NOVUS EARTH
Cultivating the seeds for a decarbonized future
OUR TEAM
Our Diverse, Dynamic, and Deeply Engaged Team
JEFF MESSNER – President, Co-founder
Clean-tech innovator, sustainable development leader, mediocre golfer
Jeff Messner is the President and Co-founder of Novus Earth. He is responsible for the design of the innovative closed loop geothermal technology and is actively growing the company in the clean energy space. Through valuing environmental stewardship, he has spearheaded a renewable energy technology with net-zero emissions that opens up new markets in the energy and agricultural sectors.
His previous work at Weatherford Drilling Services in technical sales has been an integral part of his ability to develop client relationships built on trust. Through effective project management of over 20 companies, he had attained $25 million per year in sales. Jeff has a strong technical background in directional drilling from over a decade of experience in his roles as a Field Specialist and Field Supervisor.
Jeff is a lifelong learner that is constantly reading to get ahead of market trends, attending conferences, and most recently obtained his Renewable Energy & Conservation Certification. His ability to build strong relationships is a natural skill he started developing on the golf course over the past couple decades, as he dedicates his time to maintaining long term relationships in his personal and professional life.
RALPH SALM – Director of Operations, Co-founder
Visionary, Tenacious, patient fisherman
Ralph Salm is the Director of Operations and Co-founder of Novus Earth. He grew up in northern Canada and experienced firsthand the need for fresh, affordable produce in remote communities. His vision aims to bring food security to Northern Territories by using renewable energy to power hydroponic and aquaculture facilities. Ralph is a strategic problem solver with four ongoing patent applications on cleaning water, electricity generation, wind turbines and thermal transfer in deep geothermal systems.
His background in construction and operations is extensive with over 40 years experience working in Canada and internationally. The past 26 years have been focused on the renewable energy sector where he has completed >300 geoexchange projects globally. Ralph’s artistic eye for design and international accreditation in log and timber frame construction allowed him to assist in the development of international standards for construction and energy efficiencies in five countries.
Ralph has a passion for self-sustainability and growing quality food that brings him back to his roots. The art of canning and food preservation carried on through the generations with his own spin on smoking meat, allow him to continue the family tradition of gathering around the table to share nourishing food, while enjoying each other’s company.
EMILY OLSEN – Chief Administrative Officer
Possibility thinker, business and communications strategist, servant leader, amateur bowler
Emily brings demonstrated knowledge of corporate and strategic communications, human resources, organizational development, and a public participation to her role as Chief Administrative Officer. A natural leader, her relationship to her work is rooted in the establishment of trust and connection with employees, public audiences, and stakeholders.
For just over two years, she served the Town of Hinton as Chief Administrative Officer, having started with the Town in 2011 in communications. As CAO, Emily led the administrative arm of the municipality, prioritizing the development of an enhanced strategic and corporate planning process, progress on key infrastructure projects, organizational realignment, employee retention and attraction, as well as coordinating the municipal response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Emily’s education, training, and experience, has formed her honest method of engagement, collaboration, and information-sharing that is welcoming and approachable. On Friday nights from October to May you can find her at the local bowling alley, supporting her team with the (very) occasional strike.
ROBBY ROY – Chief Financial Officer
Dot Connector, Problem Solver, Health & Wellness Advocate, Part-time Farmer
Robby Roy is the Chief Financial Officer at Novus Earth. He is a financial professional and leads at the tip of the spear. Working closely with entrepreneurs, he has built and implemented complex financial projects and provided them with business planning and solutions for the last 20 years.
A bit of a nomad in his earlier years, he has spent years travelling the world and immersing himself in various cultures, learning their integrations and impact in this globalized world. His interest in world finance has helped him see the other side of the coin, and how it all connects.
He has a passion for balance, freedom and self-sustainability, which makes him a great addition to the Novus Team.
TOBY BIRD – Investor Relations
Business development specialist, strategic negotiator, marketing ambassador, casual dart player
Toby Bird’s role in Investor Relations ensures investors and key stakeholders are up to date on current projects, future opportunities, and investment dollars. He is dedicated to building relationships founded on trust with a shared mission for sustainable growing and food security for Northern Territories and beyond.
His previous work focused on the launch and development of an environmental and technology division with Kayden Industries for their use of liquid/solid separation centrifuge technology. Toby was a valuable contributor with $14 million in sales within Canada for environmental remediation. His sales background is highlighted throughout his work with Weatherford on their artificial lift team and BICO selling mud motors for directional drilling.
