Over three Wednesdays (April 10th, 17th and 24th) 2024 we dismantled misconceptions and uncovered the truth behind some of the most persistent myths in the industry. From debunking the myth that retrofitting all buildings is an impossible feat to revealing the untapped potential of solar panels in Manitoba’s energy mix, it was a paradigm shift in sustainable building practices.
But that wasn’t all! We explored why air-source heat pumps are not only feasible but crucial for Manitoba’s climate. We also dived into the latest innovations in energy-efficient windows and doors, and learned how we can accelerate the adoption of building codes for a net-zero future.
Sustainable Building Manitoba’s annual gatherings are an opportunity for our community to come together and learn from leading experts and each other.
The gathering took place over 3 afternoons and explored industry innovations and sector updates on important, relevant topics like building codes, building envelopes and net-zero policies. Each session had a graphic recorder to capture the talk visually. You can see the graphics from 2023 here.
On April 10 & 17th we each had four 30 minute online presentations full of useful and inspiring information, for a total of eight presentations.
On April 24th we held a free in person workshop held at the Millennium Library to shape sustainable building in Manitoba. We discussed future plans, give feedback, and sparked sector-changing discussions.
SCHEDULE OVERVIEW – details and bios below
Wednesday April 10th 1:00-4:00 pm – ONLINE PRESENTATIONS
| TIME | TOPIC | SPEAKERS |
| 1:00 | Myth: We don’t have what it takes to retrofit all the buildings |
Laura Cameron, Policy Advisor- IISD Zach Rempel, Policy Analyst – IISD |
| 1:45 | Myth: we are on track to decarbonize Manitoba with electricity alone |
Chris Hewitt, President- SMS Engineering Bethany Daman, Communications Manager- Climate Action Team |
| 2:30 | Myth: buildings need to breathe | Grant Walkin, Principal – Litebox |
| 3:15 | Myth: All Windows Are Made Equal |
Al Dueck, Owner and President – Duxton Windows & Doors Aynsley Dueck, Marketing Manager – Duxton Windows & Doors |
Wednesday April 17th 1:00-4:00 pm – ONLINE PRESENTATIONS
| TIME | TOPIC | SPEAKERS |
| 1:00 | Myth: building code energy efficiency tiers adoption requires a long timeline |
Robyn Wark, Manager of Market Transformation – BC Hydro Eton Harris –Harris Builders |
| 1:45 | Myth: solar panels have no major role in Manitoba’s energy mix | |
| 2:30 | Myth: Home energy labelling lacks buy in |
Liza Skaria, Resilient Building Coordinator – City of Calgary Eric Timmins, Corporate Environmental Specialist – City of Calgary |
| 3:15 | Myth: air-source heat pumps don’t work in Manitoba |
Lindsay Robinson, Mechanical Systems Engineer – Efficiency Manitoba |
Wednesday April 24th 1:00 – 4:00pm – IN PERSON WORKSHOPPING
Join on April 24th at the Millennium Library in Winnipeg 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 Maps and 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: Carol Shields Auditorium at the Millennium Library – 251 Donald St, Winnipeg. See the library website for accessibility information.
Parking Bus Map | Map public room booking
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 !
All sessions had a Graphic Recording done by Think Link Graphics
Special thank you to our event sponsors
Efficiency Manitoba, Manitoba Environmental Industries Association, Building Efficiency Technology Access Centre, Association of Consulting Engineering Companies Manitoba, Winnipeg Construction Association and Assiniboine Credit Union
WEDNESDAY APRIL 10th 1:00-4:00 PM
Myth: We don’t have what it takes to retrofit all the buildings
1:00PM, Zoom
Achieving net zero emissions in our building sector is an ambitious goal that will require an immense building retrofit program as well as an increase in renewable energy infrastructure. This complex challenge presents large workforce and green industry opportunities while also requiring equity and affordability considerations.
International Institute of Sustainable Development (IISD) and Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) research provides insight into what effective Deep Energy Retrofit policy should look like in Manitoba.
