Sustainable Building Manitoba’s annual gathering is back! If you work in architecture, engineering, construction, development, or planning in Manitoba, this event is for you.
This is where Manitoba’s building community comes together to learn what’s happening in the sector, explore practical solutions, and connect with industry peers.
With expert-led discussions, fast-paced sessions, and an interactive in-person gathering, this year’s theme, MAXIMIZE, is all about getting the most out of your projects, materials, systems, and community impact.
Attend however it works best for you! Gather your team in the boardroom to watch together, or tune in from your desk with headphones. Each session is designed to be short and impactful, with breaks in between to chat with colleagues, grab a coffee, or (let’s be honest) catch up on emails.
More than just presentations! Each afternoon will include opportunities to participate, connect, and engage—stay tuned for details.
FORMAT
📅 Wednesday April 16 & 23 | Online Sessions via Zoom | 1:00 – 4:00 PM CT – Short, high-impact presentations – 20-minute talks + 10-minute Q&A packed with insights you can apply right away.
📅 Wednesday, April 30 | In-Person Discussion & Workshop | 1:00 – 4:00 PM CT @ 245 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg – A collaborative afternoon focused on what’s next for sustainable building in Manitoba.
SCHEDULE OVERVIEW – details and bios below
Wednesday April 16th 1:00-4:00 pm – ONLINE PRESENTATIONS
| TIME | TOPIC | SPEAKERS |
| 1:00 | Maximize Your Understanding of Manitoba’s Direction |
Lindsay Robinson P.Eng., BEMP, Strategic Initiatives Technical Lead – Efficiency Manitoba |
| 1:45 | Maximize Your Sustainable Design |
Rodney Penner, Pre-Construction Manager – Superior Projects Fletcher Noonan, Associate – Monteyne Architecture Works |
| 2:30 | Maximize Your Material Choice |
Kathleen Tiede P. Eng., LEED AP BD+C, WBLCA AP, Associate – Jacob Deva Racusin CPHC, BEAM Tool Co-Developer – |
| 3:15 | Maximize Your Assemblies and Systems |
Kelly Winder M.Sc., BEMP, P. Eng., Principal – Crosier Kilgour Jordan Bull P.Eng., Partner & Senior Mechanical Engineer – |
Wednesday April 23rd 1:00-4:00 pm – ONLINE PRESENTATIONS
| TIME | TOPIC | SPEAKERS |
| 1:00 | Maximize Your Responsibility to the Land |
Maegan Courchene MCP, BA (Adv), Director of Property and Planning – Treaty One Nations Inc. |
| 1:45 | Maximize Your Return On Investment |
Mark Pauls B.E., MSc, Manager of Corporate Facilities and Security – Manitoba Hydro Lorrie Rand BSc, BEDS, CPHD, Director of Sustainability – Habit Studio |
| 2:30 | Maximize Your Site Potential | Hazel Borys BS, MBA, Director of Planning, Property & Development – City of Winnipeg |
| 3:15 | Maximize Your Insulation |
Stephen Oberlin MArch, BEDS, MAA, Architect, Project Lead – Andrew Brassington CTR, Technical Sales Manager – Owens Corning |
Wednesday April 30th 1:00 – 4:00pm – IN PERSON WORKSHOPPING
Join on April 30th at for an engaging in-person afternoon dedicated to shaping the future of sustainable building in Manitoba. This interactive session will foster collaborative discussion and strategic planning, allowing us to identify actionable steps towards a greener, more energy-efficient tomorrow.
In addition to brainstorming actionable plans for advancing sustainable building practices in Manitoba, you’ll have a unique opportunity to provide feedback on market development projects like the Home Energy Retrofit Guides being developed by SBM.
Be a part of the conversation as we brainstorm and develop plans together, focusing on initiatives that can only be fully realized through in-person conversation. Facilitated discussions will guide us as we collectively strategize and plan, ensuring our efforts are focused and impactful. This event promises to spark sector-changing discussions as we work together to shape the future of sustainable building in Manitoba.
Admission is FREE, but registration is required. Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to a more resilient future for Manitoba 🌿🏢💡
Location: The Curry Building – 245 Portage Ave, Winnipeg Mantioba
ATTEND ALL EIGHT (8) TALKS FOR ONLY $60.
20% off for sustaining SBM members| FREE for SBM student members |FREE for SBM Super Sustaining Members
Certificates for this event is only sent to members as one of the many SBM member benefits.
FLEXIBLE TICKET STRUCTURE Buy for one day, any two days or the whole Gathering.
BACK THIS YEAR: Special pricing for Offices at $200 – a great chance to set up in your board room to participate in learning and to build collaboration within your team. Or maybe you think there are some members of your team that should see one session and others that should see a different one. This ticket offers you that flexibility.
If cost is a barrier, please get in touch so that we can remove that barrier for you !
