildings must meet the following criteria:

The buildings must also be classified under one of the following Asset Types:

Other Asset Types that are eligible if privately operated:

• Health Care Facilities: Hospitals, clinics, and medical office buildings
• Schools: K-12 and post-secondary educational facilities
• Recreation Facilities: Community centers, athletic facilities, YMCA/YWCA, sports complexes
• Correctional Facilities: Prisons, detention centers, and related buildings
• Libraries: Public or private library buildings
• Fire Stations: Emergency service buildings housing firefighting equipment and personnel

Talk to us to find out if your building is eligible

How Prism can help

Prism Engineering is a qualified service provider for BOMA Enspire. We have expertise to offer support throughout the program.

Here’s how we can help:

• Confirm your building’s eligibility.
• Recommend the right funding stream.
• Scope and price the services.
• Prepare and submit your application (including set up in ENERGY STAR^® Portfolio Manager if not currently enrolled).
• Deliver all funded technical work.
• Handle reporting and documentation.
• Access to energy data management with PUMA.

Our experience

Prism brings over 35 years of experience improving the performance of commercial and institutional buildings across Western Canada.

We’ve worked with building owners, operators, and energy managers to uncover cost-saving opportunities, strengthen the performance of HVAC and other energy-intensive systems, and ensure projects are completed on time and on budget.

Our team includes experts in Strategic Energy Management (SEM), Continuous Optimization, and Sustainability. We utilize our PUMA platform to benchmark and manage building performance data effectively.

Are you ready to take the next step?

Prism is here to support your organization’s success.

Interested to learn more?
Connect with our team

Read more about our services
Energy and Carbon Audits
Green Building Certification
HVAC
Recommissioning and Retro-commissioning

Learn more about BOMA Enspire
Download the Updated Program Guide

For almost ten years, Prism has served as the lead consulting firm for the Energy Wise Network (EWN)—a BC Hydro and FortisBC initiative that helps organizations across British Columbia achieve measurable energy savings through staff engagement and behaviour change.

Since its launch in 2016, the program has supported over 50 organizations and delivered 300+ targeted energy conservation campaigns across sectors including healthcare, education, municipal governments, property management, and retail.

Working closely with BC Hydro and FortisBC, Prism co-designed the program—developing campaign toolkits (Figure 1), delivering hands-on training and networking events, and offering tailored coaching to energy leaders navigating complex change.

Figure 1: Examples of Energy Wise Network campaign toolkits.

Who can join the Energy Wise Network?

Organizations must meet a minimum energy use threshold—2 gigawatt-hour (GWh) of electricity or 30,000 gigajoules (GJ) of natural gas annually across all sites. The program’s next intake is expected to open in early 2026 (around February or March). If your organization is interested in joining a future cycle, now is a great time to learn more and begin preparing!

Why consider participating?

As the urgency of climate action grows, programs like the EWN help organizations meet sustainability goals while cultivating a culture of shared responsibility.

Participants have access to:

• Two annual Energy Wise Network Summits featuring expert-led sessions on campaign design, behaviour change, green team leadership, and performance tracking.
• Three online training and networking events, creating opportunities to share knowledge and build community.
• One-on-one coaching tailored to organizational needs.
• Campaign resources, including planning templates, outreach materials, and best-practice guides.

Customized coaching and incentive funding options help organizations plan and implement their campaigns.

“Newer participants tend to access support identifying the best campaign to work on and using our 7-Step Campaign Planning Framework, while experienced ones often receive more targeted support on one element of a campaign such as graphic design, communications, metrics methods, and technical tools. Those with established campaigns can access help with engagement strategies like leadership buy-in and green team development,” explains Christine Obee, Senior Sustainability Engagement Specialist at Prism.

The two in-person summits combine training and networking for deeper learning.

“Attendees gain practical skills, hear from expert speakers, and benefit from sharing ideas, challenges, and successes with peers. Participants are often grouped by sector for learning activities, though many topics are explored in mixed groups to support broad learning across the network,” adds Christine.

Figure 2: Alexandra Tudose, Senior Sustainability Engagement Specialist, presenting at a summit session (left), and participants’ notes, 2025.

Our methodology

At the core of our approach is Prism’s 7-Step Campaign Planning Framework, developed specifically for the EWN (Figure 3). It guides participants through every stage—from stakeholder engagement and audience research to tailored messaging and impact evaluation.

