Community Energy Association

Growing Your Business with Retrofit Assist: Vernon Contractors
2025-08-13 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Vancouver) | Zoom
Retrofit Assist is now available to homeowners in Vernon. Let’s work together!
The Community Energy Association is excited to announce the official launch of Retrofit Assist in Vernon—and we’re looking for local contractors to join us.
Retrofit Assist provides free guidance for home energy upgrades. We help homeowners access the services of an Energy Advisor, plan their retrofits, connect with Authorized Contractors, and access rebates.
Tune into this short webinar to learn how becoming an Authorized Contractor can help you connect with homeowners ready to renovate.

Cold Climate Heat Pumps Panel: Performance & Installation Considerations
2025-09-11 08:00 - 10:00 (America/Vancouver) | Zoom
Best practices for performance and installation in climates where extreme cold can challenge efficiency and reliability.
As the push for comfortable and energy efficient homes continues to grow, heat pumps are becoming a go-to solution for heating and cooling in residential buildings. However, their performance and installation considerations can differ significantly in Kootenay, Boundary and Northern climates, where extreme cold can challenge their efficiency and reliability.
This panel is designed for HVAC contractors, renovators, builders, energy advisors, renovators, housing managers, building officials and all other building professionals looking to deepen their understanding of heat pump systems in cold climates. Attendees will gain practical insights and strategies for successfully incorporating heat pumps into their projects, ensuring efficiency and customer satisfaction even in the coldest conditions.
Full details on Eventbrite

From Plans to Performance: Integrated Design for High-Performance Homes
2025-09-16 08:30 - 16:00 (America/Edmonton) | Pomeroy Hotel & Conference Centre, 11308 Alaska Road North, Fort St. John, BC, V1J 0P2, Canada
Discover how Integrated Design Planning supports collaboration, cost savings, and reliable results in new build and retrofit projects.
Imagine working on a retrofit or new build project where: everyone works well as a team, decisions are made early to achieve the best results, costs are efficient, and there are no call backs? It’s not a dream, it’s the result of Integrated Design Planning (IDP).
Builders, energy advisors, general contractors, trades, and all other building professionals: learn how you can bring IDP to your business, so you can work efficiently and save money over the life of the project.
As an example, we will demonstrate how IDP can help you right-size HVAC mechanical systems — so your project’s heating performance will be just where it needs to be for a cold climate without overrunning costs.
Full details on Eventbrite

Fleet Forward Vancouver Island: Showcasing Zero Emission Fleet Vehicles
2025-09-18 08:30 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | Michèle Pujol Room, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria,, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
Fleet Forward is a free, full-day event designed for anyone exploring how medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles (MHD ZEVs) can work for their operations. The day’s agenda is informed by engagement with local governments and fleet operators from the public and private sector, so you will receive unbiased, fulsome information about MHD ZEV technology.
With vehicles on display, time to connect with and learn from peers, and opportunities to hear from experts and early adopters, you’ll be able to evaluate which technology can work in your context, how to plan and prepare for charging/refueling, and which rebates are available.
RSVP for Free
Agenda
8:30am Arrive and registrations
9:00am Welcome and introduction from Danielle Wiess: Director of Transportation Initiatives – CEA
9:20am Presentations from vehicle manufacturers
9:50am Break and opportunity to tour zero-emission vehicles
10:20am Learning from early adopters, presentations from organizations already using zero-emission vehicles
11:45am Lunch
12:30am Taking action: Electric fleet planning
1:00pm Open space discussions
2:15 Tour of zero-emission vehicles

From Plans to Performance: Integrated Design for High-Performance Homes
2025-09-18 08:30 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | Central BC Railway and Forestry Museum, 850 River Road, Prince George, BC, V2L 5S8, Canada

Fleet Forward Metro Vancouver: Showcasing Zero Emission Fleet Vehicles
2025-09-25 08:30 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | Burnaby Mountain Golf Course & Driving Range, 7600 Halifax Street, Burnaby, BC, V5A 4M8, Canada