Special thank you to our event sponsors
Efficiency Manitoba, Manitoba Environmental Industries Association, Building Efficiency Technology Access Centre, Concrete Manitoba and Association of Consulting Engineering Companies Manitoba
WEDNESDAY APRIL 10th 1:00-4:00 PM
Maximize Your Understanding of Manitoba’s Directions
1:00PM, Zoom
Where is Manitoba headed when it comes to sustainable building—and how can your work align with what’s coming?
This session offers a high-level look at the province’s evolving approach to building codes, energy efficiency, and green building policy. Hear updates from the Government of Manitoba and Efficiency Manitoba on what’s happening now, and what’s just over the horizon. Whether you’re planning projects, advising clients, or setting internal targets, this session will help you make informed decisions grounded in the local policy and program landscape.
SPEAKERS
Lindsay Robinson P.Eng., BEMP, Strategic Initiatives Technical Lead – Efficiency Manitoba
Lindsay is a professional engineer with a B.Sc. in mechanical engineering from the University of Manitoba and is an ASHRAE certified Building Energy Modelling Professional. He also has training in solar engineering, geoexchange and passive house design. He is currently working with Efficiency Manitoba as a Mechanical Systems Engineer supporting both residential and commercial programs. Previously, he has performed whole building energy modelling and related consulting in roles at WSP, Crosier Kilgour and Integrated Designs Inc. Prior to entering the world of buildings, Lindsay spent his early career in aerospace manufacturing engineering.
Government of Manitoba
Representing Manitoba’s Climate and Energy or Building Policy leadership, this speaker will share updates on building code direction, policy development, and strategies shaping the province’s sustainable building future.
Maximize Your Sustainable Design
1:45PM, Zoom
What happens when you design beyond the minimum code—and focus instead on long-term value?
This session explores how early, intentional design decisions can unlock innovation, improve building performance, and make sustainability a central part of every project. Learn how a value-based approach can deliver better outcomes for clients, reduce environmental impact, and accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices across the industry. Whether you’re working on adaptive reuse, material innovation, or envelope strategies, this session offers insights to help you design for more than compliance.
SPEAKERS
Rodney Penner, Pre-Construction Manager – Superior Projects
Rod Penner serves as the Pre-Construction Manager at Superior Projects, where he leverages his extensive experience in the construction industry to oversee the early stages of project development. Known for his innovative approach and meticulous planning, Rod ensures that all pre-construction activities align with client goals and project specifications. His ability to coordinate efficiently with designers, engineers, and clients sets the foundation for successful project execution. Rod’s expertise is crucial in identifying potential challenges and developing proactive solutions to ensure seamless project progression.
Fletcher Noonan, Associate – Monteyne Architecture Works
Fletcher is a design driven professional with extensive construction administration experience. He is committed to an integrated team approach to building, focusing individual expertise on specific responsibilities. Fletcher is focused on aspects of sustainable design, including adaptive re-use and innovative materials technology. Working closely with design teams, Fletcher has particular interest in the interplay between structure and form, holding firm the understanding that environment, structure and architecture are implicitly integrated.
Maximize Your Material Choice
2:30PM, Zoom
How do you choose the right material—not just for performance and cost, but for climate impact and long-term value?
From structure to finishes, every product you specify carries environmental weight. This session explores how design-stage material decisions can significantly reduce embodied carbon while still aligning with budget and performance goals. Learn how emerging tools and technologies can simplify comparisons, uncover opportunities, and help ensure your choices support both your project’s needs and broader sustainability targets.
SPEAKERS
Kathleen Tiede P. Eng., LEED AP BD+C, WBLCA AP, Associate – Crosier Kilgour
Kathleen Tiede is a Professional Engineer registered in Manitoba and an Associate with Crosier Kilgour. Over the past 15 years, Kathleen has worked on over 70 LEED, Green Globes and Net Zero Carbon projects across the Prairie Provinces. She was one of the first Whole Building Life Cycle Accredited Professionals from BCIT and is a Certified RETScreen expert. Currently, Kathleen is part of the Embodied Carbon Technical Advisory Group for the CaGBC and is amazed to see the ingenuity and progress going on across the country with regards to embodied carbon. She believes good is not enough and we all need to do better in terms of doing our part to address the Climate Crisis. When she is not at work you can find her in the kitchen baking or experimenting with sour dough , or barefoot out in her garden.
Jacob Deva Racusin CPHC, BEAM Tool Co-Developer – Builders for Climate Action
Jacob is the lead embodied carbon researcher & BEAM trainer with Builders for Climate Action, where he has been actively involved in embodied carbon research and development and training of the BEAM tool. He is Director of Building Science and Sustainability with New Frameworks Natural Design/Build, offering services in renovation, new construction, consultation, and education. As a consultant, designer, and educator, Jacob is able to merge his passions for ecological stewardship, relationship to place, and social justice. Jacob has authored two books and numerous articles, and regularly instructs on topics of building science and climate impact. Jacob is engaged in code, standards, and policy development, professional training, and other initiatives supporting the transition to a more just industry.