Grounded in behavioural science and informed by real-world experience, the framework ensures campaigns are practical, measurable, and aligned with organizational context.

“This framework offers a clear, step-by-step approach to campaign design and implementation. It simplifies the complex, people-focused side of this work—especially for those from technical or data-driven backgrounds,” Christine explains.

Figure 3 to the right: The 7-Step Campaign Planning Framework was designed for the EWN program.

Prism: A trusted partner in energy conservation

Our work on the Energy Wise Network builds on an 18-year track record of supporting BC Hydro and FortisBC with demand-side management programs across BC’s commercial and industrial sectors.

“Over the past decade, energy conservation campaigns have shifted from promoting basic behaviour changes, such as turning off lights, to focusing on process, policy or systemic changes that link energy use and GHG emissions” observes Christine.

Our Sustainability Team brings a multidisciplinary approach—with expertise in engagement, facilitation, behaviour change, communications, social marketing, and graphic design. Many team members also have direct experience as energy managers in large public-sector organizations. This blend of strategic insight and practical know-how allows us to deliver real-world coaching that resonates with those leading change from within.

Looking ahead

The Energy Wise Network reflects Prism’s broader mission of Changing Systems for a Better World. That means improving not just buildings and technologies—but also empowering the people who can drive and sustain change from within.

Prism will continue to support BC organizations in embedding energy conservation into their culture, helping energy leaders turn ideas into action and drive lasting impact.

Prism is here to support your organization’s success.

Interested to learn more?
Connect with our team

Read more about our services
Sustainability Engagement
Sustainability Strategy

See project examples
Sustainability Projects

Learn more about Prism’s coaching support
Energy Wise Network Coaching (PDF)

Learn more about BC Hydro and FortisBC’s program
Energy Wise Network

This summer, Sarah Smith, Principal and Sustainability Team Leader at Prism, will be taking some time away to pursue a long-awaited personal project—an extended sailing trip along the coast of Mexico and Central America.

For the past 15 years, Sarah has played a pivotal role in building our Sustainability Services portfolio. Her leadership has helped organizations across diverse sectors make meaningful progress toward their sustainability and climate goals. Her passion, insight, and unwavering commitment have also left a lasting mark on Prism’s direction and culture.

We’re proud to support Sarah on this exciting journey and are deeply grateful for all she has contributed to Prism. While we’ll certainly miss her presence, she will continue to offer guidance in her role as one of Prism’s Principals during her time away. We wish her fair winds on her adventures—and we look forward to welcoming her back upon her return.

Sarah Smith (left) sets sail on a dream journey along the Americas; Julianne Pickrell-Barr steps up to lead Prism’s Sustainability Team.

As Sarah sets sail, we’re thrilled to welcome Julianne Pickrell-Barr into the role of Sustainability Team Leader.

Julianne is an Associate and Climate Action Specialist and brings more than a decade of experience in climate action, energy management, and sustainability. Her work includes helping clients across sectors reduce energy and emissions, build climate resilience, and create clear, actionable climate and sustainability plans.

Prior to joining us in 2021, Julianne served as Energy and Environmental Sustainability Manager for the Abbotsford School District, where she led key initiatives to support long-term environmental and operational performance.

Julianne graduated from Simon Fraser University (SFU) with a Master’s degree in Resource and Environmental Management (REM) with a major in planning. For her research project, she investigated the motivators and barriers to adopting zero-emission vehicles in fleets.

Her collaborative approach, deep technical knowledge, and strong leadership make her well-suited to guide the Sustainability Team.

Looking to the future

As always, our clients and partners can continue to expect the same high-quality, responsive Sustainability services. Our strategy remains focused on delivering meaningful, measurable impact, together, as we carry forward our mission of Changing Systems for a Better World.

We thank Sarah for her extraordinary contributions and wish her all the best on her journey. Please join us in congratulating Julianne on her expanded leadership role.

Prism is here to support your organization’s success.

Connect with Julianne
Send a message

Interested to learn more?
Connect with the Sustainability Team

Read more about our services
Sustainability

See project examples
Sustainability Projects

Last summer, Sam Thomas lived out a lifelong dream, embarking on a three-month cycling adventure across Europe with his family. For him, it wasn’t just about covering 2,000 kilometers—it was about spending time with family while his kids are young.

