Built Environment
CEA has advanced knowledge of the technical solutions available to communities to lower emissions and build resilience in the built environment. By integrating this expertise with an understanding of local circumstances, our team identifies and implements low-carbon pathways for buildings and other local infrastructure that advances community priorities.
Built Environment Resources
Embodied Emissions Guide
Retrofit 101 guide for Contractors
A home energy retrofit, guided by an Energy Advisor's renovation upgrade report, can bring property owners huge value. Learn how to discuss retrofits with your clients using this handy guide.
Retrofit 101 guide for Realtors
Home energy retrofits can improve comfort, lower day-to-day costs, and increase property value. Realtors can use this guide to help explain the retrofit process to their clients.
Built Environment Webinar Recordings
Cold Climate Heat Pumps: Practical Insights and Real-World Applications
Cold Climate Heat Pumps: Practical Insights and Real-World Applications
Community Energy Association October 15, 2024 9:51 am
Ductless Heat Pumps and Manufactured Homes
Community Energy Association June 27, 2024 1:24 pm
Retrofitting Manufactured Homes
Community Energy Association June 10, 2024 9:23 am
Ensuring Quality Heat Pump Installations: Verifying F280-12 load calculations
Community Energy Association May 28, 2024 1:59 pm
Ensuring Quality Heat Pump Installations: Quality attributes of an installation
Community Energy Association May 6, 2024 1:15 pm
Ensuring Quality Heat Pump Installations: Commissioning & Performance Verification
Community Energy Association May 6, 2024 1:16 pm
Ensuring Quality Heat Pump Installations: Balance point calculations
Community Energy Association May 6, 2024 1:12 pm
Ensuring Quality Heat Pump Installations: HVAC Guide for Part 9 Homes (CES-17:23)
Community Energy Association January 29, 2024 9:26 am
Building Science Fundamentals: A virtual lab
Community Energy Association March 21, 2024 4:02 pm
Stay up-to-date on events, news, and stories related to high performance buildings by subscribing to CEA's High Performance Buildings newsletter.
Built Environment Events
Builder’s Breakfast: Supporting Success in New Build and Retrofit Industry (Nelson)
HPSC’s Retrofitting with a House-as-a-System Approach (Terrace)
Builder’s Breakfast: Supporting Success in New Build and Retrofit Industry (Invermere)
Recent Built Environment News
Home Retrofit Program Earns National Recognition
The best at their craft
Northwest Energy Retrofit Forum provides information and hands-on learning opportunities
Built Environment Projects
Thank you to our KCET funders.
The Kootenay Clean Energy Transition (KCET) is a multi-year project that will build awareness and workforce capacity for a low carbon and clean energy transition in the Kootenays.
The initiative’s focus is on reducing GHG emissions by targeting the two highest emitting sectors - the built environment (heating & cooling of buildings) and transportation and address key barriers to low carbon technology adoption, including lack of knowledge, increased cost and local access to equipment and installers.
Retrofit Assist is a free service, facilitated by the Community Energy Association (CEA) in partnership with local governments, that guides homeowners through the process of energy retrofitting to make it easy and hassle-free.
Participants access the concierge service to ensure that their retrofits are executed properly and that they are able to maximize the rebates available.
The program is currently being delivered in Rossland, Squamish and Whistler.
Since 2021 CEA has delivered Building A Legacy North in collaboration with the Canadian Home Builders Association (CHBA) of Northern BC. The initiative supports the building industry and local governments to implement the BC Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Step Code in Northern BC. The initiative offers training, resources, and educational opportunities and develops case studies and communications materials to advance high performance building practices in Northern communities.
Home Performance Contractors Network
The Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN) is a database of retrofit contractors that meet specific trade designation and training qualifications established by the Home Performance Stakeholder Council. HPCN registration is mandatory to access many CleanBC rebate programs.
To find or become a registered contractor, please follow the links below:
Our Built Environment Team
Jenna Annett
Understands workforce challenges in rural contexts, and applying this to engage the building sector in upskilling for deep energy retrofits.
Natasha Del Bosco
Part of the Retrofit Assist team. Here to support homeowners needs and objectives throughout their retrofit journey.
Rachel Buskie
Leads built environment projects to create capacity and support the transformation of the building sector at regional and local levels.
Mariah Byers
Here to guide you through our Retrofit Assist program – from initial interest through to installation and applying for and receiving rebates.
Gaëtane Carignan
Building energy performance expert including applying Energy Step Code in rural, cold climates. Deep knowledge of all things food systems and organic waste.
Amber Davis
Working on the frontline of the Retrofit Assist program, assisting homeowners through the process.
Amanda Evans
Responsible for leading the implementation of the dynamic and growing Retrofit Assist Program. Responsibilities include engaging with partner communities, overseeing the program delivery and expansion, and participating in strategic development.
Elyse Lindgren
Experienced in climate and community resiliency planning with a passion for energy management. Elyse supports the implementation of the Retrofit Assist Program.
Jessica Martin-Thompson
Leads complex built environment projects that will transform the building sector and create capacity at regional and local levels.
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