Meet the Team: Harshit Srivastava, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Energy Analyst
Harshit Srivastava is TOTA's dedicated Energy Analyst, collaborating closely with FortisBC to introduce energy efficiency solutions to the tourism industry. In alignment with TOTA's commitment to reducing the environmental impact of the Thompson Okanagan tourism sector, the Energy Analyst role complements the Biosphere Commitment Program initiative. Harshit's specialization in energy allows him to support local tourism businesses by delivering opportunities that lead to cost savings and a reduction in carbon footprints.
Since joining TOTA two years ago, Harshit’s work has earned him the recognition of the FortisBC Energy Specialist Program Award - Achievement in Energy Efficiency Goals 2022.
Q&A with Harshit
Could you share a bit about your background and what motivates you to work with TOTA and FortisBC in the role of Energy Analyst?
“I'm a mechanical engineer specializing in renewables, particularly waste-to-energy and biofuels. With hands-on experience in various waste-to-fuel and energy technologies, as well as carbon cleaning and capturing, I pursued my Masters in Clean Energy Engineering at the University of British Columbia (UBC). For the past two years, I've been contributing my expertise at FortisBC, a forward-thinking company actively transitioning to low-carbon fuels like RNG. Working here enables me to apply my knowledge, aligning with my passion for renewables and commitment to combating climate change.”
What aspect of tourism are you passionate about?
“Tourism creates numerous jobs worldwide, especially evident post-pandemic with a surge in visitors to the Thompson Okanagan region. This allows me to collaborate with diverse businesses—wineries, hotels, restaurants, cafes, golf courses, museums, airports, and more. As sustainability becomes a priority for visitors, businesses are motivated to reduce their carbon footprint for sustainable tourism. My role involves aiding these businesses by offering sustainable solutions through energy-efficient measures, equipment upgrades, and transitioning to renewable options like Renewable Natural Gas (RNG).”
How do you leverage your expertise to support tourism businesses?
“Businesses use energy for various purposes like heating, cooling, lighting, and cooking. To minimize their carbon footprint, they should focus on two key actions:
First, they need to cut down on energy usage, achieved through energy-efficient measures and equipment. Second, they should switch from fossil fuels to renewable alternatives.
I support businesses by conducting energy audits to identify areas for improvement, reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, I assist them in accessing rebates available for energy-efficient equipment.”
What inspired your career in sustainable energy and lead you to work in Renewable Natural Gas?
“Waste is a growing concern, and if not managed properly, it can harm the environment. During my studies, I read about a landfill explosion caused by methane buildup, resulting in fatalities and injuries. This incident inspired me to focus on sustainable energy, particularly converting organic waste into RNG. This process addresses both waste management issues and provides a renewable alternative to Fossil Natural Gas.”
How easy is it to make the switch to RNG, and how does it help tourism businesses?
“Switching to RNG is straightforward, requiring no changes to appliances or equipment. FortisBC customers can easily make the switch by calling FortisBC or logging into their account. Customers have the flexibility to choose full or partial RNG adoption, ranging from 5% to 100%. For tourism businesses, transitioning to RNG can nearly eliminate their carbon footprint, as RNG's emission factor is 99.4% less than that of Natural Gas.”
Learn More about RNG
Learn more about the benefits of making this simple switch by scheduling an Energy Audit with Harshit at https://TOTABC.org/energy-assessment.