Fleet Forward Northern BC: Showcasing Zero Emission Fleet Vehicles
2025-10-15 08:30 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | The Exploration Place, 333 Becott Place, Prince George, BC, V2L 4V7, Canada
Fleet Forward is a free, full-day event designed for anyone exploring how medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles (MHD ZEVs) can work for their operations. The day’s agenda is informed by engagement with local governments and fleet operators from the public and private sector, so you will receive unbiased, fulsome information about MHD ZEV technology.
With vehicles on display, time to connect with and learn from peers, and opportunities to hear from experts and early adopters, you’ll be able to evaluate which technology can work in your context, how to plan and prepare for charging/refueling, and which rebates are available.
RSVP for Free

Stop Guessing and Start Using F280-12
2025-10-16 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Edmonton) | Zoom
Learn how to collect data for heat load calculations for heat pump installations.
When you’re trying to ensure a home has the right amount of space heating and cooling capacity, a rule of thumb approach won’t cut it anymore. Especially when you are installing a heat pump.
Find out exactly how much heating and cooling capacity a home needs by completing an F280-12 calculation.
The Canadian Standards Association’s F280-12 standard is a BC Building Code recognized method for calculating heat loss and heat gain.
In this webinar, you will gain a clear understanding of what data is required to conduct an F280-12 calculation and how to gather it effectively in both retrofit and new build contexts.
The BC Building Code requires F280-12 calculations when sizing equipment for new homes. Increasingly, municipalities are enforcing this code requirement.
Make sure you understand how to collect data for F280-12 calculations with this first of a two-part webinar series.
For HVAC contractors, energy advisors, builders, building officials, and other building professionals.
RSVP for Free

Notes
Event is free of charge, but you must pre-register.
If you can’t attend the webinar – no problem! We’ll provide the slide deck and a link to the recording to all those who have registered.
This event has been pre-approved for 2 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Points through BC Housing.
About the Presenter
Rob Pope, Senior Consultant, Ecolighten Energy Solutions
Rob started working in the HVAC industry in the mid 1970s where he began his apprenticeship in high-end custom homes, quickly earning tickets in sheet metal, refrigeration and gas fitting. During this time, he installed, serviced and began designing the first wave of energy-efficient systems such as condensing gas furnaces and boilers, heat recovery ventilation, heat pumps and solar thermal. Rob was the Mechanical Consultant on the first residence in Canada to achieve a Canadian LEED® certification. As an active member of the industry he has served as an executive member of the HVCI and TECA industry associations, advocating for higher standards and better education for its members.

From Plans to Performance: Integrated Design for High-Performance Homes
2025-10-23 08:30 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | Hidden Acres Farm & Treehouse Resort, 3527 River Drive, Terrace, BC, V8G 3P2, Canada

Building After Hours - Networking Event
2025-10-23 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Vancouver) | Hidden Acres Farm & Treehouse Resort, 3527 River Drive, Terrace, BC, V8G 3P2, Canada
Let’s connect!
You’re invited to a free networking reception with refreshments, appetizers, and great company. Meet professionals from across Northwest BC working in commercial and residential construction.
Whether you’re a tradesperson, supplier, builder, building official, renovator, or work in any part of the industry — this is your chance to relax, mingle, and build meaningful connections in a casual, welcoming setting.

No cost to attend
Please register to help us plan for food and space
Consider joining us for the workshop From Plans to Performance: Integrated Design for High-Performance Homes during the day as well.

RSVP for Free
This in-person event is brought to you by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association of Northern BC, the Northern Regional Construction Association, and the Community Energy Association — coming together to celebrate and strengthen our vibrant construction community.

