2016 BUILDEX Calgary Program Day 1

This program has been accredited by:

  • AAA = Alberta Association of Architects
  • BOMI = BOMI Canada
  • IDCEC = Interior Design Continuing Education Council

Seminar Streams:

  • Building Code & Envelope Solutions
  • Building Performance & Energy Efficiency
  • Legal, Regulatory & Risk Management
  • New Products, Technologies, Innovations & Materials
  • Professional & Personal Skills Development
  • Project Planning, Management & Best Practices
  • Health & Wellness
  • Facility Management & Building Maintenance
  • Property Management

Wednesday, November 9 • 8:30am–10:00am • Quarter Horse A/B • Early Bird $45 / Regular $55

W01 – Introduction to High Performance – Passive House Buildings

[ 1.5 AAA Structured LH • BOMI 1.5 CPD ]

Passive House designs are ultra efficient, affordable and healthy buildings that can transform our built environment. Building professionals, developers, manufacturers, and public officials alike are all turning to the Passive House standard to deliver high performance buildings and differentiate themselves in a competitive marketplace. This shift is starting to alter the Canadian construction industry. This seminar will explore the fundamental principles and practices behind Passive House, the world’s leading high performance building standard, and reveal how it’s spreading across Alberta. It’ll also shine light on the benefits of offsite construction and the integration of Passive House design.

Craig Mitchell

Michael Nemeth

Speakers:
Craig Mitchell, Director of Sales, Britco LP
Michael Nemeth, Course Conductor, Passive House Canada

Craig Mitchell is an experienced modular construction consultant. A graduate of both UBC and BCIT, Craig has been in the building industry for over 25 years with the past 20 years been devoted to the modular building industry in Western Canada. Craig is currently the Director of Sales with Britco LP, an innovative award winning modular builder. He is also the Board Chair of the Manufacturers Association for Relocatable Structures (MARS), and is a Trustee of the Modular Building Institute’s (MBI) Canadian Foundation promoting education and research in the area of offsite modular construction.

Michael Nemeth is a mechanical engineer and Passive House designer in Saskatoon. When he’s not consulting he works to promote building energy efficiency standards and community renewable energy development. Michael was named as one of Canada’s top sustainability leaders under 30 by Corporate Knights magazine.

PRESENTED BY


Wednesday, November 9 • 9:00am–10:00am • Palomino A/B • Early Bird $35 / Regular $45

W02 – A Marriage of Minds or Trouble in the Bedroom? A Rapid Fire Panel Presentation on Alberta’s New Energy Model Code and LEED v4

[Building Code & Envelope Solutions; Building Performance & Energy Efficiency; Project Planning, Management & Best Practices]

[ 1.0 AAA Structured LH • BOMI 1.0 CPD • 1 HSW Hour IDCEC Approved ]

All construction projects governed by the Alberta Building Code (ABC) must be designed in compliance with the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB) 2011 edition. How does this code mesh with LEED as we now know it, and specifically with LEED v4? Will the new energy and performance criteria diminish or enhance LEED v4’s adoption? Will the code be a benefit or a challenge to the CaGBC and green building professionals? Listen in as our panelists, all passionate and knowledgeable about this topic, debate the implications of the new code for LEED.

Moderator:
Andrée Iffrig, Leader – Sustainability, DIRTT Environmental Solutions

Speakers:
Stephani Carter, Founding Partner, EcoAmmo
Matt Grace, President, Mission Green Buildings
Jacob Komar, Principal, Revolve Engineering Inc.

Award-winning graduate architect and community builder, Andrée Iffrig LEED AP is passionate about sustainable design. A Royal Architectural Institute of Canada medalist, she uses her design background to collaborate with others in building more sustainable communities. Andrée is the Leader of the Green Team at DIRTT Environmental Solutions and writer of the Inglewood Design Initiative, a sustainable community plan for an inner-city neighbourhood in Calgary, Alberta. She is a co-founder of the Biomimicry Network in Alberta, and Chair of the Advisory Committee, Green Building Technology Access Centre, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology.

In 2006, Stephani Carter turned her private war on waste and toxins into her profession, taking on the challenge of greening the building industry by founding EcoAmmo Sustainable Consulting. Today EcoAmmo offers a diverse set of key services geared toward making sustainability easy, understandable, and accessible for everyone. EcoAmmo’s purpose is to transition the world towards sustainability.

