Mel Gavin: Retrofitting, Environmental Skeptics, Capitalism, Sketchy Climate Solutions, Immigration

Mel and I have worked together on a couple of projects relating to energy efficiency and carbon reductions.His thoughts and insights on ourattempts at transitioning to a low carbon economy and to a more sustainable world are invaluable. Why? Because he literally has on the ground experience with so many different types of projects and can see the good and bad in how they are all progressing, quite unlike the classic 'armchair intellectual' in a university (no offence) or the government bureaucrat who only ever sits behind his or her desk (take some offence). He's different, because he is ON THE GROUND and really understands what's going on.I value his opinion and hope we can do this again some day.***Mel Gavin, RD&I Coordinator, IT SligoMel is a Civil & Structural Engineer and Certified Energy Manager with experience in design and project management on a wide range of private and public projects including, sustainable buildings, wind farms, energy efficiency, product and process design, waste and resource efficiency. Mel currently manages the Contract Research Unit at IT Sligo providing outreach external engagement in research, development and innovation support to regional enterprises, communities and individuals.