With buildings accounting for around 40–50 per cent of the greenhouse gas emissions in BC communities, there is a need to rapidly address their efficiency and decarbonize rapidly.
The Kootenay Clean Energy Transition (KCET) helps facilitate improvements in housing stock by providing access to industry-specific education and training to build workforce capacity in the Kootenays.
In September and October, CEA staff hit the road to deliver a series of KCET events to initiate discussions around building science throughout the Kootenay region. Presented at local hardware stores in eight communities, the Building Science BBQs connected local construction professionals with specialists in the field of building science to have their questions answered and discuss the latest developments in an extremely dynamic sector.
With James Bourget, Construction Specialist at RDH Building Science and Geoff Kirkpatrick of Airsealplan on site at each event, conversations focused on building envelope best practices.
As the BC Energy Step Code continues to help communities move towards net-zero homes by 2032 and the demand for retrofits grows, the integration of new products alongside the effective employment of building science fundamentals is key to ensuring homes meet the requirements. With Siga, Innotech Windows and Doors, Rockwool, Airfoam, Home Performance Contractor Network, and FortisBC representatives in attendance, visitors were able to connect theoretical discussion with physical, practical product solutions in the market.
James and Geoff’s discussions included guidance on how to evaluate and select the right products for each job in order to ensure success.
Speaking about the events, James said, “It’s an exciting time to be working in construction as meeting future building enclosure performance targets can seem challenging with respect to construction practices and costing… Speaking to people firsthand about how to tackle the challenges they encounter is interesting, and it’s encouraging to hear how builders overcome problems to help homeowners have comfortable, energy efficient places to live. We are seeing manufacturers and suppliers step up with material solutions that really help us meet future energy performance targets. Combining the right products with the principles of good building science is still the cornerstone of everything we do in our industry. The path is not difficult—only different.”
Thank you to our funders and supporters: Columbia Basin Trust, BC Hydro, Fortis BC, Regional District of East Kootenay, Regional District of Central Kootenay, Regional District of Kootenay Boundary and East Kootenay Climate Hub.