With LEED, Green Globes, Living Building Challenge, and Net Zero Energy, Stephani and her team have facilitated large and small projects and have a well-earned reputation for innovation. A self-confessed volunteer a-holic, Stephani is a founding member of the Alberta Chapter of the Canada Green Building council, Clean Air Strategic Alliance and TEDx Edmonton. She was named one of the ‘Top 50 graduates in the past 50 years’ for NAIT’s 50 year anniversary.

Matt Grace is President and Founder of Mission Green Buildings, a Calgary based consultancy dedicated to working collaboratively to deliver sustainable buildings cost effectively. Matt is a Chartered Environmentalist, LEED AP. A Built Green HD Verifier, a Green Globes Professional and professional Engineer with over 20 years’ experience in sustainable building design and assessment. His career started in England and included four years at the Building Research Establishment (BRE) researching energy efficiency in buildings, integrated renewable energy systems and the technical development of BREEAM (BRE Environmental Assessment Method).

Matt is proud to be a Director of the Alberta Chapter of the Canadian Green Building Council.

Jacob Komar, P.Eng. is the Principal and lead mechanical engineer at Revolve Engineering Inc. and is a specialist in Net Zero building design and geothermal systems. Jacob has helped design several Net Zero buildings and more than thirty commercial geothermal systems on a variety of projects ranging from multi-story commercial office buildings to apartment buildings and government facilities.

Jacob 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, Jacob 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, Jacob focuses solely on green building consulting, Net Zero building designs and renewable mechanical systems (including geothermal). Recent project highlights include energy consulting for the City of Edmonton on the Blatchford Redevelopment (a 550 acre carbon neutral development), as well the Mosaic Centre (Canada’s first Net Zero commercial building).

Jacob’s 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.


Wednesday, November 9 • 9:00am–10:00am • Palomino F • Early Bird $35 / Regular $45

W03 – Indoor Air Bio Filters: Building Integrated Vegetation to Improve Design and Functionality

[Health & Wellness; Building Performance & Energy Efficiency; New Products, Technologies, Innovations & Materials]

[ 1.0 AAA Structured LH • BOMI 1.0 CPD • 1 HSW Sustainability Hour IDCEC Approved ]

There is a push to integrate vegetation into the built environment for both aesthetics and functionality. Most of this push emphasized aesthetic gains with little or no gain on functionality. Indoor air Biofilters meet both of these criteria, possessing aesthetic benefit while significantly improving building performance.

Buildings are air tight to allow better thermal control of the space. However, sealing the building allows the accumulation of chemicals that can influence the wellbeing of occupants. To control these chemicals through traditional ventilation is a major energy consumer in addition to being a costly expenditure. Indoor Air Biofilters serve as an effective solution to this problem, requiring five to six times less energy to generate clean air than traditional systems.

This presentation will provide an overview of effective plant walls, expanding on the design and construction of these systems. The presenter will discuss the performance of these systems in the ‘real world’ touching on realized cost savings, providing attendees with an understanding of the science behind building integrated vegetation to improve the design and functionality of a building.

Speaker:
Alan Darlington, PhD, Vice President, Technology, Nedlaw Living Walls Inc.

Alan Darlington, PhD, is the founder and Senior VP of Nedlaw Living Walls and has received a number of awards for academic and entrepreneurial accomplishments. Alan is the ‘inventor’ of a number of patents integral to the application of plant based biofilters to the indoor space.

Dr. Darlington’s involvement with living walls biofilter started in 1994 at the Controlled Environment Systems Research Facility at the University of Guelph, in Ontario Canada. Early research was funded by the Ontario Center of Excellence (OCE) and by the European and Canadian Space agencies. The research group gained worldwide recognition for their use of biological systems to improve indoor air quality.

In 2001, Dr. Darlington commercialized the product of this research through the company, Air Quality Solutions (now Nedlaw Living Walls). The first biofilter was installed with Diamond and Schmitt Architects in 2004 as the showpiece of the University of Guelph – Humber.

Since 2004, his companies have installed over 200 biofilters around the world.


Wednesday, November 9 • 10:30am–12:00pm • Quarter Horse A/B • Early Bird $45 / Regular $55

W04 – WELL: Key Areas of Focus in the New Standard

[Health & Wellness; Property Management; Facility Management & Building Maintenance; New Products, Technologies, Innovations & Materials; Building Performance & Energy Efficiency]

[ 1.5 AAA Structured LH • BOMI 1.5 CPD • 1 Hour HSW Building Code IDCEC Approved ]

The new WELL Building Standard is a performance-based system for measuring, certifying, and monitoring features of the built environment that impact the health and well-being of the people who occupy and engage with these buildings. WELL focuses on seven categories of building performance: air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort and mind. Within each of these categories are many ‘preconditions’ and ‘optimizations’ that have not been seen before in a third-party certification program and many will be challenging to achieve. This session will provide an overview of how WELL works and review the more challenging preconditions and optimizations, identifying and expanding on strategies to achieve them.

