EMILY KWOK
Vancouver,Canada
Summary
Dynamic sustainability leader with over 15 years of experience in low-carbon energy solutions, including significant achievements at the City of Surrey. Proven expertise in policy development and infrastructure planning, complemented by strong collaboration skills. Registered Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) and Certified Energy Manager (CEM), dedicated to driving impactful decarbonization strategies.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
District Energy, Engineering – District Energy Infrastructure and Planning Lead
City of surrey
Surrey, Canada
09.2019 - Current
- Led infrastructure planning for low-carbon district heating system in Surrey’s City Centre.
- Oversaw expansion of pipe network from 1 km to 10 km and plant capacity from 25 MW to 60 MW.
- Developed policy and financial models for utility service and plant expansion assessments.
- Implemented Low Carbon Transition Roadmap to decarbonize utility by 2050.
- Established cooling service offerings for new customers, influencing energy rate structures.
- Created rate structures to provide access to 'Green Heat' options for compliance with low-carbon regulations.
- Evaluated growth areas in downtown core, ensuring adherence to City’s rate setting principles.
- Secured over $30 million CAD in funding for Surrey’s first permanent renewable energy plant.
Sustainability Office – Climate and Energy Analyst
City of surrey
Surrey, Canada
11.2017 - 09.2019
- Developing policies and programs to transition the City to a low-carbon energy future including:
- Developing feasibility studies and undertaking background research in following topics: renewable natural gas supply in BC, low-carbon fuel opportunities in heavy-duty transport, and electric vehicle group buy programs
- Evaluating energy and emission reduction opportunities in Surrey’s buildings, waste, light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles and assess the City’s progress towards committed climate targets
- Leading discussions with City departments and Provincial Government branches to determine opportunities for the City to become carbon neutral
- Collaborate with internal departments and stakeholders to lead energy conservation initiatives within Surrey’s community
Sustainable Business Solutions – Senior Consultant
pricewaterhousecoopers LLP
Vancouver, Canada
02.2017 - 11.2017
- Lead verifier for over twenty greenhouse gas (GHG) verifications and bioenergy engagements for pulp and paper, cement, waste-to-energy, and mining facilities in BC
- Participated in audits for industrial operations; duties included completing site visits, interviewing site operators and head-office staff about data and reporting processes, inspecting equipment and measurement devices, and reviewing equipment schematics
Climate Change and Sustainability Services – Sustainability Consultant
Ernst & Young LLP
Calgary, Canada
01.2013 - 07.2014
- Led over forty GHG verifications and environmental assessments under Alberta, BC, and Ontario regulations; Operations included upstream oil & gas, gas plants, oil sands facilities, coal mines, and power generation plants.
- Executed the assurance of sustainability reports for companies to verify data and processes for significant KPIs, spanning environmental, safety, and social indicators.
Innovation and Technology Center - Intern
international renewable energy agency (IRENA)
Bonn, Germany
04.2013 - 12.2013
- Analyzed the renewable energy potential of Canada, Denmark and South Africa across all energy sectors (industry, transportation, power and building) and proposed cost-saving, realizable, renewable options to replace fossil fuel technologies
- Performed comparative analysis of the policy frameworks of the 26 countries and proposed energy planning practices for governments to increase renewable energy development
- Quantified global externality costs of health impacts and climate change associated to fossil fuel consumption
Cominco Engineering Services Limited - Process Engineer
Teck resources ltd
Richmond, Canada
01.2010 - 12.2011
- Participated in demonstration-scale research projects using hydrometallurgical technology for the extraction of gold, nickel, and copper from impurity-challenged ores in Canada’s largest mining company
- Demonstrated the environmental benefits of hydrometallurgy to extract metal in a sustainable and cost-effective manner through successful commissioning of metals extraction projects
- Optimized metal extraction efficiencies by optimizing operating parameters of processes
Programmatics – Materials and Corrosion Co-op Student
Imperial Oil Resources
Calgary, Canada
01.2009 - 08.2009
- Developed corrosion management plans, conducted failure investigations, and recommended procedures for safe and responsible operations of upstream oil and gas pipelines
- Performed an integrity evaluation of non-metallic materials as an alternative to steel for corrosive oilfield applications and provided technical support to Facilities in terms of product selection, service applicability, operating procedures
Education
Master of Science - Engineering and Management of the Environment and Energy
KTH Royal Institute of Technology
Stockholm, Sweden11-2013
Bachelor of Applied Science - Materials Engineering
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, Canada06-2010
Skills
- Over 15 years of professional experience in sustainable energy, engineering, and policy development, with expertise across buildings, transport, and industry
- Strong background in energy efficiency and decarbonisation strategies, including policy design and low carbon infrastructure planning,
- Extensive experience collaborating with local governments, utilities, developers, and international organisations to advance low-carbon energy solutions
- In-depth knowledge of international energy policies and global best practices, developed through a Master’s degree in Europe and work with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in Bonn
- Registered Professional Engineer (PEng) in British Columbia and Certified Energy Manager (CEM) with proven technical and policy expertise
- Academic foundation includes a Master of Science in Energy and Environment and a Bachelor of Materials Engineering
Other Skills
English, Native Speaker, French, Intermediate, Professional Engineer under EGBC, Current Board Member and mentor with Connecting Environmental Professionals since 2015., Completed various research projects in 2016 for Clean Energy Canada, BC Sustainable Energy Association, and Community Energy Association., Rock climbing mentor of Vancouver Rock Climbing Group., Current Executive Member of Surrey Civic Toastmasters, member of Toastmasters International since 2014.
Certification
- Obtained in 2021
Languages
English
Full Professional
French
Limited
Timeline
District Energy, Engineering – District Energy Infrastructure and Planning Lead
City of surrey
09.2019 - Current
Sustainability Office – Climate and Energy Analyst
City of surrey
11.2017 - 09.2019
Sustainable Business Solutions – Senior Consultant
pricewaterhousecoopers LLP
02.2017 - 11.2017
Innovation and Technology Center - Intern
international renewable energy agency (IRENA)
04.2013 - 12.2013
Climate Change and Sustainability Services – Sustainability Consultant
Ernst & Young LLP
01.2013 - 07.2014
Cominco Engineering Services Limited - Process Engineer
Teck resources ltd
01.2010 - 12.2011
Programmatics – Materials and Corrosion Co-op Student
Imperial Oil Resources
01.2009 - 08.2009
Master of Science - Engineering and Management of the Environment and Energy
KTH Royal Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Applied Science - Materials Engineering
University of British Columbia