From Plans to Performance: Integrated Design for High-Performance Homes
2025-10-28 08:30 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | Castlegar & District Community Complex, 2101, 6th Ave, Castlegar, BC, V1N 3 B2, Canada

Fleet Forward Interior BC: Showcasing Zero Emission Fleet Vehicles
2025-10-29 08:30 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | 1055 University Dr, 1055 University Drive Mountain Room at TRU, Kamloops, BC, V2C 0C8, Canada

From Plans to Performance: Integrated Design for High-Performance Homes
2025-10-30 08:30 - 16:00 (America/Edmonton) | Kimberley Conference & Athlete Training Centre, 301 N. Star Blvd., Kimberley, BC, V1A 3E9, Canada

Building After Hours - Networking in Williams Lake
2025-11-06 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Vancouver) | The Osprey Nest Social House and Eatery, 1205 Borland Road, Williams Lake, BC, V2G 3X9, Canada
Expand your networks and make valuable connections in the pivotal construction sector.

You’re invited to a free networking reception with refreshments, appetizers, and great company. Meet professionals from throughout the Cariboo region working in commercial, industrial and residential construction.
Whether you’re a tradesperson, supplier, builder, building official, renovator, or work in any part of the industry — this is your chance to relax, mingle, and build meaningful connections in a casual, welcoming setting.
RSVP for Free

This in-person event is brought to you by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association of Northern BC, the Northern Regional Construction Association, and the Community Energy Association — coming together to celebrate and strengthen our vibrant construction community.

No cost to attend
Please register to help us plan for food and space
Consider joining us for “Plans to Performance Workshop” the following day, November 7th.

Don’t miss this fantastic evening of networking, camaraderie, and connection!

From Plans to Performance: Integrated Design for High-Performance Homes
2025-11-07 08:00 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | Thompson Rivers University – Williams Lake Campus, 1250 Western Ave., Williams Lake, BC, V2G 1H7, Canada

Let's Talk Windows & Doors
2025-11-13 08:00 - 09:30 (America/Vancouver) | Zoom
Qualified Fenestration Products in Canada: Learn what to look for during the bidding process and onsite to ensure compliance.
With continued confusion around imported products and certification standards, this session will be especially valuable for building officials, energy advisors, designers, builders and other homebuilding and housing management professionals.
Full details on Eventbrite.

How to Interpret F280-12 Calculations
2025-11-20 08:00 - 10:00 (America/Vancouver) | Zoom
Understand how to read an F280-12 report to choose the optimal heat pump equipment with an accurate heat load calculation.
So, an F280-12 compliant load calculation has been conducted to know exactly how much heating and cooling capacity the home you are working on needs.
Are you sure you are using the calculation correctly to optimize heat pump sizing and selection?
Join this webinar for a step-by-step walkthrough of a final load calculation. You will learn key considerations for understanding the report and picking suitable equipment. And we will alert you to common errors in an F280-12 load calculation to ensure you can be confident with using the data for your project.
Make sure you understand how to interpret F280-12 calculations with this second in our F280-12 webinar series.
For building officials, HVAC contractors, energy advisors, and builders.
RSVP for Free

Notes
Event is free of charge, but you must pre-register.
If you can’t attend the webinar – no problem! We’ll provide the slide deck and a link to the recording to all those who have registered.
This event has been pre-approved for two Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Points through BC Housing.
About the Presenter
Rob Pope, Senior Consultant, Ecolighten Energy Solutions
Rob started working in the HVAC industry in the mid 1970s where he began his apprenticeship in high-end custom homes, quickly earning tickets in sheet metal, refrigeration and gas fitting. During this time, he installed, serviced and began designing the first wave of energy-efficient systems such as condensing gas furnaces and boilers, heat recovery ventilation, heat pumps and solar thermal. Rob was the Mechanical Consultant on the first residence in Canada to achieve a Canadian LEED® certification. As an active member of the industry he has served as an executive member of the HVCI and TECA industry associations, advocating for higher standards and better education for its members.
Related Webinar
Want to learn more about right-sizing heat pumps? Don’t miss the other webinar in this series:

Stop Guessing and Start Using F280-12 (Oct 16, 2025): How to collect data for heat load calculations for heat pump installation.