SPEAKERS
Zach Rempel, Policy Analyst – IISD
Zachary Rempel is a policy analyst with IISD’s Energy Team working on carbon pricing strategies as well as international just transition implementation.
Zach holds a master’s degree in natural resources management from the University of Manitoba. Prior to joining IISD, he worked in the consulting industry on issues related to Indigenous engagement with the natural resource extraction industry.
Laura Cameron, Policy Advisor- IISD
Laura Cameron is a policy advisor for IISD’s Energy team working in the areas of fossil fuel subsidies, just transition, and oil and gas policy in Canada.
Laura comes to the IISD from the Prairie Climate Centre, where she spent five years developing expertise in climate change communications and community-based research. Through this work, she collaborated with diverse communities across the country—ranging from Anishinaabe Knowledge Keepers to Alberta egg farmers—to produce a wide range of materials on climate for the Climate Atlas of Canada. With a master’s degree in Indigenous governance and a bachelor’s degree in biology, her interdisciplinary interests centre on cross-cultural collaboration, participatory filmmaking, and community-based climate action.
Myth: we are on track to decarbonize Manitoba with electricity alone
1:45PM, Zoom
In Manitoba, the demand for electricity is outpacing our current supply capacity. This shortfall poses significant challenges, impacting businesses, residents, and our ability to embrace renewable energy sources. To address this, we must invest in modernizing our infrastructure, harnessing renewable energy, and promoting energy efficiency. Collaboration between stakeholders is key to navigating this transition successfully and ensuring a resilient energy future for Manitoba.
We need to be clever in how we design buildings. Given our Hydro electricity is cleaner than other forms of energy generation, the thoughtless use of electricity is not the answer. We see too many buildings with electric resistance heat as the solution for example, and this is simply not sustainable from an infrastructure point of view. If we then add electrification of vehicles on top of this, the horse has bolted, and our infrastructure can’t keep up.
Join to better understand what is a myth, and what we need to prepare ourselves for the future.
SPEAKERS
Chris Hewitt, President- SMS Engineering
Chris is a Professional Engineer, licensed to practice in the Canadian Provinces of Manitoba, Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories and the Territory of The Yukon. He is a LEED Accredited Professional, with an interest in the design and construction of sustainable buildings. Chris is a forensic electrical engineer, who regularly investigates fires and electrical failures.
Bethany Daman, Communications Manager- Climate Action Team
Bethany Daman works as Communications Manager for Manitoba’s Climate Action Team, a coalition of five environmental and policy organizations. Much of her work over the past few years has involved working alongside stakeholders and energy experts to document and promote climate solutions for Manitoba, particularly in the area of decarbonization.
Myth: a building needs to breath
2:30PM, Zoom
Do buildings need to breathe? Usually, in the building science world the answer “it depends” is heard. Not this time. Buildings need to be air tight – for a multitude of reasons that we will get into. Building occupants need filter fresh air ventilation.
Building walls need to incorporate climate specific vapour profiles so that its drying capability is maximized to allow for drying if/when there is water penetration. In super insulated buildings, drying potential becomes even more critical as it is severely restricted by the reduced heat flow through the building assembly.
Can you make a building energy efficient without jeopardizing the indoor air quality and health of the building? Join to learn more.
SPEAKERS
Grant Walkin, Principal – Litebox
Grant Walkin is a building envelope engineer and principal with Litebox. He is a building scientist with a dedicated passion for high performance and architecturally inspiring buildings. Grant’s knowledge and expertise stretches from the exterior cladding to the interior, while keeping the mechanical loads and comfort systems of the building in mind for a cohesive design. The building envelope first approach is studied extensively for each project to maximize passive and simplified strategies.
Grant enjoys engaging with the international green building community through events, forums, and social media to share experiences, both successes and failures. He is currently on his second self-build deep energy retrofit to continue his passions, so that those experiences can be passed onto all his projects.
Myth: All Windows Are Made Equal
3:15PM, Zoom
Discover the latest strides in energy-efficient windows and doors in this insightful talk. From advanced glazing, to larger insulated frames, to european latching hardware, we’ll uncover where the industry is headed.
