Rob Avis is owner of Calgary-based Verge Permaculture.

A graduate of mechanical engineering from the University of Alberta, Rob started a small renewable energy consulting business in 2004. His interest in sustainability, a desire to explore and uncover insights and practical solutions has since resulted in research trips to Europe, North America, Central America and Australia.

Offering a wealth of knowledge and experience from around the world, Rob's portfolio includes visiting numerous permaculture sites in Australia and volunteer work at the Permaculture Research Institute of Australia, a six month sabbatical learning about renewable energy systems at a Non-Profit in Denmark and off-the-beaten track travels throughout Mexico examining sustainable agriculture practices. He has hands-on experience with numerous concepts including: strawbale buildings, Earthships, passive solar design, wind turbines and solar power & heating. However, he also understands and emphasizes the importance of biological systems: soil, water-harvesting, landscape re-hydration, composting, growing food, greywater and biological waste-water treatment.

As a speaker for community events, non-profit groups and businesses, Rob is keen to share his passion and vision. He has been invited to guest lecture at the University of Calgary, taught workshops in partnership with the non-profit Green Calgary, and now teaches the full permaculture design certificate with courses planned cross Western Canada.

When not teaching or consulting you'll find Rob in the basement experimenting with ferments (baking bread & brewing beer) or foraging in the garden.

www.vergepermaculture.ca

We bought a farm....

Photos of Verge HQ in 2011

Since Fall of 2008 we have been developing our urban homestead in the cold temperate climate of Calgary, AB, Canada. From the tricky chinook winds, to massive hail storms, to -30 or colder, there is a lot to take into consideration here.