The trip coincided with Sam’s 15th anniversary at Prism Engineering and a well-earned break. Over the years, he has significantly contributed to our company’s successes, culture and direction, as well as to the energy management industry overall.

Sam and his family at the Col du Galibier, in the French Alps. The cycling trip had 14,000m of total vertical gain.

A leader’s path at Prism

During his time at Prism, Sam has played a pivotal role in developing services, building teams, and fostering relationships. Today, Sam is one of our Principals, the Strategic Energy Management (SEM) Team Leader, and the Kootenay Branch Manager of our office in Nelson, BC.

Sam’s journey into energy management began with an early passion for sustainability. “When I was little, I loved watching nature documentaries on TV. I was fascinated by Greenpeace and their work. I used to tell my parents that I wanted to be a ‘Green Pea’ when I grew up. I have always been interested in and passionate about the environment, sustainability, and responsible use of resources,” he recalls.

Born in the United Kingdom, he grew up in New Zealand, where rural life at his family’s vineyard and winery instilled a strong work ethic and a connection to the environment. This enthusiasm led him to study Applied Physics in Energy Systems, with a focus on energy efficiency and renewable energy.

When Sam moved to Canada, Prism was his first employer in the country. Starting at the Burnaby office, he soon envisioned expanding the company’s reach beyond the Lower Mainland. “It has been a little more than 11 years since we opened our office in Nelson, BC,” Sam shares. “My family was looking for a change and I saw a niche that Prism’s services could fill.”

Sam remembers the hard work that went into building a client base in the beginning. “I got a lot of support from Robert Greenwald for that. He helped me develop skills to promote our company to local clients,” he recalls.

The decision to open the Nelson office was welcomed by Prism’s leadership, who recognized the opportunity to better serve the southern interior of British Columbia. Over the past decade, Sam has cultivated a strong local team and established Prism as a trusted partner in the region. “People really appreciate us being local and knowledgeable about the region,” he adds.

Sam (right) with Brian O’Donnell, Founder (left), and Robert Greenwald,
President and CEO of Prism Engineering (center).

Impactful projects

Reflecting on his 15 years at Prism, Sam recalls several stand-out projects. “The chiller expansion that we completed at Interior Health’s Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital in Trail, BC, in 2014, is one I’m particularly proud of,” he notes. This project involved interconnecting chiller plants to improve redundancy and system efficiency. The retrofit alone was expected to save 194 tons of eCO₂ and reduce energy costs by $19,000 annually. “It was very rewarding to complete that project and see our presence in the region making a tangible difference.”

His work as the first Energy Manager for the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) from 2009 to 2014 helped the institution meet its energy reduction targets two years ahead of schedule. “It was exciting to create change within the organization as they were very receptive to our ideas. The SEM program we established there continues to exist to this day.”

Other significant projects in strategic energy management include collaborations with Thompson Rivers University (TRU) for ISO 50001 and with Strathcona County to develop an Energy Management Plan.

At Prism, Sam has also contributed to various improvements within the company. As a Principal, he plays a key role in helping set Prism’s strategic direction, building and developing our services, and leading people and teams.

Early in his career, he helped develop Prism’s Energy Management Assessment (EMA) tool, named ENGAGE, to support clients in their SEM journeys. “The EMA tool helps clients assess their energy management practices, identify gaps, and create actionable plans to close them,” Sam explains. “We’ve completed more than 100 EMAs using this tool. You know that you’ve facilitated a good EMA if you’ve created the space for a good conversation about SEM between operations and management. The ENGAGE tool really helps us do that.”

Sam working as an energy manager for UFV in 2010.

Looking to the future

Sam is excited about the expansion of our work in strategic energy management, both geographically and in scope. “SEM intersects with almost everything we do at Prism,” he says. “The potential for growth is huge, and we’re currently working on a diverse range of projects with BC Hydro and FortisBC and expanding our reach beyond British Columbia.”

He observes that the energy management industry is evolving as more people recognize the challenges posed by climate change. “Today, organizations are much more interested in reducing their emissions,” he notes. “They’re also more willing to accept longer payback periods, recognizing the importance of prioritizing emission reductions.”

To support this shift, executive and leadership training becomes crucial. “What inspires me in SEM is the opportunity to build capacity with different stakeholders. If we can use our skills to coach and train energy managers to become better at what they do, then we will be better off in the big picture,” he says.