Accessible Home Retrofits: a Colchester Community Conversation
2025-12-10 18:00 - 19:15 (America/Halifax) | Truro Library, 754 Prince Street, Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada
Have high energy bills? Want a more comfortable home? We want to hear from you!
The Municipality of Colchester is developing a new coordinated home retrofit program to make energy-saving and healthy home upgrades more affordable and easier for homeowners.
Come out and share what would make home upgrades more affordable and accessible for you and others in your community.
This program is intended to serve homeowners located in the Municipality of Colchester . We especially welcome input from lower-income homeowners (income of approximately 50,000 or less).

CleanBC Review: Recommendations for Local Governments
2026-01-23 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver) | BC
What does the CleanBC Independent Review mean for local governments and community-led energy, affordability, and resilience initiatives?
The newly released recommendations from the CleanBC Independent Review outlines seven priorities, 31 actions, and eight guiding principles for renewing CleanBC.
Lisa Mak (Climate Solutions Specialist) and CaroleAnn Leishman (Climate Leaders Program Manager) will share what CEA has learned about community perspectives and priorities for CleanBC. Examining the Independent Review’s recommendations, they will show the implications for local governments and highlight the essential role communities play in advancing CleanBC’s success.
This Climate Caucus meeting is facilitated by City of Courtenay councillor Will Cole-Hamilton and open to current and former local elected leaders who are members of Climate Caucus. Join Climate Caucus for free by emailing olivia@climatecaucus.ca or sign up online.

EV Policy and Practice in Canada
2026-01-28 15:30 - 17:00 (America/Vancouver) | UBC Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability (CIRS), 2260 West Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Canada has committed to Net-zero Emissions by 2050, with a 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan to meet Canada’s Paris Agreement target to reduce emissions by 40-45 per cent from 2005 levels by 2030. Electric Vehicles (EVs) have been a critical part of Canada’s plan to decarbonize the transportation sector.
While there has been significant growth in the uptake of EVs in Canada, product affordability, reduced incentives from both provincial and federal governments, trade tensions, consumer concerns over charging infrastructure and performance, and concerns regarding the consequences of mining critical minerals, remain significant barriers to broad uptake.
In this session, our panel will explore how the uptake of EVs in Canada is impacted by policy controls and other considerations, as well as explore the position of the industry at a national scale.
Presenters will share examples of how this compares to other countries globally. Panelists will also focus on the process of implementing EV-related policies and infrastructure alongside communities and regional or provincial governments.
You can participate either in-person or via zoom.
Register on Zoom
Zoom participants will be able to submit questions during the Q&A period.
Register for In-Person
The in-person gathering will include light refreshments and opportunity for networking with other participants.
Moderator

Milind Kandlikar is Professor at the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs and former Director of the Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability. His work focuses on the intersection of technology innovation, human development and the global environment. His current projects include cross-national comparisons of regulation of agricultural biotechnology; air quality in Indian cities; risks and benefits of nanotechnology; new technologies for sustainable transportation; and development and climate change. He is a Steering Committee member of the Climate Solutions Research Collective and he is a Faculty Member at UBC’s Clean Energy Research Centre.

Panelists

Megan Lohmann is the CEO at Community Energy Association (CEA). She has over 20 years of experience in collaborating with local governments and Indigenous communities to advance climate and energy priorities. Megan supports her team in planning and implementing large-scale, high-impact initiatives, effectively leveraging funding and enabling partnerships across local, regional, and provincial governments, utilities, and the private sector.
Megan is Vice-Chair of the Electric Mobility Canada Board, serves on the Board of Governors with the College of the Rockies. She has been a member of the Energy Step Code Council, Building to Electrification Coalition, has participated as a Fellow and Ambassador with the Energy Futures Lab and supports a number of other Councils and committees. In recognition of her leadership, Megan was honored by BC Business Magazine through their Women of the Year awards in 2023. Megan is passionate about driving impactful change through her leadership in the sector.

