Energy Efficiency & Decarbonization Training: Advancing Deep Retrofits in Canada
This session will explore how knowledge-based training can accelerate deep retrofit projects and help meet Canada’s decarbonization goals. With buildings accounting for 13–15% of national carbon emissions, equipping professionals with the right skills is critical. Through real-world examples and practical insights, this lightning talk will showcase how targeted training in areas such as energy efficiency and embodied carbon can lead to more effective, sustainable retrofits. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how education and upskilling support the transition to low-carbon buildings across the country.
Lisa Rae, Canadian Institute for Energy Training
 

Financing Retrofits with Canada's Impact Bank 
Innovative financing is critical to unlocking deep retrofits.  This session will explore Vancity Community Investment Bank's creative and community based approach to financing building retrofits.  Learn how values based financing strategies are enabling building retrofits across Canada. 
Eric Visser, Vancity Community Investment Bank
 

From Innovation to Impact: Unlocking System Change in Retrofit Services
Smart retrofit planning is critical to project success but is often a core barrier to getting projects off the ground. Even with the growing number of attractive financing options for deep retrofits, the cost and complexity of submission requirements directly reduces the number of buildings pursuing them (particularly in the affordable housing sector). This presentation will discuss the role that tech-enabled virtual tools can play in streamlining the decarbonization planning process, and the crucial role that system actors can play in supporting their adoption.
Donovan Woollard, OPEN Technologies