Speaker:
Melanie Ross, Project Manager – Business Innovation, 3 Point Environmental

As an integral part of the sustainable building project management team at 3 Point Environmental, Melanie Ross supports a wide range of projects ranging from LEED, WELL and other third party certifications to energy management and existing building performance while managing a growing portfolio in sustainability planning and policy development.

Melanie’s nine years of experience with recognized architecture, planning and engineering firms in Calgary and Toronto has brought her a deeper understanding of the industry and a respect for various stakeholder viewpoints. Her work as a CaGBC Review Team member and Education Faculty member gives her further insight into the strategic and technical nuances of LEED projects. With applied experience in marketing and communications, Melanie drives her teams to embrace an integrated design process in order to deliver on the clients’ needs.

Melanie was recently appointed to the WELL Building Standard teaching faculty and to the WELL Taskforce, identifying the challenges for Canadian market adoption of the standard. She was also recently elected as a Director to the AB Chapter of the CaGBC.


Wednesday, November 9 • 10:30am–12:00pm • Palomino A/B • Early Bird $35 / Regular $45

W05 – Construction Keynote: Optimizing Collaboration to Drive Productivity and Profitability

[Professional & Personal Skills Development; Project Planning, Management & Best Practices]

[ 1.5 AAA Structured LH • BOMI 1.5 CPD • 1 Hour IDCEC Approved ]

Research proves that collaboration drives profitability and productivity. The merit and weight of these two factors hold true in ensuring organizational success, in addition to industry prosperity, especially in unsure economic times.

Exploring the construction landscape, this presentation will highlight the power of the collective in advancing your organization and industry at large. The keynote speaker will identify how to create a singular culture that deeply unifies your company and its employees around a common vision driving alignment, consistency and cross-office coordination, in turn, impacting productivity and profitability. During this interactive session, participants will discover how to create a differentiated organizational culture that helps develop the next generation of leadership through collaborative efforts.

This presentation will speak to how an internal culture of this nature has a butterfly effect on industry at large, strengthening external relationships, and an organizations performance potential and reputation.

Speaker:
Rusty Sherwood, Senior Consultant, FMI Center for Strategic Leadership

The FMI Center for Strategic Leadership’s mission is to develop exceptional leaders one at a time, through a series of strategic leadership, succession planning and executive leadership coaching services tailored to the distinctive requirements of the design and construction industry.

As senior consultant it’s Rusty’s role is to identify the strategic leadership and organizational requirements of businesses and organizations serving the global construction marketplace and work in concert with fellow FMI subject matter experts to elevate and optimize sustainable levels of high productivity and goal attainment.


Wednesday, November 9 • 10:30am–11:30am • Palomino G • Early Bird $35 / Regular $45

W06 – Emerging Evidence: The State of IPD

[Project Planning, Management & Best Practices; New Products, Technologies, Innovations & Materials]

[ 1.0 AAA Structured LH • BOMI 1.0 CPD • 1 Hour IDCEC Approved ]

The presenters will share various recent industry research studies that speak the benefits, challenges, and opportunities of collaborative delivery models. Expanding on the complexities of these models, the presentation will speak to past case studies that have resulted in enhanced project performance, highlighting how these models have been used to overcome certain industry barriers.

Speakers:
Markku Allison, Director, Engagement + Strategy, CHANDOS Construction
Renée Cheng, Professor and Associate Dean of Research, School of Architecture, University of Minnesota

Markku Allison is a sought-after public speaker, an early proponent of the green/lean/ipd+bim movement and a pioneer in the field of design work planning.

Markku has over 25 years experience both as an award-winning designer and as a thought-leader on transformative issues in the design and construction industry. During his time with the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Markku was instrumental in developing AIA’s “Integrated Project Delivery: A Guide,” the AIA “50to50” (50 strategies to 50% carbon reduction), as well as a range of other influential industry resources and white papers.

Renée Cheng is a graduate of Harvard’s GSD and Harvard College. A registered architect, her professional experience includes work for Pei, Cobb, Freed and Partners and Richard Meier and Partners before founding Cheng-Olson Design. She taught at the University of Michigan and the University of Arizona before joining the faculty at the University of Minnesota. She has been recognized for teaching excellence with numerous teaching awards and appears on national lists of influential educators.