Other topics for discussion will include: considerations for anti-breakage; heritage applications; passive house cool climate; Living Building Challenge; fiberglass curtain wall; durability of various AAMA paint coatings; oversized punched openings; rainscreen installations.
If windows are not all the same, what are the differences?
SPEAKERS
Al Dueck, Owner and President – Duxton Windows & Doors
Al Dueck, Owner and Founder of DUXTON Windows & Doors, has dedicated more than 30 years of his professional life to the window manufacturing industry. Graduating from the University of Manitoba with an MBA, Al has always been particularly passionate about product design and building envelopes. A large portion of his industry background involved leading edge glazing – technological advances offering greater energy efficiency, comfort, and durable warm edge configurations. Al is the founding president of Fenestration Manitoba and is also active within Fenestration Canada.
Aynsley Dueck, Marketing Manager – Duxton Windows & Doors
Aynsley Dueck represents the second generation of DUXTON Windows & Doors, starting her journey in 2012 as the Marketing Manager, and since evolving into the Operations Manager. Prior to joining DUXTON, Aynsley graduated from the I.H. Asper School of Business with a Bachelor of Commerce degree, as well as the Art Institute of Vancouver through a Marketing stream. She was a member of the Young Construction Leaders of Manitoba for 4 years, and is currently on the board with Sustainable Buildings Manitoba.
WEDNESDAY APRIL 17 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Myth: building code energy efficiency tiers adoption requires a long timeline
1:00PM, Zoom
Manitoba is one of the first provinces to adopt the new 2020 building codes. For the first time ever these codes contain energy efficiency Tiers to help the industry prepare to building net zero ready houses and buildings. Manitoba adopted Tier 1 across the board, the lowest Tier possible. On the commercial side this made sense given the current buildings that are being built, however industry broadly believes we can move to Tier 2 quickly. For residential, there were already many Tier 2 and 3 homes being built so we should be able to adopt those Tiers pretty quickly.
Robyn will discuss how British Columbia transformed its building code with strong energy efficiency requirements. BC’s “Energy Step Code” then formed the basis of the National Tier Code. She will share how the Province, builders, local governments and utilities worked together to transform BC’s new buildings, and how our new Zero Carbon Step Code is now driving electrification.
Can we accelerate through the tiers to ensure Manitoba’s buildings are net-zero ready? Let’s bust the myth that market transformation is not possible.
SPEAKERS
Robyn Wark, Manager of Market Transformation – BC Hydro
Robyn Wark, MRM, MCIP is Manager of Market Transformation BC Hydro. This team works with industry and government on standards, policies, and regulations to support efficient electrification of buildings and transportation. Prior to that, she was the team lead for BC Hydro’s Sustainable Communities program for almost a decade, working as a leading strategist and coach on low carbon communities. Robyn is Co-Vice-Chair of the BC Energy Step Code Council, on the Leadership Council of the Building to Electrification Coalition, Treasurer of the Board of the Community Energy Association, and a Mentor for Women4Climate. She has taught at Royal Roads University and BCIT. Outside work, she coaches her 2 sons’ unruly soccer teams – which is by far her most challenging job to date.
Eton Harris –Harris Builders
Eton Harris, owner of Harris Builders, is a visionary leader with a rich background in construction. Building upon the legacy of Pile Foundations Ltd., he has steered the company toward excellence in custom home building and renovations. Known for his dedication to client satisfaction and innovation, Eton Harris is committed to integrating green building techniques for a sustainable future in Manitoba’s evolving communities.
Myth: solar panels have no major role in Manitoba’s energy mix
1:45PM, Zoom
Curious about the state of solar panels in Manitoba? Not sure what the state of things are?
So what is the real deal in the province when it comes to solar?
Manitoba is currently one of the best provinces in the Country for solar power system installations, due to its for sunlight levels and financial incentives. However there are still challenges including local regulations, utility integration, and climate-related issues.
Tye will review some of Noble Northern’s solar installations and the majoring role they had in Manitoba’s Northern Communities.
