Designing for Canada’s Net-Zero Future
Agenda
Webinar instructions will be emailed 24-48 business hours before the date of the webinar.
Please log into the webinar 10-15 minutes before start time.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
9:30 am – 4:45 pm EDT
Agenda:
Canada’s 2050 Net Zero Goal
Presented by Veronica Madonna, OAA, MAA, FRAIC, MArch, BEDS, B.Arch.Sc.
- National climate goals and regulatory pathways
- How “net-zero” is defined in Canada
- Energy and carbon in Canadian building codes
- NECB, NBC
- What architects should prepare for
High-Performance Building Envelopes for Cold and Mixed Climates
Presented by Kelsey Saunders, M.B.Sc, CPHD, LEED AP BD+C
- Envelope design strategies for net-zero performance
- Continuous insulation, airtightness, thermal bridging control, high-performance glazing, etc.
- Managing moisture in freeze-thaw cycles
- Envelope testing and metric verification
- Innovations in envelope materials
- Lessons learned from envelope failures
Electrification and High-Efficiency Mechanical Systems
Presented by Dave Fraser
- Designing for an all-electric future
- Managing winter performance and peak loads
- Ventilation and IAQ in airtight buildings
- Commissioning and performance verification
Embodied Carbon and Low-Carbon Design
Presented by Kelsey Saunders, M.B.Sc, CPHD, LEED AP BD+C
- Understanding embodied carbon and how to measure it
- Material selection to reduce carbon impacts
- Low-carbon concrete, recycled steel, mass timber, etc.
- Carbon budgets and emerging Canadian policies and standards
Integrating Renewable Energy, Storage, and Smart Technologies
Presented by Jacob Komar, P.Eng., CGD
- Renewable energy systems, their roles, efficiency, and winter performance considerations
- Solar, geothermal, heat pumps
- Analysis of net-zero buildings in Canada
- Lessons learned
Gensler’s Product Sustainability (GPS) Standards 2.0
Presented by Philip Galway-Witham and Carly Levett
- Measure the embodied carbon costs and environmental impact of interior materials
- Highlight the importance of setting clear standards for material manufacturing
- Explore the impact of the GPS Standards since it was introduced in January 2024
Webinar Instructions
All attendees must log-on through their own email – attendees may not watch together if they wish to earn continuing education credit. HalfMoon Education Inc. must be able to prove attendance if either the attendee or HalfMoon Education Inc. is audited.
Certificates of completion can be downloaded in PDF form upon passing a short quiz. A link to the quiz will be sent to each qualifying attendee immediately after the webinar. The certificate can be downloaded from the Results page of the quiz upon scoring 80% or higher.
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Credits
Engineers
6.0 PDHs
Architects
6.0 HSW CE Hours
AIA - American Institute of Architects
6.0 HSW LUs
ICC - International Code Council
0.6 CEUs (Energy)
Continuing Education Information
This webinar is open to the public and is designed to qualify for 6.0 PDHs for professional engineers and 6.0 HSW continuing education hours for licensed architects in all Canadian provinces. Please refer to specific board rules to verify eligibility.
The American Institute of Architects Continuing Education System has approved this course for 6.0 HSW LUs (Sponsor No. J885). Only full participation is reportable to the AIA/CES.
The International Code Council has approved this event for .6 CEUs in the specialty area of Building (Preferred Provider No. 1232).
Attendance will be monitored, and attendance certificates will be available after the webinar for those who attend the entire course and score a minimum 80% on the quiz that follows the course (multiple attempts allowed).