Her research involves documenting case studies of buildings that integrate design with emerging technologies. Her current work in Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) is published by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and new research on collaborative projects by the General Services Administration (GSA) has just begun. Previously, she tracked large-scale projects by Frank Gehry and Associates as well as smaller scale CAD-CAM work done by firms such as SHoP Architects, A.R.O. and Tripyramid, focusing on how innovative technology drives change in both design and construction processes. She has widely published on these topics including editing a new chapter on Computing Technology for Architectural Graphic Standards.

Professor Cheng has also written on the topic of architectural education in the context of emerging practices and technology. These writings have appeared in the 2015 GSA report on Integrated High Performing Buildings, 2006-2012 AIA Report on Integrated Practice and the Education Summit at ACADIA in 2004. A recent publication published by Yale is entitled “Facing the Fact of BIM”.

In numerous roles, she has served the ACSA and AIA as an advisor on how Integrated Practice affects the future of architectural curricular and professional practice.


Wednesday, November 9 • 12:30pm–1:30pm • Quarter Horse A/B • Early Bird $35 / Regular $45

W07 – Integrating Energy Modeling into Design Processes

[Building Performance & Energy Efficiency; Project Planning, Management & Best Practices]

[ 1.0 AAA Structured LH • BOMI 1.0 CPD • 1 HSW Building Code Hour IDCEC Approved ]

Energy modeling is a valuable tool to demonstrate compliance with energy code requirements and energy performance targets. However, simple compliance doesn’t always equate to maximum value to the design process.

This presentation will discuss energy modeling and how it can be used to help make informed decisions early in the design process, contributing to the success of a project. Exploring the difference between energy modeling as a compliance tool versus a design tool, the presenter will highlight some lessons learned from energy modeling workshops held as part of the design process for a various example projects.

This presentation will also expand on the value and use of energy modeling as a tool to enhance communication amongst a project team to test assumptions and encourage innovation.

Actual energy modeling results will be presented, demonstrating how significant energy reduction targets were achieved for the new Health and Social Services Centre (Fort Resolution, Northwest Territories). Additional energy modeling and design case studies from the Northwest Territories will be highlighted.

Speaker:
Elaine Carr, Mechanical Engineer, Williams Engineering Canada Inc.

Elaine Carr is a graduate of the University of Alberta Mechanical Engineering Co-op Program and has been with Williams Engineering since her graduation in 2001. She acts as the Team Lead of the Yellowknife Mechanical group. As a Mechanical Engineer and Project Manager in our Yellowknife office, Elaine has provided mechanical engineering design, research, and inspections for a wide variety of projects across the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Elaine is a LEED® Accredited Professional with a Building Design and Construction specialty.


Wednesday, November 9 • 12:00pm–1:00pm • Palomino C • Early Bird $35 / Regular $45

W08 – BIM Makes the World Go Around: Takeaways from International BIM Communities

[New Products, Technologies, Innovations & Materials; Project Planning, Management & Best Practices; Facility Management & Building Maintenance]

[ 1.0 AAA Structured LH • BOMI 1.0 CPD • 1 Hour IDCEC Approved ]

BIM is an international phenomenon. This talk will look at how organizations in five countries around the world have been implementing BIM, providing insight on international approaches, with a practical takeaway from each organization. Considering five organizations from five countries that had similar challenges with different solutions; this presentation will provide an exciting sampler of the many ways to think about BIM.

This is a unique opportunity for participants to learn about from the experience of international colleagues, hear about innovative strategies and walk away with practical solutions that can be applied within an organization.

Speaker:
Susan Brattberg, Global eTraining, Chief Customer Officer

Susan Brattberg is co-founder and Chief Customer Officer of Global eTraining, member of the Canada BIM Council board of directors, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year and Alberta Women Entrepreneurs Finalist, and Business in Calgary Award winner. With a decade of expertise in implementing innovative training programs for organizations of all sizes and industries, she is a trusted source of training advice by top executives at major global corporations, universities, and government agencies.

A seasoned speaker, Susan has presented at Autodesk’s AU, OTC and ATC Summit events, as well as BIM Show Live, ENR FutureTech, BIM Forum and ASEE. She works closely with clients on training and recruiting, creating customized programs, administering awareness-raising sessions for key staff members and ensuring that courses run smoothly and effectively. Susan holds an Executive MBA and a BA in Management and Sociology with a specialization in Organizational Dynamics.


