This session introduces foundational strategies for improving energy efficiency and resilience in residential retrofits, setting the stage for discussions on financing, policy, and implementation. Experts will discuss cost-effective solutions, overcoming common barriers in retrofit projects, and the role of policy and incentives in driving widespread adoption of energy-efficient practices in residential buildings.

•    Energy-efficient solutions for residential retrofits.
•    Overcoming barriers in cost, implementation, and access to financing.
•    The role of policy and incentives in accelerating residential retrofitting.
 

This session will explore how municipalities across Canada are developing Deep Energy Retrofit (DER) Toolkits through a four-year initiative led by CHBA and Natural Resources Canada. Representatives from municipalities across Canada will share their experiences, successes, and challenges in promoting energy efficiency upgrades and incentivizing retrofits. Attendees will gain insights into effective outreach strategies and practical lessons learned in scaling Net Zero home upgrades.

This session examines the impact of retrofits on indoor air quality, highlighting strategies to mitigate radon risks while improving home energy efficiency. Airtight buildings reduce energy loss, but they can also impact indoor air quality. 

1. Pretium Engineering: Innovations Accelerating Retrofits. 
   This presentation will highlight innovative strategies and technologies being used by Pretium Engineering to accelerate retrofit projects and improve building performance at scale.
   Jeff Livingstone, P.Eng, Pretium Engineering Inc.
    
2. Tackling Obstacles to Reducing Embodied Carbon in Construction
   Explore the key challenges and practical solutions for minimizing embodied carbon in construction projects, from material selection to supply chain optimization.
   Daniel DeMonte, Flat Iron Building Group
    
3. Smart Water, Smart Homes: Integrating Energy-Efficient Water Solutions
   This session will explore how energy-efficient water solutions are being integrated into homes and buildings to reduce overall energy use, featuring insights from a global leader in sustainable water technologies.
   Hishaam Jambocus PEng, CEng, MCBISE, RPEM, PMP, Grundfos Canada

The challenge is clear—retrofitting existing buildings to reduce energy consumption, cut costs, and drive sustainability is essential. Learn how partnerships between technology providers and industry leaders can unlock new opportunities, scale solutions, and create lasting impact in the built environment.

RJC Engineers will host the Networking and Drinks Reception, offering attendees a chance to connect after a full day of sessions.

Sets the stage for the afternoon by framing the role of commercial retrofits in achieving decarbonization goals while providing continuity from earlier discussions on residential retrofits. 

Join us for a compelling session as FortisBC shares the outcomes of its Deep Energy Retrofit pilot, targeting four multi-family and twenty single-family homes. Aiming for a 50%+ reduction in energy use and emissions through high-performance natural gas upgrades, the project offers key insights into strategies, challenges, and results—highlighting a scalable path to more sustainable living.

Panelization is transforming the way retrofits are carried out, offering a faster, more efficient, and cost-effective approach to upgrading existing buildings. This session will explore how pre-fabricated panels, including walls, floors, and roofs, are manufactured off-site and assembled on-site, streamlining the retrofit process.

Moderator: Sandra Odendahl, BDC

Explore Bird Construction’s approach to deep energy retrofits through real-world case studies, including a large commercial project and a new net-zero recreation center in Kelowna. Discuss collaborating with stakeholders to overcome challenges, reduce diesel fuel dependency, and implement innovative design solutions. Gain practical insights from national projects that are setting new standards for commercial building performance.

This fast-paced session will highlight cutting-edge solutions driving commercial retrofit success, showcasing how innovation is reducing costs, improving efficiency, and transforming retrofit implementation. 

• Deep Energy Retrofits in Commercial Buildings
  Matthew Ruffolo, Mitsubishi Electric Sales Canada Inc
   
• How HVAC loop optimization help reduce GHGs emissions in deep retrofits for existing buildings
  Roberto Bosco, Armstrong Fluid Technology
   
• Completing Deep Retrofits in Commercial Buildings
  Kristin Hinahara, Master Group

Discover practical strategies to make the business case for net-zero retrofits in commercial buildings, focusing on cost-benefit analysis, financial incentives, and long-term value creation. Learn how to align sustainability goals with financial performance while leveraging innovative technologies to maximize efficiency and reduce emissions.

