October 11-12, 2023

In-Person Event
Free for members

The Nest Building
UBC Campus
6133 University Boulevard
Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1

Pricing

Site Tours $175
Main Sessions $399
Networking Dinner $199

20% Off
All active members get a discount. Check your email for the code, or contact us if you haven't received one.

About the Event

A propos de l'événement

Buildings are currently responsible for 39% of global energy related carbon emissions: 28% from operational emissions, from energy needed to heat, cool and power them, and the remaining 11% from materials and construction.” - World Green Building Council.

Over the past 3-5 years, we have seen a rise in global ESG reporting regulation.  These new regulations will forever impact the AECO industry. This conference will provide visibility to those issues and help you connect with others who are working to understand the regulations and what the future holds. Real Estate Valuations have been greatly impacted by regulations within the UK and EU and are expected to soon impact Canadian real estate as well.

We will bring together Industry Consultants, General Contractors, Sub Trades, Insurers, Banks, Asset Managers, Developer, Owner/Operators, Tech Companies and Suppliers who can help you on your path to Net Zero and who can assist as you get accustomed to the New ESG reporting regulations and Net Zero Design Guidelines.

We will host International Case Studies, Executive roundtables, and presentations that cover:

  • What is ESG reporting? Why is it so important? and what does it mean for the AECO industry?
  • How to understand and implement true Net Zero and ESG goals for AECO companies.
  • What technologies are currently available for AECO companies to help deliver on Net Zero goals.
  • How digital transformation can lead to decarbonizing the built environment.
  • The importance of data relating to Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions on Construction projects.

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Event Participants

Commanditaires de l'événement

DAY One

October 11, 2023

Tour 1
12:50PM–1:50PM
The Centre For Interactive Research on Sustainability (CIRS)
The Centre For Interactive Research on Sustainability (CIRS)

UBC has committed to the integration of our operational and academic efforts in sustainability and the Sustainability Hub (formerly know as the UBC Sustainability Initiative), established in 2010, is our way of advancing this broad goal.

The Sustainability Hub undertakes key cross-cutting functions such as connector, curator and facilitator of a wide breadth of sustainability programs and activities across campus.

In partnership with many other groups, we help integrate and enhance sustainability themes into teaching, learning, and student engagement activities, support interdisciplinary urban research, advance regional and international engagement with sustainability partners, manage UBC’s Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability, and host the UBC office of the Pacific Institute of Climate Solutions.

Our name today reflects a stronger emphasis on engagement, and our goal to catalyze change for a just and sustainable world. Our five-year strategic plan outlines how we will activate our mission, "Inspiring people to act upon the planet’s most urgent challenges through UBC’s academic and operational sustainability leadership".

(Moderator)
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Tour 2
1:55PM–2:45PM
Third Space Commons - UBC
Third Space Commons - UBC

Our building has three lives.

The first is as an existing single-family home on UBC’s campus. Third Quadrant will deconstruct and adaptively reuse materials and systems from this existing building to highlight the feasibility and need for reuse in today’s building market.

In its second life, Third Space Commons will serve as a net-zero energy and carbon single-family home for the Solar Decathlon competition. With a pandemic and a growing population, our build responds to the need for flexibility in everyday life through its live-work typology. The space itself is adaptable to the needs of a family during different times of the day.  Design decisions are guided by five key principles: carbon minimalism, circularity, flexibility, living lab, and resilience.

After the competition, the building will have a third life as a living lab and student-collaboration space for UBC students. The space’s flexibility will allow for both formal and informal interactions in the form of a classroom and commons area. Integrated building systems such as rainwater collection, mixed-mode ventilation, and smart controls ensure that students have a ‘living lab’ to learn about, experiment and test climate-resilient solutions.

