Please start by introducing yourself.
My name Is Loretta Li, Efficiency Program Specialist for Business Energy Rebates (BER) at Efficiency Nova Scotia. My day-to-day work involves reviewing applications, guiding customers through our program’s rebate process and assisting with program management.
I grew up in Hong Kong and still have family living there, as well as in other parts of Asia, so I tend to travel back to Asia every year. I decided to attend Dalhousie University and have really come to enjoy Nova Scotia, especially the pace of life here.
Why did you pursue a career in the clean energy sector?
My interest in the clean energy sector started when I was training with a small company that worked as a service provider for new construction home energy assessments. I liked the hands-on, practical side of the industry, the sense that you were helping build something tangible, which felt very different from my background in computer science. I also enjoyed that the work went beyond the trades and drew on my math skills, including plan takeoffs and learning evaluations. Over time, I became especially interested in the connection between energy efficiency and people. I appreciate being able to act as a bridge between technical information and non-technical audiences, whether that means explaining how heat pumps work or helping someone feel more confident making energy-related decisions. That experience helped me develop strong skills in teaching and guiding others.
Tell us about your career journey and growth at EfficiencyOne.
My career journey at EfficiencyOne started in 2014, when I saw a posting for an Energy Efficiency Advisor role. I graduated with a computer science degree during the economic downturn, and was working for a program service provider before making the move. I began on the ESA team, where I gained a lot of understanding of energy measures and rebates. I eventually specialized in the more technical side in my role as Energy Efficiency Advisor, supporting more in-depth files and trickier calls. I joined the BER team in 2020, where I continue to build on the skills and experience I’ve gained throughout my time here.
What is most meaningful about your current role?
What I find most meaningful about my current role in Business Energy Rebates is the variety of customers and projects I get to support. The program is unique because it works with such a wide range of customers, from farmers and small businesses to large industrial clients, and includes more than 300 eligible measures. That variety keeps the work interesting and helps me continue building both my technical knowledge and professional skills. During my role as Efficiency Care Representative, I valued the chance to help customers make sense of details that may not have been familiar to them. I’m supported by many knowledgeable colleagues, including fellow program team colleagues, energy managers and business development managers, with their respective expertise who help gather the information needed to keep claims moving smoothly. It’s a role where I’m always learning and I never get bored.
What has been the most impactful project you’ve worked on to date?
There isn’t one single project that stands out as the most impactful. Of course, innovation is one of our core values and essential to move us forward, but to me, energy efficiency is also about the accumulation of small, consistent, daily efforts rather than one magic solution. It’s the work we do every day and every week, carrying out each task with proficiency, passion and integrity, that adds up to meaningful impact. As a non-profit, we’re trusted with funding to do this work, and it’s important that we allocate it responsibly. Even with the economic challenges many people are facing, being able to persevere, do the job well and continue supporting progress is what feels most meaningful.
If you could go back in time and give your younger self one piece of career advice, what would it be?
If I could go back and give my younger self one piece of career advice, it would be not to feel pressured to have everything figured out right away. It’s okay to take a break before university if you’re still unsure about what you want to do, and it can be valuable to try different things before committing to a path. Taking that time can help you make a more informed decision and better understand what feels like the right fit. I see younger people struggle with that pressure, and I think it’s important to give yourself the space to figure it out.
What is your favourite place(s) or thing(s) to do in Nova Scotia? Why?
There are so many beautiful places to enjoy in Nova Scotia, even right here in Dartmouth. Outside of town, Five Islands and Lower Economy are among my favourite areas in the province. I took part in the Not Since Moses run there, which takes place on the ocean floor, and it was such a memorable experience. In town, I really enjoy Lake Banook, both on the lake and around it. I took a Learn to Paddle class last year and really enjoyed trying dragon boat, canoeing and kayaking after being introduced to it by a colleague. I’m hoping to spend more time paddling this summer. I also spend a lot of time at King’s College with the Halifax International Shotokan Karate Federation, where I’ve been training for more than 25 years. It’s been a great way to meet people and feel connected to the community, and I really appreciate the friendly people and neighbours here.
What is your favourite thing about working at EfficiencyOne?
What I enjoy most about working at EfficiencyOne is being surrounded by so many smart, passionate people who are working together toward shared energy goals. Everyone brings different backgrounds and perspectives, but there’s a strong sense that we’re all moving in the same direction. My team and our program team colleagues are supportive and encouraging, people are always willing to help and you never feel nervous about raising your hand when you need help. That kind of teamwork has helped me grow, including when I was working toward my Certified Energy Manager qualification a few years ago.