Werner Antweiler is an Associate Professor in the Sauder School of Business, where he holds the Chair in International Trade Policy and is chairing the Strategy and Business Economics Division. He works on research related to environmental and energy economics, including electricity markets, international trade in energy, integration of renewable energy into energy systems, and the electrification of mobility. He is also a frequent commentator on broadcast media about a wide range of public policy topics. He is a Steering Committee member of the Climate Solutions Research Collective, he participates in UBC’s Future Minerals Initiative, and he is a Faculty Member at UBC’s Clean Energy Research Centre.

Unlocking the Value of Carbon Credits for EV Charging Infrastructure Owners
2026-01-29 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Edmonton) | Zoom
Tune in for a short webinar showing how your organization can benefit from carbon credits in Canada.
As more organizations install electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure—whether for their own fleets, employees, or the public—many are unaware of a powerful financial opportunity available to them: carbon credits.
Join us for an informative webinar that demystifies how carbon credits work in Canada and how organizations can benefit from them. We’ll explain how EV charging activity generates eligible credits, how those credits are quantified, and how they can be traded on compliance markets such as the BC Low Carbon Fuel Standard and the federal Clean Fuel Regulations.
Participants will learn:

How carbon credits are created when EV charging infrastructure dispenses electricity to EVs—whether for municipal, commercial, or public use.
The revenue potential of participating in carbon credit markets.
Differences between the BC LCFS and federal CFR markets, and how organizations can participate in one or both.
What infrastructure owners need to track and report to generate credits.
Real-world examples of how organizations are using carbon credit revenue to offset operating costs, reinvest in new charging stations, or support broader sustainability goals.

RSVP for Free

Airtight On-Budget – Fundamentals of Air Sealing
2026-02-19 17:30 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Vancouver Island University, 900 Fifth Street, Nanaimo, BC, V9R 5S5, Canada
Intro hands-on air sealing workshop for owner-builders and pros, covering air barrier basics, common leaks, and Step Code‑ready practices.
Date: Thursday February 19, 2026
Time: 5:30pm-8:00pm
Location: Vancouver Island University – Building 108: Windsor Plywood Trades Discovery Centre, room 105
RSVP for Free
About This Event
This introductory, hands-on workshop provides a practical overview of air sealing fundamentals and the critical role a continuous air barrier plays in achieving BC Energy Step Code (ESC) requirements. Designed for owner-builders and building professionals who are newer to high-performance construction, the session focuses on building a clear understanding of why air sealing matters and how it is successfully implemented on site.
Participants will observe and interact with live demonstrations using construction mock-ups to see how air barrier continuity is established at key junctions. The session will highlight common air leakage failure points, tested air sealing details, and how seemingly small changes during construction can have a significant impact on overall building performance. The value of mid-construction blower door testing will be emphasized, along with the importance of early collaboration between builders, trades, and energy advisors.
By the end of the session, participants will be able to identify the main components of a continuous air barrier system, recognize typical leakage locations in residential buildings, and better understand how coordinated planning and execution supports energy efficiency, comfort, and compliance with higher ESC steps.
Notes
Event is free of charge, but you must pre-register.
This event is pending approval for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Points through BC Housing

Brought to you by the Community Energy Association and the Regional District of Nanaimo, in partnership with the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) and Vancouver Island University (VIU).

Lunch & Learn: Solar & Battery Permitting Guide
2026-02-23 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver) | Zoom
Feb. 23, 2026, join CEA and BC Hydro for a one-hour online session that will introduce and discuss the newly-released Solar and Battery Permitting Guide for Local Governments in BC.
We will review and highlight the guide’s key outcomes, recommendations and implementation pathways, with time for dialogue and Q&A. The session will also introduce a new opportunity for those who want to dig deeper into solar solutions. Tune in to learn more!
Register on Zoom

Building Resilience: Safeguarding Your Business, Optimizing Your Builds
2026-03-05 09:00 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nanaimo Golf Club, 2800 Highland Boulevard, Nanaimo, BC, V9S 3N8, Canada
Join CHBA Vancouver Island and the Community Energy Association for a full-day event designed to help builders protect their businesses while enhancing construction performance. This hands-on, practical session is tailored for builders, owner-builders, and trades looking to strengthen both their operations and their builds.

