Decisions about energy and energy-efficiency are critical for determining up-front capital costs and long-term affordability, as well as how long a building will last, how comfortable it will (or won’t) be, and whether it will contribute to climate change or effectively respond to a changing climate. These decisions affect project costs, timelines, and performance outcomes, and apply to every type of building: from large industrial buildings to the family home.

How should we make these decisions in Northern BC, in our climate and in the interests of communities, residents, the building industry, and local economies?

In this event, we’ll get to answers by showcasing real, local examples.

CNC’s Prince George campus, the District of Vanderhoof, and Shas Ti Kelly Road Secondary all demonstrate how we can make decisions about energy and energy-efficiency in our region. All will be featured during this event. We’ll connect policy, design, and on-the-ground construction experience, highlighting what it takes to deliver meaningful outcomes.

The 2025 review of CleanBC indicated that “it can be harder or more expensive for builders and developers to meet energy and climate goals in colder regions” and that “regional considerations deserve more attention.” That’s the rationale for this event: using local projects as learning opportunities for how the difficulty and expense can be overcome.

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Who should attend

• Local government and Indigenous community officials involved with local planning, permitting and construction, climate action and sustainability, and economic development.
• Builders, HVAC specialists, engineers, architects, designers, suppliers, energy advisors, and other building professionals
• Building owners and managers
• Educators, researchers, and students
• Utilities and regulators

Things you’ll learn

• Practical approaches to delivering a full building envelope retrofit, including insulation, doors, and windows.
• How local governments, building owners and managers, and builders and developers can use energy assessments to prioritize upgrades, secure funding, and guide project decisions.
• Where geoexchange heating and cooling systems make sense, and what it takes to implement them.
• Some possible future policy directions.

…all with an eye to cost, performance, and actual implementation in northern communities.

Supporters

Funding support provided by BC Hydro.

This event was initiated by the Community Energy Association through its Northern BC Climate Action Network (NorthCAN) and Building a Legacy program.