Wednesday, November 9 • 12:00pm–1:00pm • Palomino F • Early Bird $35 / Regular $45

W09 – Practical Application of Part 3 (Envelope) of the NECB 2011

[Building Code & Envelope Solutions; Building Performance & Energy Efficiency]

[ 1.0 AAA Structured LH • BOMI 1.0 CPD ]

This presentation will discuss and expand on the complexities of the practical application of Part 3 (Envelope) of NECB 2011. Providing an overview of the components of the building envelope, presenters will discuss specific wall and roof assemblies, expanding on the key considerations that need to be kept in mind when designing to the new code.

Presenters will discuss how the addition of exterior insulation will impact design requirements and go over best practices for window installation. This presentation will provide case study examples of the proposed assemblies; in addition to physical mock-ups for a hands on review.

Speakers:
Pierre-Michel Busque, P.Eng, Busque Engineering Ltd.
Ben Waddington, P.Eng, Busque Engineering Ltd.

Pierre-Michel Busque, P.Eng is a thirty-year veteran of the building science industry and is regarded as one of the premiere envelope consultants in western Canada. He started his engineering tenure conducting research into best practices for building science in construction in the early 90’s working for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) in Ottawa. Mr. Busque later relocated to Vancouver, BC to work as the principal building envelope consultant at Levelton Engineering for over a decade. He started his own firm, Busque Engineering, in 2008.

Ben Waddington, P.Eng spent the first 10 years of his working life as a carpenter in Calgary. He is now the Manager and COO of Busque Engineering Calgary, and has worked in the Building Envelope Engineering industry since 2008. Prior to returning to his home province of Alberta to open the Calgary branch of Busque Engineering, Mr. Waddington worked as a building envelope consultant in Vancouver. Mr. Waddington’s background as a carpenter in Alberta has proven valuable in bolstering his building science education and forensic investigations skills.


Wednesday, November 9 • 1:00pm–3:00pm • Tradeshow Floor • Early Bird $55 / Regular $65

W10 – Implementing Energy Standard NECB 2011 with the ABC: Design and Building Permit Application Requirements

[Building Code & Envelope Solutions; Building Performance & Energy Efficiency; Project Planning, Management & Best Practices; Facility Management & Building Maintenance; Property Management]

[ 2.0 AAA Structured LHs • BOMI 2.0 CPDs • 2 HSW Building Code Hours Approved ]

Effective November 1st, 2016 construction projects permitted in the Province of Alberta must be designed in compliance with the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB) 2011 edition. This will affect changes to architectural & interior design concepts, the design process, as well as permitting, construction and occupancy requirements.

The authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) will be certified to handle Energy Codes as part of the permitting, inspection and acceptance process. All relevant professionals will be required to comply with the applicable provisions of the adopted NECB, including architects, interior designers and engineers.

Three compliance paths are available (prescriptive, trade-off and performance). The AHJ will be seeking confirmation that your building design complies prior to issuing a building permit and that construction complies with design prior to granting occupancy permits.

Learn how the new energy code may affect the design and construction of your projects, in particular:

  • How this affects business as usual
  • Changes to the design process
  • Changes to the overall project schedule including site procurement, design, construction and occupancy
  • NECB 2011 code requirements
  • Submission requirements for building permit and occupancy
  • NECB applicability, exemptions and alternatives\
  • How to incorporate provisions of NECB 2011 in electrical design
  • Lighting control in the space, space types and examples
  • Common and alternative methods of lighting control compliance with the NECB
  • Additional requirements for controls (i.e. supplemental task lighting, under-cabinet lighting, guest rooms, etc.)
  • Automatic shutoff – common and alternative methods of compliance
  • Functional testing (commissioning by the 3rd party)
  • Lessons learned from the implementation of NECB 2011 in BC

This seminar is suitable for all stakeholders involved with the design, construction, installation, commissioning and inspection of projects, including Building Owners, Developers, Project Managers, Architects, Interior Designers, Code Consultants, Electrical Engineers, Electrical Contractors and Inspection Authorities.

Speaker:
Sunny Ghataurah, President & CEO, AES Engineering

Sunny Ghataurah is one of Western Canada’s leading electrical engineers and has 6 years of experience as an electrician and more than 20 years of experience in the electrical design and construction administration of a wide range of electrical systems. He is skilled in designing high voltage installations, power systems, lighting, fire alarm systems, generators, fire pumps and control & communication systems. Sunny has become a leader in the implementation of ASHRAE & NECB on all types of projects. In addition, his portfolio includes more than 100 LEED projects, 3 Living Buildings and several regenerative projects.


