Research shows that we could be constructing buildings that are more resilient, healthier and better for the environment. There are many ways we could make buildings better here in Nova Scotia and that is what this series of online presentations is all about. Architects, engineers, custom builders, contractors, developers and educators are encouraged to attend these presentations, ask questions and share information that can help everyone build more sustainable buildings.
We're asking, is Net Zero affordable and achievable for all?
Upcoming Events
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Rupinder Kaur, Net Zero Atlantic GeoCAT project – Wednesday, May 29, 2024, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Net Zero Atlantic is building project development capacity for mid-depth geothermal energy projects in Mi’kmaw and rural Nova Scotia communities through the Community Geothermal Resource: Capacity Assessment and Training Program (GeoCAT). -
Jessica McIlroy, Better Buildings for All: Relieving energy poverty through deep retrofits – Wednesday, June 26, 2024, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
As a refinement to the Renovation Wave report of 2021, the Pembina Institute modelled the public investment required to fully fund retrofits for households across Canada experiencing energy poverty and who are categorized as low-income. We know that in the face of rising energy costs and a housing affordability crisis, retrofit programs have emerged as a critical emissions reduction and adaptation solution. By investing in deep retrofits, we can create a more equitable and sustainable energy landscape while building long-term resilience for vulnerable populations. -
Josh McLean, Energy Poverty and an Equitable Transition to a Net-Zero Carbon Future in Nova Scotia – Wednesday, July 31, 2024, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
EfficiencyOne’s paper “Energy Poverty and an Equitable Transition to a Net-Zero Carbon Future in Nova Scotia” details the level of energy poverty in Nova Scotia and recommends solutions on how energy efficiency can further reduce energy poverty, while also helping to address equity.
Register here!
Check out recordings and slides from past presentations in the Better Building Speaker Series below!
Past Presentations
Recordings
Embodied energy of buildings - April 25, 2024
Peggy Cameron in conversation on embodied carbon relating to the building, demolition and construction industry.
Barry Osmun, Gitpo Renew - March 26, 2024
Based in Natoganeg First Nation on the beautiful Miramichi River in New Brunswick, Gitpo Renew is an Indigenous family owned and operated business which uses the latest and most innovative technology available while honoring and respecting the land and communities in which we work. Gitpo Renew supports Indigenous people in these technologies to help create a sustainable future in their communities.
Free energy audits for faith buildings in Nova Scotia - Feb. 28, 2024
Faith groups have identified a need for energy audits of their buildings as an important first step in retrofitting to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Ecology Action Centre is offering free energy audits for faith buildings across Nova Scotia from March 1–July 30, 2024.
Netukulimk and the new NSNWA Centre - May 30, 2023
Young Soaring Eagle, Solterre Designs & Outside! Landscape Architects
Addressing Embodied Carbon - March 15, 2023
Valentine Gomez of Gomex Engineering presents on embodied energy as a neglected component of building emissions.
Sustainable Home Design Solutions - Feb. 27, 2023
Passive home designer Don Roscoe walks through Nova Scotia's housing landscape and the feasibility of housing co-op programs as a solution for increasing costs and regulations in the construction sector.
The 2022 Efficiency Scorecard - Jan. 12, 2023
Alyssa Nippard, Brendan Haley and James Gaede from Efficiency Canada break down the recently released Canadian Energy Efficiency Scorecard.
Panelized Deep Energy Retrofits - Aug. 31, 2022
Nick Rudnicki, Technical Director of the ReCover Initiative
Electric Vehicle Infrastructure - May 31, 2022
George Solomon, Business Development Manager with Efficiency Nova Scotia
Learning from Faithful Footprints - May 10, 2022
Stephen Collette from the Faithful Footprints Program
Spencer LeBlanc, the Business Development Manager for Small Business and Nonprofits at Efficiency Nova Scotia
Slides
The Path to Net Zero for Multi-Unit Residential Buildings - July 22, 2021
Anne Lombardi, Lead Building Energy Analyst, Efficiency Nova Scotia
Long Term Energy Efficiency at Windsor Elms - June 10, 2021
Susan (Hayes) MacDougall, Chief Executive Officer, Windsor Elms Village
and William J. Marshall, Professional Engineer and Partner, Equilibrium Engineering Inc.
Exploring Energy Efficiency with Treehouse Village Ecohousing - April 29, 2021
Megan Gainer, Architect at RHAD Architects, Roxanne Tate, Professional Engineer & President at Tate Engineering
and David Stonham, Member and Marketing Strategist at Treehouse Village Ecohousing
Taking a Deeper Dive with Efficiency Nova Scotia - Feb. 18, 2021
Energy Efficiency Overview: Barry Walker, Communications Outreach Specialist, Efficiency Nova Scotia
Energy Efficiency for Multi Units Overview: Kaelan Keys, Business Development Manager, Efficiency Nova Scotia
Building New Energy Efficient Buildings or Retrofitting Existing Buildings - Nov. 19, 2020
New Buildings: Jennifer Corson and Keith Robertson, Solterre Design
Existing Buildings: Anne Lombardi, Efficiency Nova Scotia
The Importance of Energy Data Insights - Oct. 22, 2020
Megan McCarthy, President and Co-Founder at Edge Energy
Monetizing Sustainability: Total Cost of Building Ownership - Aug. 20, 2020
Jim Nostedt, the CEO of SEEFAR Building Analytics
Low Rise Buildings as a Climate Change Solution - Aug. 13, 2020
Chris Magwood, Researcher, Contractor, Instructor at the Endeavor Centre
Deep Energy Retrofits and Energiesprong in Canada - May 28, 2020
Shawna Henderson, the CEO of Bfree Homes & Blue House Energy