René Michalak

Rene is an enterprising renewable energy electrician, permaculture designer, biomimicry professional, and open-source technology enthusiast who collaborates with leaders, cities, businesses, and agencies to identify and implement natural-systems-based solutions to human, social, and infrastructure problems. He is presently studying smart microgrid, solar PV, and renewable energy technologies.

He believes we have all of the ideas and technology available to solve our collective and individual problems. However, he believes the trouble is overcoming entrenched bureaucracy and a psychology of previous investment before we can collaborate in creative energy at the scale necessary for a non-violent revolution.

He personally started with affirming his relationship with land, water and air, then committed to understand the potential of open-source technology, the emerging Transition Towns culture, and is presently training in the field of renewable energy as an electrician and permaculture design as a certified teacher.

Closer to home, he is leading numerous projects via ReThink Red Deer and like-minded organizations which have provided the opportunity to do hands-on activities for building a sustainable community that leverages its collective brilliance – i.e., none of us is as smart as all of us.