With a dedicated track record in the service industry managing restaurants and bars, Toby has an appreciation for quality food. Combined with 10 years in the energy industry, Novus Earth is the right fit with a focus on clean energy for fresh, local food production. After hours, you are likely to find him hitting the snowy peaks in the Rocky Mountains or enjoying a round of golf with friends and colleagues.
MORGAN ROBERTS – Indigenous Relations
Indigenous-focused Economic developer, community leader, early morning kayaker
Described as being authentic, inclusive and sincere, Morgan prides herself in working to provide potential for re-establishing balance between people, place, and the environment.
Morgan possesses experience in strategic economic development through an Indigenous lens. Her educational background is in Business Administration from Memorial University and Economic Reconciliation from Simon Fraser University. She is working on her MBA in Community Economic Development.
Morgan has written several award-winning publications focusing on retention and expansion of rural small businesses in rural markets. Proudly involved with the friendship Centre movement, she regularly gives back to the urban Indigenous community.
Morgan grew up on the coast of Newfoundland, and now lives with her family in the Foothills of the Alberta Rocky Mountains. In the summer, she is often found early morning kayaking or when the snow flies, snowshoeing her way to the next vantage point.
LAOLU ADEKOYA – Commercial Advisor
Transformational sales leader, problem solver, zero altitude flight pilot
Laolu Adekoya is a Commercial Advisor of Novus Earth and is responsible for the go to market strategy, growth and development of the company. Laolu has over 20 years of experience in developing and leading strategic sales growth in the energy sector. He believes in business growth through market analysis, strategic planning and execution and this led to managing over $100 million of strategic revenue in his recent sales role.
A firm believer in sustainable and responsible stewardship of the earth’s resources, seeing the potential of bringing cost effective fresh food and renewable energy to local communities made joining Novus Earth a no brainer. He looks forward to applying his horsepower to feeding, heating and powering underserved communities in Canada and across the globe.
Laolu Holds a BSc in Chemical Engineering from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and an MSc in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Oklahoma. Laolu enjoys anything with two wheels and an engine in between and looks forward to hitting the local Southern Alberta racetrack once it is completed.
NAV SIRA – Senior Exploration Geoscientist
Horizontal geo-steering specialist, well design innovator, STEM advocate, Formula 1 enthusiast
Nav Sira is a versatile member of Novus Earth as he contributes not only to geoscience exploration, but also diversifies his skill set to contribute to the design and patent application for the closed loop well and hydroponics facility. He has over a decade of experience working in the Alberta energy sector and has a drive to bring Geothermal Energy to Canada by utilizing his expertise gained in drilling horizontal SAGD wells.
Nav has successfully drilled more than 400 horizontal wells in various formations across western Canada and has a strong understanding of reservoir analysis and well placement through directional drilling. The idea of using magnetic ranging technology to drill an innovative closed loop geothermal system to harness the earth’s heat was an opportunity with Novus Earth that he could not refuse.
Nav was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Geophysics at the University of Calgary. When not working on STEM projects, you can find Nav reading up on the latest technological advancements in F1 and watching the races.
DR.JONATHAN BANKS – Technical advisor
Geothermal advocate, entrepreneurial spirit, technology pioneer, powder skier
Dr. Jonathan Banks has his PhD in hydrogeology and geochemistry with over a decade of experience leading the University of Alberta Geothermics team. His previous work in Germany at an experimental geothermal power plant has provided him with the expertise to coordinate inter-departmental and inter-collegiate geothermal research activities.
Dr. Banks is a pioneer in advancing several transformational technologies for Western Canada. He brings an entrepreneurial spirit to the laboratory, with a focus on building bridges between pure science to applied science to commercial success. He has spearheaded the “Geothermal Deep Dive” analysis, in partnership with Alberta Innovates and works with several regional municipalities interested in geothermal exploration and development. His scientific publications on the geothermal hot spot in the Hinton area have allowed him to be an integral advisor for the Novus Earth team through the progression of the Latitude 53 Project.
LOUIS CHABOT – Geophysical Advisor
Geosciences enthusiast, technical communicator, relationship builder, glass blower
After graduate studies in both mining engineering and in geophysics, Louis acquired multi disciplinary experiences in the industry over time in progressively more senior technical roles. For the subsurface, Louis has demonstrated work experiences in full-cycle geophysical programs (acquisition to interpretation) as well as in reservoir characterization of various conventional and unconventional resources plays.
A builder of relationships across technical ecosystems, Louis’s technology portfolio management skills focused on coordinating technology programs, launching field pilot studies and redeploying resources to close identified technology gaps and improve efficiencies.