Note: There is no cost for the afternoon session, thanks to generous sponsorship by the Regional District of Nanaimo. Purchasing a ticket for the morning covers the full day. You can register for the full day or just the free, afternoon session.

MORNING SESSIONS
Cybersecurity, Risk Assessment & Commercial Risk Management
Led by Jen Warman, CIP, CAIB, of Ascera Insurance, this session provides practical guidance to protect your business in today’s complex digital and regulatory environment.
Business Continuity Strategies
Hollie Quiring from RBC shares actionable strategies to plan for the unexpected and safeguard your operations against disruption.
Register
AFTERNOON SESSION – FREE
Get hands-on with BCIT’s “Airtight On-Budget” workshop, focusing on practical air sealing strategies to achieve lower air change rates while keeping costs under control. Through demonstrations, interactive mock-ups, and real-world case studies, participants will learn how to reduce rework, improve ESC compliance, and deliver long-term comfort and value for clients, all while supporting affordability and efficiency on-site.
Register

Build Better Homes on Budget with Integrated Design Process (IDP)
2026-03-12 08:00 - 10:00 (America/Vancouver) | Zoom
Learn how IDP helps builders and owner‑builders align trades and energy advisors early to deliver efficient homes on budget.
Date: Thursday, March 12, 2026
Time: 8–10 a.m. PT
Location: Zoom
RSPV for Free
About This Event
Builders, contractors, energy advisors, designers, owner-builders: this session introduces the Integrated Design Process (IDP) as a practical framework for delivering higher-performing, lower-risk new construction projects. The workshop emphasizes how engaging an energy advisor (EA) early and involving trades from the outset can streamline coordination, reduce costly mid-project changes, and support goals such as higher BC Energy Step Code performance and reduced embodied emissions.
Participants will learn how IDP supports clearer decision-making across design and construction phases, and how energy advisors contribute through early modelling, mid-construction checks, and final testing. The session will outline key project milestones where early collaboration between builders, designers, trades, and EAs can prevent delays, redesigns, and performance shortfalls.
The format: one-hour presentation followed by a facilitated panel discussion featuring local builders and energy advisors, providing both foundational knowledge and real-world insights.
By the end of the session, participants will have a clearer understanding of roles and responsibilities within an integrated project team and practical strategies for improving communication, coordination, and cost-effective delivery of energy-efficient homes.
Notes
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Point approval is pending through BC Housing.

Brought to you by the Community Energy Association and the Regional District of Nanaimo.

Power On with Solar Panels
2026-03-19 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Vancouver) | Zoom
Learn how to achieve home energy independence—starting with solar electricity generation—in this first of a three-part webinar series.
If you dream of a day when you’re no longer paying utility bills, solar panels could be the solution for you. With solar panels, you can harness free, plentiful sunlight (yes, even in the Lower Mainland) to offset or even replace your grid electricity use.
If energy independence is your goal, tune into this introductory webinar with Eden Yesh from Infinity Solar.
Learn what to consider when thinking about adding solar panels, understand the available incentives out there, and find out what you need to be asking your contractor for a successful installation.
RSVP for Free
Note: Event is free of charge, but you must register. If you cannot attend the webinar—no problem! We’ll provide the slide deck and a link to the recording to all those who have registered.

About the Presenter
Eden Yesh, Infinity Solar
Eden J. Yesh is founder of Infinity Solar Group (ISG), a leading Western Canadian solar EPC (Engineering, Procurement & Construction) firm delivering high-performance solar PV and energy storage systems across British Columbia and Alberta.
Since 2019, ISG has completed over 600 installations, deployed more than 3.2 MW of solar capacity, and manages approximately 50 projects concurrently across feasibility, design, permitting, construction, commissioning, and ongoing operations and maintenance.
Eden previously worked in provincial and regional economic development and collaborated with the Community Energy Association during the creation of the Kootenay Clean Energy Transition program. ISG’s approach is education-first and brand-agnostic, focused on helping property owners clearly understand their solar and storage options through transparent, low-pressure guidance grounded in long-term performance and financial clarity.