Wednesday, November 9 • 1:00pm–3:30pm • Palomino E • Early Bird $75 / Regular $100

W11 – Increase the Power of Personal Communications

[Professional & Personal Skills Development]

[ 2.5 Structured LHs • BOMI 2.5 CPDs • 2 Hours IDCEC Approved ]

Leaders know that effective communications can mean the difference between success and failure. This three hour workshop, presented by Robyn T. Braley, will put you on the path to becoming an effective and efficient communicator. Providing practical tips and tricks that will enhance your arsenal of personal communications, whether it’s one on one, before large audiences, through the media or in times of crisis, attendees will take away basics that can be immediately implemented. This presentation will cover:

  • Communication Basics; Increase the power of 1 on 1 communication with employees, customers and others you need to influence. Take away tips that will help you negotiate, motivate, build relationships or deliver good news and bad.
  • Voice & Body Language 101; Learn how to add power and impact to your message whether communicating with 1 or 1,000.
  • Crisis Communications; when disaster happens, you’re never fully prepared. Learn 10 communications tips for what to do if it happens to you.
  • Communicating Through the Media; People respond to news. When a story works – it really works! News stories produce an immediate response. You will learn 10 key performance tips for mainsteam media and social media like YouTube Videos and Podcasting.
  • Speak Up, Speak Out; Public speaking is a terrifying experience for many leaders. It doesn’t have to be. Performance and production tips will boost your confidence.
  • Social Media Basics; This section will not be “how to” by “why!” Key communications threats and opportunities leaders need to understand.

Speaker:
Robyn T. Braley, President, UniMark Creative

Robyn T. Braley is a writer, speaker, media coach and communications specialist. He is known for his humor, knowledge, insight, and observations based on broad personal experience. He has worked with clients in commercial construction, home building supply and manufacturing for 25 years as the President of Unimark Creative. He has recently been interviewed on 930 CHED, NEWSTALK 770, 660 NEWS and various TV news programs.


Wednesday, November 9 • 1:30pm–3:00pm • Palomino D • Early Bird $35 / Regular $45

W12 – For the Love of Tradespeople: Effective Recruitment and Retention Strategies

[Professional & Personal Skills Development; Project Planning, Management & Best Practices]

[ 1.5 AAA Structured LH • BOMI 1.5 CPD • 1 Hour IDCEC Approved ]

Over the next decade, the Canadian Construction industry will face multiple workforce challenges. This, combined with the current out of province trajectory of labourers, makes sustaining the activity of one of Alberta’s driving economic forces increasingly difficult. With this in mind, the question begs to ask, as an industry, how do we adapt? An esteemed group of industry leading “people” professionals will address this exact question.

Providing a current and future forward workforce profile, this presentation will speak to the demographic complexities of industry. Focusing on the employee mindset, panelists will identify the driving considerations when selecting a workplace, exploring the motivational factors that keep an employee happy and satisfied at their current place of work. Translating these aspects into what this means for recruitment and retention, speakers will expand on proven practices sensitive to the unique wants and needs of the employee, which in turn can increase your overall competitiveness as an employer.

This presentation will also table the exploration of unconventional work pools, out-of-province recruitment, and employing qualified professionals through virtual capacities.

Moderator:
Jim Fearon, Vice President, Hays Canada

Speakers:
Allan Mackay, Human Resource Advisor – Atlantic and Western Canada, Pomerleau Inc.
Jason Robinson, Talent Agent, DIRTT Environmental Solutions
Rosemary Sparks, Executive Director, BuildForce Canada

Jim Fearon was appointed as VP of Central Region, overseeing operations in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, in 2011, after more than 10 years leading Hays’ Australian offices. With specific expertise in construction and property, Jim leads one of the fastest growing regions in North America. Over the years, Jim has gained a breadth of experience covering permanent, temporary and contract recruitment in a wide array of industries that include construction, engineering, property and facilities management, oil and gas, mining, energy.

How do you find – and keep – the right people in a company that doesn’t believe in job titles, considers the term “HR” a profanity, and where a millwork supervisor semi-regularly delivers a pie to the face of the CEO? That’s the challenge Talent Agent Jason Robinson faces daily at DIRTT, a hard-driving, innovative interior construction company that constantly goes against the grain of traditional business. And somehow, he’s managed to do it for 10 years without losing his sanity. (But check out the hairline.)

Chances are Jason will admit his previous 10 years handling HR (pardon the language) duties for telecom firms, travel consultants and a leading soft drink manufacturer didn’t really prepare him for his life as a DIRTTbag. But he can offer some advice in the capture, care and feeding of a diverse and driven workforce – from factory workers and sales reps to software programmers and even accountants. It’s about finding the right fit, making sure recruits understand they’re joining a company of adventurers, and making them feel they’re part of something extremely special.