SPEAKERS
Daniel Hartley – Powertec Electric and Powertect Solar
A journeyman electrician by trade, Daniel is an owner and founder of Powertec Electric and Powertect Solar. He is an environmentalist at heart, and renewable energy and EV enthusiast, and he has grown both companies with that focus in mind. Powertec has grown to an organization that employs over 70 people in the electrical trade and operates in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, NW Ontario, and Nunavut. Powertec is a full-service electrical contractor that provides construction services in the multi-family sector, commercial and industrial sectors, as well as renewable energy sectors. Powertec also has a thriving service division that services residential, commercial, and industrial clients.
Tye Noble, President and Founder of Noble Northern, is a forward-thinking leader driving innovation in power supply, generation, and management solutions. After graduating from the University of Calgary, Tye began his journey which took him throughout Canada to many remote locations for off-grid utility installations including solar. Over the years, Tye has led many sustainable energy projects including the conversion of two Electric Tundra Buggies. With a focus on renewable energy integration, Noble Northern offers tailored approaches for various installation requirements and custom designs each project’s power infrastructure to optimize performance and adaptability, reflecting a commitment to excellence and environmental stewardship.
Myth: Home energy labelling lacks buy in
2:30PM, Zoom
EnerGuide Labels are used to rate the energy performance of homes, much like they are used with major home appliances, like washers and dryers. They break down how a home uses energy and the greenhouse gas emissions associated with that energy use.
These insights into a building’s energy efficiency, empowers consumers and policymakers to make more informed decisions. By raising awareness and incentivizing sustainable practices, it drives a shift towards greener buildings and reduced carbon emissions. Join us to discover how energy labelling is shaping a more sustainable future for our built environment.
Let’s explore what it takes to and the value of mandatory residential energy labelling, all while busting some myths along the way.
SPEAKERS
Liza Skaria, Resilient Building Coordinator- City of Calgary
Liza Skaria serves as the Resilient Building Coordinator for the City of Calgary, embodying a commitment to sustainable urban development. With a focus on enhancing building resilience, she spearheads initiatives to mitigate environmental impacts and strengthen community infrastructure. Liza’s dedication to fostering resilient, sustainable cities drives her advocacy for innovative building practices and collaborative urban planning efforts.
Eric Timmins, Corporate Environmental Specialist – City of Calgary
Eric is a sustainable energy and environmental professional with a wealth of experience in community energy planning and programming. At the City, Eric is a Corporate Environmental Specialist overseeing the Residential Energy portfolio with a focus on developing and implementing community-based energy initiatives. Prior to joining the City, Eric worked at QUEST Canada, developing programs focused on rural and remote community energy planning and at Energy Efficiency Alberta as a member of their Program Design and Delivery team. Eric holds a Master of Science in Sustainable Energy Development and a Bachelor of Environmental Science from the University of Calgary.
Myth: air-source heat pumps don’t work in Manitoba
3:15PM, Zoom
There is a myth that air source heat pumps do not work in cold climates like we have in Manitoba.
Heat pump technology has progressed rapidly, such that cold climate air source heat pumps are now a mature and reliable technology that can be applied in residential and commercial buildings. These systems can be an important part of the decarbonization effort, providing both GHG and energy savings relative to conventional HVAC systems. This will be a brief discussion on the application of cold climate air source heat pumps and some important considerations in selecting this type of system.
Can you consider cold-climate air source heat pumps as a viable option for heating and cooling in Manitoba’s climate, when replacing conventional HVAC equipment? Join to find out more!
SPEAKERS
Lindsay Robinson, Mechanical Systems Engineer – 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.
Anna Schappert, Mechanical Systems Professional – Efficiency Manitoba
Anna is a mechanical systems professional with Efficiency Manitoba. She has 6+ years experience within the commercial building sector specifically relating to mechanical building systems. Currently she provides technical support for the Efficiency Manitoba team in mechanical systems serving the residential and commercial sectors.
FLEXIBLE TICKET STRUCTURE Buy for one day, any two days or the whole Gathering.
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, Association of Consulting Engineering Companies Manitoba, Winnipeg Construction Association and Assiniboine Credit Union
SPONSORS
