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Better Ways to Build in Canada

Better Ways to Build in Canada

By: Best Practices in Building Systems - UVic
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About this listen

 A weekly podcast for leaders tackling Canada’s housing challenges. Conversations with experts and changemakers draw on decades of experience in building systems, standards, and policy. Each episode explores what drives their work, how they got there, and what public sector leaders need to turn good ideas into action. Build with care and thrive together. Hosted by Elisabeth Girgis, production support from Mackenzie Pratt, BC HousingBest Practices in Building Systems - UVic Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Martin Roy: Pioneering Bio Climatic Solutions

    Martin Roy: Pioneering Bio Climatic Solutions
    Feb 2 2026

    Martin Roy is a mechanical engineer, pioneer in bioclimatic and energy-efficient design, and president and co-founder of MRA Génie, an engineering firm focused on achieve sustainable and high-performance projects on time and for the greatest benefit of buildings occupants and the environment.This episode explores his journey from traditional engineering practices to becoming a go-to partner in sustainable development through innovative approaches. Martin emphasizes the importance of understanding client needs, leveraging engineeringstudies, and implementing real-world solutions that go beyond pleasing equipment to enriching human experience. The conversation also touches on theevolution of green building practices, challenges in the industry, and the role of communication and science in advancing sustainable building practices.

    00:00 Introduction to Better Ways to Build in Canada

    00:47 Meet Marty Roy: A Pioneer in Sustainable Engineering

    02:27 Integrating Bioclimatic Design in Engineering

    07:04 Challenges and Innovations in Green Building

    10:44 Reflections on Leadership and Future Directions

    MRA Génie mécanique/Science du bâtiment «Martin Roy et associés

    Welcome to TOHU - Tohu

    LEED- Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC)

    WELL -International WELL Building Institute | IWBI

    Host: Elisabeth Girgis

    Guest question: Wilma Leung

    Production support by Makenzie Pratt and Ariya Kosavisutte

    Impact Moderato Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

    Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

    http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
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    34 mins
  • Andrew Pape-Salmon: Home Energy Use Revolution

    Andrew Pape-Salmon: Home Energy Use Revolution
    Jan 12 2026

    In this first episode of 2026, Andrew Pape-Salmon, adjunct professor at the University of Victoria shares his vision for democratization of energy, practical ways to have a more resilient energy system, the future of solar energy, home energy participation and community-based approaches to sustainable energy, And as always on BWBC we talk about his career path. Listener Heather Hayne asks about electric vehicle uptake and tariffs.

    BC Innovators - Hedgehog TechnologiesHartley Bay Microgrid

    The First Canadian Smart Remote Microgrid: Hartley Bay, BC - Natural Resources Canada


    00:00 Introduction to the Blue Box Recycling Revolution for Energy


    3:14 The Future is Bright for Solar

    06:11 Community-Based Social Marketing and Energy Awareness

    09:53 Democratizing Energy: Concepts and Applications

    16:00 Beyond Apps: Energy Cost Management Explained

    18:50  The Blue Box Revolution of Energy

    20:51 Listener Questions: EV Tariffs

    24:17 Shout Outs and Final Thoughts

    30:32 Retrofitting Buildings : The underrated housing innovation

    36:13 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

    Host: Elisabeth Girgis

    Guest question: Heather Hayne

    Production support and sound editing by Ariya Kosavisutte and Makenzie Pratt

    Impact Moderato Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
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    37 mins
  • Sonya Winkelmann: Net-Zero Housing Builders

    Sonya Winkelmann: Net-Zero Housing Builders
    Nov 3 2025
    In this episode, Sonya Winkelmann, Senior Director of Net Zero Housing at the Canadian Home Builders Association (CHBA) discusses the evolution of energy-efficient homes, the role of data in driving sustainable housing innovations, and the importance of industry collaboration. Sonya shares her journey from business administration to leading the Net Zero Housing label program and offers insights into balancing technical rigor with consumer relevance. The conversationalso explores the alignment between net zero housing and circularity, highlighting initiatives and policy considerations necessary for the future of housing. Circular Economy Leadership Canada: Home - Circular Economy Leadership CanadaSaskatchewan Conservation House led by Harold Orr: Saskatchewan Conservation House [Passipedia EN]CMHC EQuilibrium Housing Initiative: Informationarchivée dans le Web | Information Archived on the WebR-2000 Net Zero Project by NRCan: NetZero:future building standards - Natural Resources CanadaLandmark Homes Edmonton: LandmarkHomes | Award-Winning New Home Builder in EdmontonReza Nasseri (Prefabrication and Robotics): Reza Nasseri - Promise RoboticsLet Them by Mel Robbins: The Let Them Theory Book | #1 Bestseller - Mel RobbinsCHBA Online Webinars: CHBA BC Education » Canadian Home Builders’ Association of BCBuilding High Efficiency Homes course with Gord Cooke: Building High Efficiency Homes » Programs & Courses» Canadian Home Builders’ Association of BC Guest questions feature contributions from Ariya Kosavisutte of BC Housing.00:35 Introduction02:56 What’s happening in the world of Net-zero housing07:13 Career Journey Business to Environment10:55 Distilling technologies for consumer13:49 Value placed on homes and community environmentalperformance18:32 Highlighting Other Organizations21:30 Support for Builders25:14 Working to Advance Affordability29:04 Rapid Fire Questions Host: Elisabeth GirgisGuest question: Ariya KosavisutteProduction support and sound editing by Ariya Kosavisutte and Makenzie Pratt Impact Moderato Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
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    33 mins
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