This keynote panel will explore the evolving landscape of retrofit accelerator programs in Canada, highlighting their role in scaling up energy efficiency and decarbonization efforts. Experts will discuss policy frameworks, funding mechanisms, and innovative strategies to drive widespread adoption of retrofits nationwide.

This panel will explore how social contracting and equitable procurement practices can create new opportunities for underserved communities, driving inclusive growth in the retrofit industry. Speakers will share best practices and innovative strategies to break down barriers and build a more equitable market.

Discover how modern energy solutions can bridge the gap between efficiency, resilience, and equity in urban and remote communities. This panel will explore innovative strategies that enhance building performance, integrate with grid infrastructure, and address social and financial barriers to clean energy adoption. Gain insights into practical approaches that balance cutting-edge technology with community-driven solutions.

1. Supporting an Equitable Transition Project 
   Anne Gleeson, Toronto Hydro

2. CIET Presentation 
   Lisa Rae, Canadian Institute for Energy Training

3. VanCity Presentation 

Navigating data privacy, ESPM Web Services, and whole-building data aggregation to enhance energy management and ensure compliance with evolving reporting standards.

- Navigating data privacy, ESPM Web Services, and whole-building data aggregation.
- Updates on energy & carbon reporting requirements at local and provincial levels.
- Overcoming barriers to whole-building utility data access.
- How building owners use data for cost-effective energy management.
- CSA Z5040 Standard – overview of its intent and progress update to other local governments are aware it will be ready to use next year. 

 This session addresses the critical labor and skills development pipeline needed to scale residential retrofits nationally while creating quality employment opportunities across the sector.
•    Growing labour opportunities in the retrofit sector
•    Training programs being developed to equip General Contractors and Renovators with the skills to plan and oversee retrofit projects

With rising temperatures and increasing extreme heat events, buildings must be better prepared for cooling. This panel will discuss the challenges and opportunities in retrofitting existing buildings for heat resilience, focusing on policy, technology, and public health.
- Heat Pump Adoption – Strategies to scale deployment in the next decade
- Policy & Regulation – How Vancouver’s building code can drive change
- Health & Safety – Protecting vulnerable populations through cooling retrofits

• Exploring innovative design strategies and practical solutions for achieving net zero buildings that balance sustainability, performance, and cost-effectiveness.
  This presentation explores innovative design strategies and practical solutions for achieving net zero buildings. The session will focus on how to balance sustainability, performance, and cost-effectiveness in both new construction and retrofit projects.
  Tanya Doran, Stantec Consulting
   
• Building an Open-Source Social Housing Database: Unlocking Retrofit Potential
  This presentation explores EnviroCentre’s development of a regional social housing database in Eastern Ontario, in partnership with the Carleton Immersive Media Studio (CIMS) and the Building Decarbonization Alliance. The tool is designed to support mass retrofit planning, demand aggregation, retrofit project planning and social housing asset management.
  Sharon Coward, EnviroCentre
  
  
   

Due to climate change, it is anticipated that our future climate will become more variable, with an increase in both the frequency and intensity of extreme climate events, including but not limited to, heat waves, wildfires, flooding and wind storms. As such, when looking to determine what measures to implement and when to implement them to increase climate resiliency, a process must be followed to ensure that the measure selected to address the risks associated with one climate hazard do not negatively interact or produce maladaptation’s for another. This presentation will discuss what information, steps and decisions may be needed to retrofit a home for climate resiliency.

This session will focus on the challenges and opportunities in retrofitting heritage buildings to meet modern sustainability standards. It will highlight the CAHP Code Accelerator Fund project, showcasing case studies from both commercial and residential retrofits that balance heritage preservation with the need for energy efficiency, embodied carbon reduction, and resilience. Additionally, experts will explore how retrofitting heritage properties aligns with broader goals in climate action and long-term sustainability.