Brought to you by the Community Energy Association with the support of BC Hydro.

This event is one of many activities presented by Community Energy Association through:
Retrofit Assist, a concierge service offered in collaboration with local governments to assist homeowners in navigating the process and financing of home energy retrofit projects.
Building A Legacy, a program to advance high-performance building practices in BC, with a particular focus on the Kootenay and Boundary regions and Northern BC, through awareness raising, training, and other efforts to increase workforce capacity.

Energy and Zero Carbon Step Codes in Practice
2026-03-31 08:00 - 10:00 (America/Vancouver) | Zoom
Real‑world lessons on meeting BC’s Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Step Code.
Tune in to join a panel of building professionals sharing their real‑world experience implementing BC’s Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Step Code.
Attendees will learn practical solutions, cost‑effective strategies, and ways to improve energy efficiency outcomes. Discussion will focus on code‑compliant construction methods and practical lessons learned in the pursuit of higher performance. Panelists will also share how recent and upcoming code changes are being interpreted and common challenges and pitfalls they see.
Bring your questions!
Please submit questions during event registration. We want to hear your real-world scenarios, which panelists will address in facilitated discussion (as many questions as time permits).
RSVP for Free

Who should attend?
This webinar and panel will be of interest to higher performance builders and any building-related trades and professionals who are or may be required to understand, interpret, and apply the BC Building Code, BC Energy Step Code, and BC Zero Carbon Step Code.

Brought to you by the Community Energy Association with the support of BC Hydro.

Charge Up with Home Batteries
2026-04-08 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Vancouver) | Zoom
Learn how battery storage and EV charging can help you achieve home energy independence—in part two of our webinar series.
Integrating an electric vehicle (EV) charger with a home battery system is the ultimate step toward maximizing your electric vehicle’s potential and achieving true energy independence. This webinar explores how to “fuel” your car with self-generated renewable energy, avoid peak utility rates, and ensure your EV stays charged even during a grid outage. You will also hear from a homeowner first hand about their experience installing solar and an EV charger.
RSVP for Free
Event is free of charge, but you must register. If you cannot attend the webinar—no problem! We’ll provide the slide deck and a link to the recording to all those who have registered.
About the Presenter
Danielle Wiess, Community Energy Association
Danielle is Director of Transportation Initiatives for the Community Energy Association. She supports local governments with low-carbon transportation strategy, infrastructure, and education and awareness initiatives. She has led the development of regional EV charging networks in northern BC, Vancouver Island, the Kootenays, across Alberta, and in southwest Ontario.
Danielle brings two decades of experience working in energy and sustainability, including project management, disclosure and reporting, integration, strategy development, communications, and stakeholder engagement.

Brought to you by the Community Energy Association with the support of BC Hydro.

This event is one of many activities presented by Community Energy Association through:
Retrofit Assist, a concierge service offered in collaboration with local governments to assist homeowners in navigating the process and financing of home energy retrofit projects.
Building A Legacy, a program that advances high-performance building practices in BC, with a particular focus on the Kootenay and Boundary regions and Northern BC. Through awareness raising and training, the program increases workforce capacity to

Renewable Energy in the Peace: A Power-ful Opportunity
2026-04-20 09:45 - 15:30 (America/Edmonton) | Saulteau First Nations Cultural Centre, 1717 Boucher Lake Road, Moberly Lake, BC, V0C 1X0, Canada
Northeast BC is a renewable energy powerhouse. Learn what’s happening, why more energy is needed, and how communities are involved.
About the event
Join with other northerners to learn about existing projects in Northeast BC, what additional projects are planned, why they’re necessary, and how communities can get more involved (and realize more benefits).

Contribute your own experiences and expertise
Get practical and learn how technologies like solar panels and wind turbines actually work
Tour a wind turbine maintenance facility in Chetwynd (optional add-on).

