Dr. Hastings-Simon serves on the Pembina Institute's board of directors. She is a professor in the department of physics and astronomy and school of public policy at the University of Calgary where she directs the Masters of Science in Sustainable Energy Development. She is a macro energy system researcher and her work is focused on understanding how low-carbon energy transitions happen at the intersection of technology, business, and policy, and how policy responses can improve outcomes.
Sara is co-founder and co-host of Energy vs Climate, a webinar and podcast that explores the energy transition in Alberta, Canada, and beyond. She is also an expert member of the panel for Clean Growth with the Canadian Climate Choices Institute, and a member of the board of directors of Emissions Reduction Alberta and the Pembina Institute.
Her previous roles include Director of Clean Economy at the Pembina Institute, founder of Business Renewable Centre Canada, and practice manager for Clean Technologies at McKinsey & Company. Dr. Hastings-Simon holds a PhD in physics from the University of Geneva.
Sara Hastings-Simon's Recent Publications
All Hands on Deck An assessment of provincial, territorial and federal readiness to deliver a safe climate
PublicationThough Canada’s provinces and territories hold much of the power over energy resources, the majority lack the policy infrastructure and measures necessary to achieve significant emissions reductions. To determine readiness to act on climate, the Pembina Institute and Simon Fraser University’s School of Resource and Environmental Management assessed each province, territory and the federal government on 24 climate policies and measures foundational for climate success.
Local leadership brings big renewable energy opportunities to Alberta town How the Innisfail town council kickstarted a conversation, creating a chain reaction of innovative and profitable projects
BlogThe Town of Innisfail is quietly and confidently challenging stereotypes about small town Alberta with its award-winning renewable energy work. Representatives from the town say projects like their new solar farm have been a financial win, boosting their local economy and paving the way forward for even more opportunities.
Nine things you didn’t know about our new ED’s approach to climate change Linda Coady shares her views on the economic impact of investing in climate action, and the key to resolving contentious resource conflicts
BlogFrom pandas to pipelines to Olympic rings, our new executive director’s experiences vary wildly, but the constant throughout is her success at finding common ground to advance climate and environmental action.
Ontario's economic investment outlook dims with new government energy actions
Op-edOntario’s government framed its reversal of carbon pricing and clean energy programs as an attempt to “save the little guy” — but it may have inadvertently thrown its economy in reverse while losing jobs and costing consumers.
How a price on carbon reduces emissions
PublicationBy making polluters pay, a price on carbon pollution kickstarts behaviour changes and innovation. A well-designed price on carbon pollution ensures that as the price increases, so does the number of options to lower your footprint. There are many possible solutions across sectors; this infographic looks at three areas — transportation, heating, and electricity.
