The City of Surrey is hosting an ENERGYShift panel and open house this Thursday (Feb. 2) on how the city can reduce energy consumption and advance sustainability.

The forum will discuss issues including transportation, housing and waste, and will help Surrey develop a new Community Energy and Emissions Plan (CEEP).

"We want to create a dialogue around how we can reduce consumption and waste, save money and develop innovative energy solutions. We want the public's input so we can create a plan that meets the energy needs of our community," said Mayor Dianne Watts in a press release.

The panel will be moderated by CBC Radio's Mark Forsythe, and will and feature a variety of people including Gordon Price with the SFU City Program and Nancy Olewiler from the TransLink board.

The CEEP will compliment the new Corporate Emissions Action Plan, which was implemented in 2010 and identifies how the city can reduce its carbon footprint and become more energy efficient.

The ENERGYShift program, launched in 2011, focuses on corporate emissions, community emissions and promoting clean tech businesses.

The public ENERGYShift event will take place at Enver Creek Secondary school, 14505 84th Ave. There will be an open house from 5: 30 to 7 p.m., with the expert panel and a Q&A period from 7 to 9 p.m.

For more information on the ENERGYShift program visit www.surrey.ca/energyshift.