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) will also play a transformative role in the industry. “At Prism, we’re exploring AI capabilities, from reviewing energy modelling data to helping prepare for energy studies,” he shares.

Last fall, we celebrated Sam’s 15-year anniversary during our annual company “Townhall”. As part of that, we asked him what Prism’s purpose, “Changing Systems for a Better World”, means to him:

“Changing the world starts with changing the systems that shape it. At Prism, we focus on transforming organizational, physical, and internal systems to help manage energy and emissions. While challenges abound, there’s incredible progress being made—and so much more to do. Being part of this mission inspires pride and hope for a brighter future.”

Prism’s SEM Team. From left to right: Mike Latimer, Senior SEM Coach;
Robert Greenwald, CEO & President; Shannon Hardman, Senior SEM Coach;
Sam Thomas, SEM Team Lead; Josh Caplan, Senior SEM Coach;
Richard Senez, Energy Management Professional. 

Prism is here to support your organization’s success.

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Strategic Energy Management (SEM)

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Strategic Energy Management Projects

With advancements in solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage (BES) technologies, renewable energy systems have become a key tool for reducing carbon emissions and supporting sustainability goals. Used separately or combined, these systems not only contribute to environmental stewardship but also offer significant financial incentives.

Despite their growing adoption, misconceptions about solar panels and battery storage systems persist. To help cut through the noise, our Electrical Team has compiled and debunked seven common myths that may be holding organizations back from exploring the full potential of these technologies.

Let’s gain some clarity and uncover the facts!

Myth 1: Solar panels don’t work in cloudy or cold weather.

Fact: Solar panels can still generate electricity on cloudy days, though at reduced efficiency. They work efficiently in cold weather, as solar panels are more efficient at converting sunlight to electricity when temperatures are cooler.

Myth 2: Solar panels require constant maintenance.

Fact: Solar panels are low-maintenance and can last for 25-40 years. They do, however, need regular inspections and occasional cleaning to remove dirt, dust, or debris. Many systems also come with warranties that cover performance for decades.

Prism offers design and implementation support for solar PV systems for commercial and institutional buildings.

Solar panels are low-maintenance and can last for 25-40 years. Photo: Envato Elements. 

Myth 3: Solar panels can damage roofs and cause leaks.

Fact: It’s true that some solar panels need to be attached by drilling into the roof, which can sometimes cause damage or leaks. There are special mounting systems, however, that don’t require drilling. These systems use weights or clamps to hold the panels in place, keeping the roof intact and preventing leaks.

Myth 4: Batteries only store energy for nighttime use and don’t last long.

Fact: While batteries are used to store excess solar energy generated during the day for use at night, they also help with load management during peak demand times or power outages, as seen in Figure 1 below. This offers greater resiliency, as well as cost savings.

Modern lithium-ion batteries have lifespans of 10-15 years or more, and their performance and durability continue to improve with advancing technology. Battery energy storage systems are available in a wide range of sizes, from residential to utility-scale.

Integration of solar and battery storage

Figure 1: Simplified interconnection and energy flow diagram for a Solar PV system with BES integration.

Myth 5: Solar panels and battery systems are too expensive.

Fact: Costs have significantly dropped in recent years, and many governments and utilities offer incentives, rebates, and financing options that make solar and battery systems more affordable than ever. Over time, these systems often pay for themselves through energy savings.

In British Columbia, BC Hydro offers rebates of up to $50,000 for businesses and multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) for solar and battery systems rated at less than 100 kW. Additional funding is available for larger systems through BC Hydro’s Load Displacement Incentive program.

Myth 6: Solar panels and batteries are difficult to integrate with existing systems.

Fact: Modern solar and battery storage systems, when properly designed, provide seamless integration with existing electrical infrastructure.

Prism provides expert electrical design and implementation support by working with contractors and suppliers to ensure a hassle-free integration process.

Myth 7: Solar panels and batteries can’t support large-scale energy needs.

Fact: Advances in technology have made solar panels and battery energy storage systems scalable for commercial, institutional, and industrial use. Customized solutions can be designed to meet large-scale energy demands, making them a viable option for even the most energy-intensive operations.

Prism is here to support your organization’s success.

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Renewable Energy
Photovoltaics

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Solar PV projects

How solar and battery work together
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Banner Photo credits: Left, Prism Engineering; Right, UniEnergy Technologies, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons with changes.