Program Specialist, Emissions-Neutral Buildings
Alicia Couto is a dedicated sustainability professional and educator who is committed to driving Alberta's energy transformation while fostering positive social and environmental change. With a deep passion for both innovation and collaboration, Alicia brings a unique blend of expertise and devotion to her work, aiming to reshape the future of Alberta's energy landscape for generations to come. Her academic journey has laid a solid foundation for her career, with a Master’s of Sustainability in Energy Security and a Diploma in Renewable Energy and Conservation. This blend of knowledge provides her with a systems thinking approach to tackle the challenges and opportunities in the built environment. Her professional experience spans many verticals, including green building design, renewable energy, energy policy development, standards implementation and cleantech. Alicia’s diverse background equips her with the tools to create tangible change in the way we think about and approach sustainability.
At the heart of Alicia’s mission is her unwavering commitment to empowering communities to achieve their emission-neutral targets. As the Program Specialist of the Emissions-Neutral Building Information Exchange (ENBIX) at Alberta Ecotrust, she fosters collaboration among multiple sectors, helping stakeholders connect, learn and access vital resources that drive progress toward net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in building construction, renovation and operation across Alberta. Alicia’s work is driven by a strong belief that sustainability is not just about technology or policy but about people—about coming together, sharing knowledge and building capacity in communities. Her role at ENBIX perfectly aligns with this philosophy, blending her passion for sustainability with her dedication to supporting others in achieving their environmental goals. Her lived experience, which spans both rural and urban settings, enriches her perspective and approach, understanding the unique challenges and opportunities that communities face, whether in the heart of a bustling city or the more tranquil settings of rural communities. This connection to both environments informs her work and drives her passion for creating inclusive solutions that can benefit all Albertans.
Outside of her professional life, Alicia finds joy in exploring the world around her. Whether it's travelling, spending time in nature, enjoying her family or exploring new culinary delights, she embraces the richness of life with the same enthusiasm she brings to her work. Through her dedication and passion, she aims to inspire others to join her in the pursuit of a more sustainable and equitable future.