*On-Demand Credits*
The preceding credit information only applies to the live presentation. This course in an on-demand format may not qualify for the same credits and the live format; please consult your licensing board(s) to ensure that a structured, asynchronous learning format is appropriate. The on-demand format has the following credit approvals:
6.0 HSW LUs (AIA)
Speakers
Dave Fraser
PHI-accredited Consultant, Certifier, and Trainer at Peel Passive House Consulting,Mr. Fraser is a PHI-accredited Consultant, Certifier, and Trainer at Peel Passive House Consulting, with extensive experience in energy-efficient building design and construction. At Peel, he manages Passive House certification and consulting projects ranging from single-family homes to large non-residential and mixed-use developments. Mr. Fraser specializes in highly efficient mechanical systems for low-energy buildings, with a focus on practical, cost-effective HVAC solutions that support Passive House and Net Zero performance targets. He is currently focused on the implementation of a CMHC-funded research initiative advancing a novel HVAC approach for multifamily residential buildings across Canada, adapting a proven commercial air distribution strategy for residential use. In addition to his project work, he supports Peel’s training programs through the development and delivery of Passive House–focused courses.
Philip Galway-Witham
Technical Designer, Senior Associate with Gensler Architecture & Design Canada, Inc.As Gensler’s Northeast Regional Resilience Leader, Mr. Galway-Witham has been instrumental in the rollout of the Gensler Product Sustainability (GPS) Standards. Since joining Gensler in 2019, he has worked on a number of complex projects across aviation, life sciences, developer sciences, and CASPA practice areas. Alongside his work in providing sustainability best-practice, technical expertise, and stewardship on large-scale master planning, Mr.Galway-Witham is engaged in building tools, calculators, and workflows to embed resilience and sustainability into each project. He also serves as the Office Practice Area leader for the Climate Action & Sustainability practice area.
Jacob Komar, P.Eng., CGD
Principal and Lead Mechanical Engineer at Revolve Engineering, Inc.Mr. Komar, P.Eng. is the Principal and lead mechanical engineer at Revolve Engineering Inc. and is a specialist in Net Zero building design, energy modelling and geothermal systems. He has helped design over fifteen Net Zero buildings and more than 45 commercial geothermal systems on a variety of projects ranging from multi-story commercial office buildings to apartment buildings and government facilities. Mr. Komar started his HVAC career in Virginia working for a leading green design firm, gaining experience in both traditional as well as green HVAC design. Upon returning to Edmonton, he continued to pursue his passion for green design by focusing most of his energy on renewable systems including geothermal, solar thermal, heat recovery systems as well as energy modelling. Today, Mr. Komar focuses solely on building energy consulting, Net Zero building designs and renewable mechanical systems (including geothermal). His passion for designing sustainable, energy-efficient buildings is evident in each of his projects and he always strives to push the envelope in energy efficient designs. Jacob is actively involved in the green community, serving on the City of Edmonton’s Energy Transition Climate Resilience Committee (ETCRC), as well as the Western Canadian Geo Association.
Carly Levett
Senior Interior Designer, Senior Associate with Gensler Architecture & Design Canada, Inc.Ms. Levett is a Senior Interior Designer, specializing in creating elegant, inclusive, and welcoming workplaces that maximize productivity while focusing on occupant well-being. An ardent advocate for sustainable design, she brings a thoughtful design resilience lens to her work and beyond. As part of the global Gensler Product Sustainability (GPS) Standards core team, she turns the challenge of climate change into approachable, everyday actions that to create healthier interiors and more resilient buildings. Having lived and practiced in New York, Boston, and Chicago she brings a multicultural perspective to her work and community. Ms. Levett’s mission on every project is to create beautiful, narrative-driven designs that achieve her clients’ goals while highlighting what makes them unique.
Veronica Madonna, OAA, MAA, FRAIC, MArch, BEDS, B.Arch.Sc.