Maximize Your Assemblies and Systems
3:15PM, Zoom
How do you choose the right system for performance, sustainability, and long-term value?
From boilers to building-wide mechanical strategies, the options are endless—and not all are created equal. This session breaks down what to consider when selecting or upgrading systems, how to avoid common pitfalls, and where assemblies and systems have the biggest impact on energy performance and occupant comfort. Learn how integrated thinking between engineering, energy modelling, and design leads to smarter, more durable choices.
SPEAKERS
Kelly Winder M.Sc., BEMP, P. Eng., Principal – Crosier Kilgour
Kelly is a principle responsible for energy modelling at Crosier Kilgour with over three decades of professional experience and is an ASHRAE Building Energy Modelling Professional. He has electrical engineering and computer science degrees from the University of Saskatchewan and an International Master’s degree in Sustainable Energy Engineering from Kungl Tekniska Högskolan (Royal Institute of Technology) in Stockholm, Sweden. Kelly’s expertise includes building energy modelling, renewable energy system modelling, and building envelope analysis. Kelly is a member of the the National Model Code Committee on Climate Change Mitigation for the Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes, a founding member of Building Saskatchewan Green, Saskatchewan’s premier sustainable buildings conference, and a board member of the SES Solar Co-operative in Saskatoon.
Jordan Bull P.Eng., Partner & Senior Mechanical Engineer – SMS Engineering
Jordan Bull is a Partner and Senior Mechanical Engineer at SMS Engineering, where he brings over 13 years of experience in mechanical design, commissioning and project management. A graduate of the University of Manitoba, Jordan is known not only for his technical expertise, but also for his leadership in business development and his contributions to advancing the engineering profession.
He has served as President of the ASHRAE Manitoba Board of Governors and spent several years as a verifier for BOMA Manitoba’s BOMA BEST Sustainable Buildings program.
WEDNESDAY APRIL 17 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Maximize Your Responsibility to the Land
1:00PM, Zoom
How can Indigenous knowledge and stewardship principles reshape the way we build?
This session invites participants to reflect on the responsibilities that come with building on and with the land. Grounded in Indigenous perspectives, it explores how sustainable development can be guided by values of respect, reciprocity, and long-term thinking. Learn how traditional knowledge systems and community-led planning can inform better land use decisions and foster a more resilient, just, and sustainable future.
SPEAKER
Maegan Courchene MCP, BA (Adv), Director of Property and Planning – Treaty One Nations Inc.
Maegan Courchene is a member of Sagkeeng First Nation and a dedicated urban planner specializing in Indigenous Community Planning. With a master’s degree in urban planning and years of experience working with First Nations communities, Maegan brings deep insight into the intersection of land use, cultural identity, and sustainability.
She is committed to supporting community-led planning processes that reflect Indigenous values, priorities, and knowledge systems. As she steps into her new role as Director of Property and Planning, Maegan continues to champion place-based planning practices that honour land, community, and future generations.
Maximize Your Return On Investment
1:45PM, Zoom
What’s the real value of sustainable building—and how do you make the financial case?
This session explores the return on investment from two perspectives: a deep-dive case study of a Passive House retrofit in Halifax, analyzed using a Total Cost of Building Ownership (TCBO) approach, and Manitoba Hydro’s portfolio-wide strategy for managing 140 buildings across the province with sustainability, efficiency, and occupant wellbeing in mind.
Whether optimizing a single home or a large portfolio, learn how thoughtful design, clear targets, and better financial evaluation can deliver long-term value—reducing emissions, supporting human health, and aligning with sustainability goals.
SPEAKERS
Mark Pauls B.E., MSc, Manager of Corporate Facilities and Security – Manitoba Hydro
Mark is the Manager of Corporate Facilities and Security at Manitoba Hydro. He leads a team responsible for the sustainable management of a portfolio of 140 buildings throughout the province. He has a Master of Science in Climate Engineering from Danube University Krems in Austria.
Lorrie Rand BSc, BEDS, CPHD, Director of Sustainability – Habit Studio
Lorrie Rand is co-founder and Director of Sustainability at Habit Studio, an award-winning women-led architectural design practice, specializing in sustainable renovations and custom Passive Houses. She is also the co-founder and Senior Advisor for the ReCover Initiative, a non-profit Deep Retrofit Accelerator focused on developing and scaling deep retrofit solutions in Canada.
Lorrie is a building science specialist and champion for high performance buildings across the country, working as an instructor with Passive House Canada and volunteering on the board of directors of Retrofit Canada and most recently with Canada’s National Model Code Committee for climate mitigation.