This event is about sharing information, having conversations, and strengthening the renewable energy community in the Peace. Attendees will include representatives from communities, industry, education and research, utilities, regulators, and other key organizations.
RSVP for Free
Refreshments and lunch will be provided.

Testimonials
Here’s what some attendees experienced at a similar event recently held in Prince George prior to the kick-off of the 2026 BC Natural Resources Forum.
“I attended the Renewable Energy 101 session and the Community Energy Gathering and really appreciated both experiences. The Renewable Energy 101 session was delivered in a fun and interactive way and would be a great fit to bring into communities, helping people better understand what solar and wind energy are in a practical and approachable way. The Community Energy Gathering created a comfortable space to talk openly and share what each participant is working on, which made the conversations meaningful and insightful.”
Ojay Matias, Director of Partnerships and Development, Cheslatta Development Corporation
“Being able to attend a full day focused on renewables just before the BCNRF was an incredible experience. Seeing two rooms filled with interested, engaged and passionate organizations, local governments, businesses and individuals learning and sharing their experiences and plans was inspiring. It affirmed for me that the North is quietly becoming a leader in renewable energy.”
Cyra Yunkws, Chair and Electoral Area B representative, Regional District of Kitimat–Stikine

Agenda Highlights

Dialogue on renewable energy in the Peace.
Start with roundtable introductions. Then learn about existing and planned renewable energy projects in the Peace and contribute ideas for maximizing community benefits. This won’t be a session with people speaking at a podium; plan to share your knowledge, ideas, and perspectives.

Renewable Energy 101
Learn how wind and solar technologies actually work through engaging (and entertaining!) hands-on experiments. Participants will discover how to produce electricity as they build their own projects (including miniature wind turbines and solar panels) and test how they would function in the real world. Learn about the different components of wind and solar projects and what they could mean for the region in terms of jobs and investment.

Tour of Vestas operations and maintenance hub in Chetwynd
The Chetwynd O&M facility is run by a team of 10-12 local staff who are responsible for managing the Dokie Wind Project, which has 48 turbines. Dokie is one of seven large-scale operating wind projects in the Peace region. Two more were announced in 2024. Vestas is a global wind energy supplier, designing, manufacturing, installing, and servicing onshore and offshore wind turbines across the globe. The company’s Canadian operations are supported by a team of 400+ employees working in installation, construction, and service of onshore wind turbines.

Building Envelope Mockup Expo – Energy Efficient Code-Ready Solutions
2026-04-23 08:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver) | Castlegar & District Community Complex, 2101, 6th Ave, Castlegar, BC, V1N 3 B2, Canada
The Fest is a unique, half-day in-person training event providing flexible, drop-in professional development for Part 9 builders interested in expanding their knowledge of high-performance construction. The Fest encourages guided and self-exploration through a series of hands-on educational stations. These stations showcase a mix of physical or digital building enclosure mock-ups with durable, constructible, and regionally appropriate solutions for higher-R-value assemblies and airtight detailing.
Participants will walk away with a physical workbook detailing key learning concepts and resources for future reference. Additionally, the event offers networking opportunities, a panel discussion, and a dedicated “Coffee Corner” to ask questions with Energy Advisors or Building Science Specialists. This early exposure to tested solutions will help builders gain confidence faster and reduce the risks of using new low-energy technologies on their projects.
This training is specifically designed to support the adoption of Steps 4 and 5 of the BC Energy Step Code (ESC) and Emission Level 2+ of the Zero Carbon Step Code (ZCSC) requirements.
Learn more at CHBA BC’s event page.
Subsidy provided by Community Energy Association
For the April 23, 2026 session in Castlegar only, CEA is offering a $50 subsidy. Participants who attend the session in full will receive the subsidy refunded after the event.
Additional sessions

April 16, 2026 in Pencticton
April 28, 2026 in Squamish
May 7, 2026 in Kamloops
Oct. 7, 2026 in Cranbrook