Associate Professor at the RAIC Centre for ArchitectureMs. Madonna is an award-winning Canadian Architect with over 17 years of experience working with leading architectural firms. She is licensed with the Ontario Association of Architects, and is a Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada. Throughout her academic experience, Ms. Madonna has taught architectural design both in-person and online. At Athabasca University, she has been teaching students globally for over five years through virtual practices. Her teaching methodology focuses on creating inclusive and collaborative environments, seeking tools and open resources to help support education and enhance the experience. She is one of the Global Studio key members, working to support equity and diversity in architectural education and is developing a global mentoring network for students and young professionals in the architectural industry. Before joining Athabasca University, Ms. Madonna was a Principal at Moriyama & Teshima Architects, leading award-winning, highly sustainable designs for Universities and Colleges across Canada. She was the Principal Architect on The Arbour, a ten-storey, mass timber, net-zero carbon building for George Brown College and the Honey Bee Research Centre for the Ontario Agricultural College at the University of Guelph. Her work has received national and international recognition for design excellence. She currently practices under her firm, Studio Veronica Madonna Architect, having recently contributed to the Canadian Wood Council Midrise Guide to Wood Construction. As an educator, researcher and practitioner, her focus in architecture includes; sustainable design strategies in the built environment, advancements in mass timber construction, and equity in architectural practice and education. She is a member of the Canadian Green Building Council Workforce 2030 Mass Timber Working Group and the Ontario Association of Architects Sustainable Built Environment Committee. She is actively involved in the architectural community, lecturing on current innovations in architecture.
Kelsey Saunders, M.B.Sc, CPHD, LEED AP BD+C
Building Science Consultant with Half Climate DesignMs. Saunders is a building science consultant with over a decade of experience and a lifelong passion for environmental stewardship. Her work focuses on reducing the climate impact of the built environment through research, education, and practice. With degrees in Architecture and Building Science, she is dedicated to bridging design excellence with technical performance and environmental responsibility. Ms. Saunders has supported dozens of high-profile projects in achieving ambitious low-carbon goals and led research on the lifecycle impacts of common enclosure systems. She has taught building science and sustainable design at the University of Toronto and co-taught a national low-carbon training program for engineers through the Climate Risk Institute. A Certified Passive House Designer and LEED Accredited Professional, she serves on the board of the Ontario Building Envelope Council and is a co-founder of the Toronto BioBuild Collective.
AIA Info
AIA Provider Statement:
HalfMoon Education Inc. is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number J885. All registered AIA/CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider of learning program may be sent to AIA/CES (cesupport@aia.org or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3).
This learning program is registered with AIA/CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product.
AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA/CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA/CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.
Course Title: Designing for Canada’s Net-Zero Future
Delivery Method: Live Online
Course Description: This six-hour course focuses on net-zero building design in Canada. It covers Canada’s 2050 net-zero goal, relevant energy and carbon provisions in Canadian building codes, and high-performance building envelope strategies for cold and mixed climates, including continuous insulation, airtightness, thermal bridging control, and moisture management. The course also addresses electrification and high-efficiency mechanical systems, ventilation and indoor air quality in airtight buildings, embodied carbon measurement and low-carbon material selection, and the integration of renewable energy systems and smart technologies.
Learning Objectives:
Learning Objective 1: Learners will be able to explain Canada’s 2050 net-zero goal, identify applicable energy and carbon provisions in Canadian building codes, and discuss what architects should prepare for.
Learning Objective 2: Learners will be able to analyze high-performance building envelope design strategies for cold and mixed climates, including continuous insulation, airtightness, thermal bridging control, moisture management, and envelope testing and verification.
Learning Objective 3: Learners will be able to evaluate electrification and high-efficiency mechanical systems for net-zero buildings, including managing winter performance, peak loads, and ventilation and indoor air quality in airtight buildings.
Learning Objective 4: Learners will be able to discuss embodied carbon measurement, low-carbon material selection, and the integration of renewable energy systems including solar, geothermal, and heat pumps into net-zero building design.
LUs: Pending
LU Type: LU|HSWs
Prerequisites: None
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Intermediate
Course Expiration Date: Pending
Complaint Resolution Policy:
Complaints regarding this course can be emailed to fchapman@halfmoonseminars.org or by calling (715) 835-5900. A HalfMoon Education representative will respond within 72 hours to resolve the complaint, which will include, but not limited to, access to another CE activity at no or reduced cost or a full or partial refund. Each instance will be resolved on a case-by-case situation.