Lorrie has a Bachelor of Environmental Design Studies from Dalhousie University and is a Certified Passive House Designer and Tradesperson.
Maximize Your Site Potential
2:30PM, Zoom
What if your site could do more—for your project, your community, and your bottom line?
This session explores how land use, density, and infrastructure choices shape the long-term resilience of both households and cities. Learn how thinking in terms of yield—like a farmer—can help evaluate projects by their return to people, planet, and profit. With insights from municipal planning and development, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of how walkable, compact neighbourhoods support affordability, sustainability, and fiscal health.
Whether you’re designing a single site or planning at scale, this session will help you make the most of your place.
SPEAKER
Hazel Borys BS, MBA, Director of Planning, Property & Development – City of Winnipeg
Hazel Borys is the Director of the Planning, Property & Development Department for the City of Winnipeg. At this pivotal moment for Winnipeg, Hazel’s expertise is instrumental. Current City policies aim to transform Winnipeg into a more resilient, livable collection of neighbourhoods, and her deep-rooted commitment to sustainable urbanism positions her to lead this transformation.
Prior to her role at the City of Winnipeg, Hazel was president of PlaceMakers, Inc. in Canada and PlaceMakers, LLC in the U.S. for 20 years. Under her leadership, PlaceMakers was distinguished for crafting vibrant, walkable communities across Canada, the U.S., and abroad. Before PlaceMakers, Hazel spent 10 years building roads and bridges while getting a bachelor’s degree in Engineering, and master’s degree in Business Administration at The Ohio State University.
Until taking on her current role at the City of Winnipeg, she served on the Manitoba Municipal Board and The Winnipeg Foundation Board of Directors. She is past co-chair of Art in Bloom at WAG-Qaumajuq; and co-organizer of the #BeHereWinnipeg ice poetry contest. Hazel is originally from Alabama and moved to Manitoba in 2008 with her family.
Hazel is the lead author of Visualising Complete Communities in the Winnipeg Metropolitan Area, the Green Infrastructure Toolkit, Pandemic Toolkit, Code Score, and Codes Study.
Maximize Your Insulation
3:15PM, Zoom
Is more insulation always better? Not exactly.
This session explores how thoughtful design, key detailing, and smart material choices can make insulation work harder—without always adding more. Learn how to prioritize the building envelope, avoid thermal bridging, and tailor insulation strategies to suit the specific needs of your project.
From choosing the right materials to knowing where (and how) to install them, this session breaks down the details that define real-world performance, comfort, and efficiency.
SPEAKERS
Stephen Oberlin MArch, BEDS, MAA, Architect, Project Lead – Republic Architecture
Stephen Oberlin is a registered architect with a broad range of design experience, from commercial and retail spaces to light industrial, educational, and multi-family residential projects. His work spans new construction, renovations, retrofits, and adaptive reuse—often in complex environments and remote communities, including projects with First Nations clients.
Stephen holds a Master of Architecture and a Bachelor of Environmental Design Studies from the University of Manitoba. He is especially passionate about building reuse, heritage conservation, and sustainable design strategies that balance performance with practicality.
A former committee chair with the Canada Green Building Council’s Manitoba chapter, Stephen has helped guide and grow the next generation of green building professionals. He currently serves on the board of YCLM, organizing construction site tours to foster industry learning and collaboration.
Andrew Brassington CTR, Technical Sales Manager – Owens Corning
With 20 years of experience in the building construction manufacturing industry, Andrew Brassington, CTR, is the Technical Sales Manager for Owens Corning in Western Canada. Andrew is actively involved in the industry, serving on the National Board of Directors for Construction Specification Canada and participating in the Technical Committee of the Canadian Home Builders Association’s Net Zero Council. His expertise has led him to present to numerous architecture firms, contractors, and builders on essential topics pertaining to the building envelope, such as waterproofing, air barriers, and insulation.
ATTEND ALL EIGHT (8) TALKS FOR ONLY $60.
20% off for sustaining SBM members| FREE for SBM student members |FREE for SBM Super Sustaining Members
Certificates for this event is only sent to members as one of the many SBM member benefits.
FLEXIBLE TICKET STRUCTURE Buy for one day, any two days or the whole Gathering.
BACK THIS YEAR: Special pricing for Offices at $200 – a great chance to set up in your board room to participate in learning and to build collaboration within your team. Or maybe you think there are some members of your team that should see one session and others that should see a different one. This ticket offers you that flexibility.
If cost is a barrier, please get in touch so that we can remove that barrier for you !
Special thank you to our event sponsors
Efficiency Manitoba, Manitoba Environmental Industries Association, Building Efficiency Technology Access Centre, Concrete Manitoba and Association of Consulting Engineering Companies Manitoba
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORT FOR THIS EVENT FROM