Rosemary Sparks is a recognized leader and innovator in one of Canada’s fastest growing industries. She is the Executive Director of BuildForce Canada, a national industry-led organization that represents all sectors of Canada’s construction industry.

Rosemary has been instrumental in helping to shape the future of the construction industry. She works closely with a team of economists to produce BuildForce Canada’s annual labour market forecasts that have gained North America-wide recognition for their role in labour force planning. Rosemary also oversees innovative programs from online training and certification to mentoring, to build the skill and capacity of Canada’s construction industry.

Rosemary’s expertise in the construction industry spans more than two decades, first as an industry consultant, and then through her leadership at BuildForce.

Rosemary joined BuildForce Canada in 2005, as the Senior Director of Planning & Development, under its previous name Construction Sector Council. As BuildForce Canada’s Executive Director, Rosemary is one of the industry’s strongest promoters. She takes an active role in raising awareness about Canada’s construction industry, its labour market challenges and opportunities, through speaking engagements across Canada and the U.S.


Wednesday, November 9 • 2:00pm–3:30pm • Quarter Horse A/B • Early Bird $45 / Regular $55

W13 – Passive House – Driving the Market Towards High Performance

[ 1.5 AAA Structured LH • BOMI 1.5 CPD ]

As the climate and energy planning and policy environment has matured over the past 5 years, we have seen a shift to a more metrics and building science based approach to energy conservation. Many jurisdictions are now using Passive House and its underlying metrics as a basis for next generation building codes and energy efficiency policies. This session will summarize recent research and costing analysis work done on behalf of the City of Vancouver, the City of Toronto, and the Province of BC to look at what the trade offs are for building high-rise passive house performance buildings. The session will also look at which jurisdictions across Canada are contemplating moves to Passive House style regulations and policy development. It will also outline outline the major design & construction lessons learned on a series of projects in southwestern BC, complete with e a developer’s perspective on the economics of Passive House buildings. The financial picture includes marketing considerations along with the emerging policy initiatives incentivizing such projects and municipal responses to development applications.

Speakers:
Rob Bernhardt, Project Manager of Bernhardt Contracting Ltd. & President of Bernhardt Developments Ltd.
Dave Ramslie, Principal, Integral Group LLC

As developers and Certified Passive House Consultants Rob & Mark Bernhardt develop, design and sell Passive House buildings in southwestern BC. Rob was the Passive House consultant for the first certified Passive House on Vancouver Island, a two family residence he has lived in since 2013. Rob & Mark then developed the first market strata Passive House building in Canada, selling six Victoria, BC units to strong demand. Their next development projects are two market duplex buildings, one of which is targeting Passive House Plus certification. Bernhardt Contracting is the Passive House Consultant for the first Passive House fire hall in Canada, currently being designed for the City of Vancouver and have consulted on other single and multifamily Passive House projects. Rob also works with Passive House Canada’s members, governments and industry organizations to make high performance buildings the norm.

Each high performance project is a learning experience, particularly early projects. Rob Bernhardt will outline the major design & construction lessons learned on a series of projects in southwestern BC. He also provides a developer’s perspective on the economics of Passive House buildings. The financial picture includes marketing considerations along with an outline the emerging policy initiatives incentivizing such projects and municipal responses to development applications. The pattern of market development the Bernhardt’s have experienced on Vancouver Island is typical of the market growth seen in other jurisdictions. After the first few early projects, multiple projects of various types and sizes are introduced to the market, with a growing number of buyers looking for the quality and comfort such buildings provide.

Dave Ramslie is a Principal with the Integral Group LLC and Director of Planning Research, & Sustainability. Dave is a urban planner by training, and his area of focus is on resiliency, energy policy and urban sustainable development. His work has won numerous international awards and last year he was recognized by the NRDC as one of 9 global leaders fighting climate change in cities. Recent projects include developing the City of Vancouver’s Zero Emissions Buildings Plan, leading the technical development of the Energy “Stretch Code” for British Columbia, and the next generation of the Toronto Green Standard.

“As the climate and energy planning and policy environment has matured over the past 5 years, we have seen a shift to a more metrics and building science based approach to energy conservation. Many jurisdictions are now using Passive House and its underlying metrics as a basis for next generation building codes and energy efficiency policies. Find out how different energy targets manifest themselves in different environments across Canada, and what the approximate costs and savings are for achieving passive house levels of performance in different building types.

This session will summarize recent research and costing analysis work done on behalf of the City of Vancouver, the City of Toronto, and the Province of BC to look at what the trade offs are for building high-rise passive house performance buildings. The session will also look at which jurisdictions across Canada are contemplating moves to Passive House style regulations and policy development.

