Our Team

John has a background in climate change mitigation policy, energy efficiency, grant management, and program management..He has been involved in various energy and climate projects, including GHG quantification, reporting, verification, carbon pricing, grant programs, and residential energy rebates. John excels in stakeholder coordination, communication, and consultation. He has experience managing vendor contracts, budgets, and collaborating with partners and communities to deliver low-carbon initiatives.

John leads the project management team at the Building to Zero Exchange (BTZx) and is excited to develop new skills, connections, and a deeper understanding of the drivers that will accelerate the transition of the built environment to a net-zero future.

John holds a Bachelor of Arts in Geography from Queen’s University and a Masters in Resource and Environmental Management from Dalhousie University.

Ahmad is a researcher and project manager working on the Building to Zero Exchange (BTZx) program supporting innovative projects that advance net-zero buildings through workforce training, building energy performance, and digital tool development.

Ahmad holds a PhD in Telematics Engineering from the Technical University of Catalonia (UPC) and is a registered Professional Engineer with the Province of New Brunswick. His academic and professional background encompasses experience in smart grid technologies, machine learning applications, and data privacy, with a focus on developing practical and scalable solutions.

Ahmad brings a systems-thinking approach and technical expertise to his work, helping to bridge innovation and implementation for more efficient, resilient, and equitable energy systems.

Taylor Owen is a creative policy developer, environmental innovator, and collaborator whose work is focused on climate change mitigation, net-zero buildings, and community development. Taylor gained valuable experience at HCi3, the Halifax Climate Investment, Innovation and Impact Fund, where she created and implemented granting and investment programming and collaborated across Canada with the Low Carbon Cities Canada Network.

Additionally, Taylor spearheaded Halifax’s ambitious climate change plan, HalifACT with the Halifax Regional Municipality and contributed to community-based clean energy initiatives at the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables.

In her climate endeavors, Taylor champions social equity, placing an emphasis on fostering inclusive relationships and innovative collective impact approaches, showcasing her distinctive style in tackling environmental challenges head-on. She holds a Bachelor of Management majoring in Resource and Environmental Management from Dalhousie University.
 

Lara is a Sustainability Consultant working to promote climate action by engaging stakeholders and supporting policy development. In 2023, she played a crucial role in creating and launching the Building to Zero Exchange (BTZx), a collaborative initiative to aid the building sector's transition to net-zero. 

Lara also collaborates with the team at ASHRAE Halifax Chapter in designing and delivering Atlantic Canada's only green building conference, BuildGreen Atlantic. Her background is in the not-for-profit sector, where she served as the Regional Director for Atlantic Canada at the Canada Green Building Council for many years. In that capacity, she advanced the adoption of green building practices in the region through member engagement, education and advocacy. She holds a BA from the University of King’s College, a BPR from Mount St. Vincent University, and a Graduate Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability from the University of Toronto – University of St. Michael’s College.  
 

Sydney Tseng-Rhoades is a dedicated environmental professional with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Geoscience and a robust background in climate literacy, curriculum development, and training program delivery. With over seven years of experience across education, non-profit, and private sectors, Sydney actively engages diverse communities, including Indigenous and equity-deserving groups, in sustainability initiatives and net-zero building practices.

Sydney has held leadership roles such as Program Director, where she developed and delivered impactful programs, managed learning management systems, and fostered partnerships across educational institutions, community organizations, and the private sector. Her work has advanced climate literacy and integrated Indigenous Ways of Knowing into educational content. In addition to her technical expertise, Sydney brings a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring that environmental education is accessible, culturally respectful, and impactful. She is also in the process of earning her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, further strengthening her project management skills.

Beyond her professional life, Sydney is driven by a passion for sustainable development, which she pursues both in her community work and personal challenges, such as mentoring young learners in STEM and training for Ironman competitions. She is excited to contribute her expertise to Net Zero Atlantic, working to accelerate the transition to net-zero construction and sustainable development across Atlantic Canada.
 

Naishadh is a collaborative and dynamic thinker bent on creating change at a local level and beyond. He is committed to advancing sustainable energy solutions, and applying his expertise in research, data analysis, and strategic planning to build a more sustainable future. 

Experienced in research, data analysis, and strategic planning, he works with the team to deliver technically robust and community-centered projects, advancing action within the Atlantic Canadian Green Building sector. He has a Master's in Sustainable Energy & Policy majoring in Climate Change from Carleton University and holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University.