How can we build better buildings in Nova Scotia?
Building Better for Nova Scotia is an in-person speaker and workshop series focused on making Nova Scotia a province known for its efficient buildings and formidable green workforce. These workshops bring together leaders and learners to explore what is possible in Nova Scotian communities.
Topics will include:
- The social enterprise solution
- Net-zero energy as a job creation strategy
- Affordable, efficient energy for all
Please join us for shared learning and visioning. Together we can make net zero affordable and achievable for all.
Event details will be posted here and shared by email and socials throughout the year.
"It’s so important to have the space to gather and have these conversations in person." – Ocean Le, Cape Breton Connector Program Coordinator, Cape Breton Partnership
Upcoming Events
Stay tuned for upcoming events!
"The only thing that will work is different. Let’s connect the people who most need the work with the work that most needs to be done." – Shaun Loney, Manitoba author and social entrepreneur
Check out recordings and slides from past presentations below!
Past Presentations
Recordings
Panelized Retrofit Toolkit - Nov. 27, 2024
Timon Bruulsema, Zahra Williams, and Sean Kelly present the summation of several studies on the potential for panelized retrofits in Nova Scotia, and particularly a 2-storey, 19-unit residential building in Dartmouth, owned by VIDA Living. Retrofit Canada defines a panelized retrofit as using “cutting-edge imaging technology to design pre-built panels. These airtight, super-insulated panels are built offsite and attached to the outside of existing buildings.” A key advantage is minimizing disturbance to tenants during retrofits. The toolkit provides general information for those curious about this type of process as well as introductory technological information for more seasoned property owners, project managers and technical workers.
Village Consulting, Environmental sustainability and healthy buildings - Oct. 30, 2024
With a focus on sustainable buildings, infrastructure, communities, transportation, business operations, and policy Village Consulting works to reduce the environmental impact of the built environment in a financially and socially responsible way. Founders Kiefer Mackenzie and Kristen Yee Loong will speak to you about their work across Canada.
Molly Merriman, Adsum Sunflower Court Passive Design Solutions - Sept. 24, 2024
Sunflower Court is a Net-Zero-ready 25-unit long-term rental housing development and community centre for Adsum for Women and Children, a local not-for-profit in Halifax and recipient of the first round of Federal Rapid Housing Initiative funding in 2020.
Josh McLean, Energy Poverty and an Equitable Transition to a Net-Zero Carbon Future in Nova Scotia - July 31, 2024
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.
Geothermal in Nova Scotia with Rupinder Kaur - May 29, 2024
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).
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
"We’re gathering at a time of significant change — when many of our systems are under pressure, but possibilities for renewal and innovation are everywhere. Social enterprise is a powerful tool for reimagining our communities with equity, care and sustainability at their core." – Erika Shea, Executive Director, New Dawn Enterprises