PRESENTED BY


Wednesday, November 9 • 2:00pm–3:30pm • Palomino C • Early Bird $45 / Regular $55

W14 – Managing Legal Risks in Turbulent Times

[Legal, Regulatory & Risk Management]

[ 1.5 AAA Structured LH • BOMI 1.5 CPD • 1 Hour IDCEC Approved ]

Attend this seminar and learn how to manage legal risk in turbulent times. Speakers will provide invaluable knowledge on how to control your legal spend, highlighting tips and tricks on using in-house and outside counsel effectively.

Providing an overview of contract basics, presenters will demystify language, exploring crucial clauses with special attention to termination clauses; a pressing matter in the Alberta marketplace. Complementing contract basics with managing financial risks, presenters will give practical advice on how to work with your bank (especially in challenging economic times when results are not necessarily great) and ensuring your contracts protect you in case of a counterparty financial difficulties.

Speakers will use real life examples sharing best practices and tools that have been used to help organizations stay on top of these issues. This presentation will provide attendees with a practical understanding of what’s at play and what to look out for when a lawyer gets involved.

Speakers:
Geoff Best, CFO & Founder, Simplex Legal LLP
Martine Boucher, President & Founder, Simplex Legal LLP

Geoff Best is a graduate of the University of British Columbia. He began his career in commercial lending in Nanaimo, B.C. in 1990 with the Business Development Bank of Canada. He was promoted quickly and moved first to Prince George and then to Fort St. John. In 1995, Geoff joined GE Capital and was transferred to Alberta in 1998, where he quickly rose to Senior VP responsible for the Western Canada Region. Geoff has spent the majority of his career in Commercial Finance. At the peak of this phase of his career, Geoff ran a seven figure division, providing senior debt to all major industries in Western Canada. In 2009, Geoff left the corporate world behind to bring the proven management lessons learned into the growth and development of his own companies. The primary business in this family is Simplex Legal, with one of his ventures being a light industrial construction business. At Simplex Legal, Geoff acts as the ‘client in residence’ to bring the spirit of constant improvement, differentiation by conduct and rigorous controls to a business that is lauded by its clients for those very qualities.

Martine Boucher is originally from a small town not far from Montreal. She passed the Quebec bar in 1997 and subsequently obtained her Common Law equivalency. She was called to the Alberta bar in 2012. She has extensive experience both with a national law firm and in-house with the likes of GE and CBC. She is fully bilingual and has concentrations in Natural Resources, Financing, Aircraft, Construction and Transportation. After seven successful years in private practice, Martine decided to explore an opportunity away from the big firms and take a position as inside counsel. After a year in this role, Martine took a move to Calgary to directly support the Western Canadian region for GE Capital. She fell in love with the west and especially enjoyed the direct involvement with the opportunities and challenges business owners face. Martine performs legal services directly for clients of Simplex as well as taking on a quality control and mentoring role. Over the course of the last 3 years, she oversaw all legal aspects relating to the construction of a new sawmill and is now supporting the project team for a new tissue machine and converting facility.


Wednesday, November 9 • 1:30pm–3:00pm • Palomino F • Early Bird $45 / Regular $55

W15 – The Jetsons – Will George still Commute to Work?

[Health & Wellness; New Products, Technologies, Innovations & Materials; Facility Management & Building Maintenance; Property Management]

[ 1.0 AAA Structured LH • BOMI 1.0 CPD • 1 Hour IDCEC Approved ]

In a future with technology that allows nearly everyone to work from anywhere, do you think people will still travel into offices to work? In this highly interactive facilitated workshop, you will explore and decide for yourself why, or why not, employees will work together in physical offices. You may be able to work anywhere, but you will need to work somewhere. Where should that somewhere be?

This presentation will consider:

  • What are the HUMAN factors – what drives desire about where to work?
  • What are the TECHNICAL factors – what is feasible regarding where to work?
  • What are the BUSINESS factors – what is viable for organizational objectives?
  • What should your personal WORKFLOMAP© look like?

Speaker:
Greg Dekker, Vice President, Sales Effectiveness, Teknion

Greg Dekker is VP Sales Effectiveness, for the Teknion Corporation. He is a professional facilitator who speaks, advises, and creates immersive experiences on change planning, innovation, understanding generational differences, and workplace effectiveness, and has served many of the most dynamic corporations around the globe.

Greg is the author of seminars for discovery – including Shatter!, The Jetsons, and Power Tools for Change. He leads PODIUM, a program for advanced customer collaboration. His use of tools and engaging style make learning memorable and effective.