Louis joined the Novus Earth team, as Geophysical Advisor, to provide support and technical knowledge to the organization, pivoting his transferable skills to aid in the future work in transition and new energies. His extensive practical experience coupled with his Bachelor and Masters degree of Mining Engineering degree from McGill, and a Masters in Science (Geophysics) from the University of Calgary, adds a significant perspective to Novus Energy’s geothermal exploration.
Research Partnerships
Dr.Victor Liu, Engineering Faculty.
Novus Earth is in collaboration with the University of Alberta team under a 4 year Mitacs Project focusing on the fluid and rock interactions in Canada’s geothermal systems through thermo-hydro-mechanical modeling.
Memberships
Our Friends
Alberta-wide
It starts at home…
By 2030, Alberta’s Climate Leadership Plan strives for 30% of Alberta’s energy to come from renewable sources. At Novus Earth, we’re prepared to help Alberta reach that goal by providing Albertans with the systems required to unlock sustainable geothermal energy.
Canada-wide
It expands across the country…
In Canada, renewable energy sources, such as hydro, biomass, and wind, provide just 16% of Canada’s total primary energy supply. However, we believe a better sustainable energy resource is available. Novus Earth is committed to increasing the use of sustainable energy in Canada by helping Canadians harness the power of geothermal energy, regardless of their location.
World-wide
It spreads across the world…
Across the globe, the International Energy Agency reports that CO2 emissions have risen 63.35% since 1990. The best hope for reducing global carbon emissions and reversing the effects of climate change involves bringing renewable energy into the mix. Novus Earth is proud to provide our closed-loop geothermal systems across the globe to change the worldwide energy industry as we know it.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Our Core Values
Transformation
We are committed to progressing the energy and agriculture sectors forward through the pursuit of clean technology innovations.
Integrity
The foundation for our actions; we conduct ourselves in an honest, trustworthy and respectful manner, holding ourselves accountable to high moral and ethical standards.
Value creation driven by embracing a collaborative culture that integrates our work closely with communities, local businesses and other partners to achieve carbon neutral solutions as we collectively grow together.
Optimism
We are confident in our ability to drive solutions for a more sustainable environment, starting with finding an efficient way to meet our basic needs in energy and food security.
Community
We believe in the power of the communities we create and serve; we are committed to building a social license to operate that engages, involves and gives back to our communities where we live and work.
Our Guiding Principles
Innovative & Sustainable Development:
We embrace innovation as it allows us to learn, adapt, and generate new ideas as we prioritize sustainable development.
Safety & Well-being
A safe and emotionally healthy working environment underlies all of our activities, ensuring our people return home safely and without harm.
Inclusive, Diverse & Equitable Culture
We ensure that our decisions and actions are rooted in the values of inclusion, diversity and equity by embracing the unique attributes of all individuals and cultivating environments grounded in respect for the opinions, ideas and feelings of others.
Earth Stewardship
We are committed to environmentally responsible business practices, minimizing our footprint and respecting the air, land and water to help conserve the earth’s vital resources.
OUR COMMITMENT
Treaty 7 Territory Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge this in recognition of the deep history of these areas and the significance for the Indigenous Peoples who have been connected both physically and spiritually to these lands. We are grateful for the opportunity to celebrate the gifts of these lands, and we share in the responsibility of stewardship of the earth and her resources for tomorrow's generations.
OUR DIFFERENTIATORS
What Makes Novus Earth Rise Above the Rest?
The world and its global supply chains have questions about improving food and energy security, and Novus Earth is here to answer the call.
We provide food and energy security to areas that haven’t had opportunities to achieve stability before. All of our goals and core values reflect a drive for improving sustainable energy endeavours for the benefit of businesses and communities alike. With our exclusive offerings, Novus Earth has also adopted a highly adaptable and flexible business model that can be customized to meet the needs of clients.
OUR SOLUTIONS
Optimizing the Way You Produce and Consume Energy
Confidence
- We have the experience and expertise to change the way we produce and consume energy.
- We believe in our vision for a more sustainable and secure future in the energy sector.
- We are uncompromising in our mission to follow through on goals.
Multiple Applications
- Our service and product offerings are of optimal quality and have a high range of flexibility in their applications.
- We take our team and communities seriously. We consider all needs and strategize to find the best possible routes to overcome problems.
- We aim to make fundamental changes in the world of sustainable agricultural and geothermal practices.
Turn-Key Solutions
- We are passionate and devoted to providing solutions to the world’s greatest problems.
- We are committed to building relationships with local communities and having a detailed understanding of their problems so that we can provide detailed solutions.
- We are forging ourselves as a seminal force in addressing food insecurity and climate change.
