New this year, we’ve launched the Retrofit Learning Zone - a curated space spotlighting innovative tools, approaches, and real-world solutions for on-the-ground professionals. The theatre, held on day two only, will feature practical demos, deep dives into emerging tech, and direct engagement with experts.

Who can attend?

• Registrants of the two-day conference - OR -
• Those who have purchased a CA$100 Learning Zone/Exhibition pass (does not include food, beverage, or access to the main conference) - Register here

Date: June 10, 2025
Time: 9am - 4pm (The Learning Zone + Exhibition Area passes are only valid until 4pm on June 10 and are not permitted to the Networking Reception)
Location: Automotive Building - Outside the Ballroom A

9:30 AM – 9:55 AM - Energy Equity in Action: Supporting Urban Indigenous Housing Providers
This session explores how collaborative, equity-driven approaches are supporting Urban Indigenous housing providers in British Columbia to implement energy efficiency and resiliency solutions through meaningful partnerships with funders, governments, and utilities.
Speaker: Shahed Shafazand, MES Student, York University and Energy Project Advisor at AHMA

10:00 AM - 10:25 AM - Hidden Efficiency: The Untapped Power of Mechanical Insulation in Retrofits
When we talk about retrofits, insulation doesn’t always get the spotlight—but it should. In this session, we’ll explore real-world examples, energy audits, and proven strategies that highlight the significant impact mechanical insulation can have.
Speaker: Patrick Colford, International Association of Heat & Frost Insulators

10:30 AM - 10:55 AM - Unlocking Business Growth Through Bespoke Structured Financing
When government-subsidized loan programs are difficult to access due to administrative complexity, flexible private financing solutions can play a vital role in enabling major capital projects that cannot be financed through conventional mortgages or reserve funds. 
This session explores how an integrated approach, combining sophisticated structured financing, utility savings, and asset optimization strategies, can unlock property value, enhance cash flow, and support vendors in growing their business.
Speaker: Junichi Murahashi, Founder, Taigan

11:00 AM - 11:25 AM - Evaluation of Prefabricated Wood-Based Panels for Residential Energy Retrofits
Prefabricated panels are being investigated as an approach to improve the wall insulation in buildings in a cost-effective fashion without significantly impacting building occupants.  To mitigate the environmental impacts of many insulations that are typically incorporated into prefabricated panels, such as foam-based insulations, and to allow for long-term carbon sequestration, this research is focusing on the implementation of wood-based prefabricated panels. Preliminary designs for wood-based prefabricated wall retrofit panels employing different types of wood fiber insulation will be presented.  Hygrothermal modelling of these designs was completed with WUFI to assess their long-term moisture performance.  The results of this modelling will be presented and next steps involving experimental testing and model calibration will be discussed.
Speaker: John Dikeos, PhD Candidate, Building Engineering, Carleton University and Senior Technical Advisor at ICF

11:30 AM - 11:55 AM - Large and Small Scale Hygrothermal Testing of a Biogenic Retrofit for Unreinforced Masonry Buildings
In addition to facing a national housing crisis, in eastern Canada we have numerous unused or underused industrial style unreinforced masonry buildings. In this project, a novel and sustainable retrofit strategy aimed at improving structural and building envelope performance with biogenic materials was investigated to convert these buildings into residential units. In this presentation an overview of the large and small scale testing completed to characterize the hygrothermal performance of the retrofit wall are discussed.
Speaker: Krista Rowan, PhD Student, Building Engineering, Carleton University

12:15 PM - 12:55 PM - Retrofit Rumble: Startups on Stage
In this high-energy, Dragon’s Den-style session, emerging Canadian companies (supported by MaRS Discovery District, North America's largest urban innovation hub) pitch their bold ideas to accelerate and upgrade building retrofits. From breakthrough technologies to innovative service models, these startups will showcase how fresh thinking and innovative solutions can drive real impact—fast, fun, and full of possibility.
Speakers:

• Ria Perrault, MaRS Discovery District (MC) 
• Mark Dolan, QEA Tech 
• Paul Sehr, Jouleia 
• Sean Correa, Cence Power 
• Mike Williams, ClimateFirst

2:30 PM - 2:55 PM - Innovative Solutions for a New World of Smart Building Performance
The path to increased energy efficiency and reduced GHG Emissions
Speakers: Roberto Bosco, P.Eng. , National Solution Sales Manager, Canada, Armstrong Fluid Technology