Katie Theall
Architectural Designer & Technologist - Third Quadrant Design - UBC
(Moderator)
Dr. Adam Rysanek
Associate Professor - UBC School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA)
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Tour 3
3:30PM–5:00PM
YVR Presentation & Bentall Centre
YVR Presentation & Bentall Centre

The Bentall Centre

At 1.5 million square feet, Bentall Centre in downtown Vancouver affords a unique opportunity for the thousands who office there to reduce waste. 2019 brought changes to Bentall Centre’s recycling streams: coffee cups were classified as mixed containers instead of compost, and paper towels as compost instead of mixed paper. We needed to clearly communicate these changes, and we enlisted Bentall Centre’s Green Team—a group of property management and tenants who assist with sustainable initiatives. The Green Team hosted educational events coincident with Waste Reduction Week in each of Bentall Centre’s lobbies, visited a recycling plant, created easy reference posters and made adjustments to waste signage and bin placement within tenant spaces.

YVR

In 2021, YVR became the first airport in Canada to announce its commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, representing a significant first step in the airport's climate action leadership role. YVR recognizes the bulk of Sea Island emissions (more than 95 per-cent) are related to aircraft movements, traffic and non-Airport Authority buildings, and although they are beyond the immediate scope of the airport's net-zero commitment, YVR is playing an outsized role to enable the reductions of all emissions. David McPhie, the Manager of Climate and Environment at YVR, will share how the airport is achieving its own net zero targets through its four decarbonization pathways, while also advancing the decarbonization of the industry overall by supporting the airport's partners on their journey to net zero carbon.

David McPhie
Climate and Environment - Vancouver Airport Authority (YVR)
(Moderator)
Ryan Zizzo
Founder and CEO - Mantle Developments
Jessica Ng
Senior Director, Construction - Hudson Pacific Properties.
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Meet the Exhibitors

Commanditaires de l'événement

DAY Two

October 12, 2023

Keynote Presentation
8:30AM–9:00AM
The Big Picture: How Canada’s Buildings are Changing to Combat Climate Change
The Big Picture: How Canada’s Buildings are Changing to Combat Climate Change

Rising energy costs, poor energy efficiency in buildings, and a changing climate are having profound impacts on Canadians’ health and safety, along with our economy. We’re kicking off the conference by looking at the big picture related to Canada’s climate targets that will help to literally build resiliency into our future. We will hear about the targets and the associated plans, policies, and programs being put in place by the federal government to help drive progress toward the goal of net-zero by 2050. These changes will have lasting impacts on the spaces where we live, work, and play in cities and rural communities across Canada. Find out more about the critical roles that industry partners can play as we work to decarbonize and enhance the resilience of buildings in Canada.

Ben Copp
Senior Director, Office of Energy Efficiency - Natural Resources Canada
(Moderator)
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Panel Discussion
9:05AM–9:45AM
Overview of ESG and Its Impact - How are ESG Regulations Impacting Global CRE?
Overview of ESG and Its Impact - How are ESG Regulations Impacting Global CRE?

During this session, we will cover a definition of ESG, the various kinds of ESG reporting regulations that are key to understand and pay attention to, as well as their specific impact on the real estate and construction industry. We will first lay out what data is required in each, and then discuss this at a simpler level so we can make it more relevant to your everyday job. We need all hands on deck during this transition, so it’s important for people across the various companies in a variety of positions to understand the importance of these and their impact on our industry. We will briefly discuss the history of ESG reporting requirements and why new additional government requirements are being put in place.

Geneviéve Walker
Net Zero Infrastructure Expert, Transportation - Hatch
(Moderator)
Scott Morrison
Partner - PwC
Sarah Keyes
CEO, ESG Global
***
Executive Presentation
10:00AM–10:30AM
Understanding the Magnitude of the Race to Net Zero
Understanding the Magnitude of the Race to Net Zero

Hear from an industry leading Net Zero Signatory Bank who will discuss the Net Zero transition from a bank’s perspective, explain what it means to be a Net Zero Signatory, how big the Net Zero transition is (Net Zero Alliance, Race to Zero, Climate Pledge) and why it makes sense to pay attention to how much money is being invested in this space. They will help explain how Climate change poses a risk to the global economy, how we are all connected to one another, and the important role we each play in helping Canada and our global industry move to a Net Zero Economy.

James Burrow
Director, Sustainable Finance - Bank of Montreal
(Moderator)
***
Panel Discussion
10:35AM–11:15AM
The Importance of Data in the Journey to Net Zero
The Importance of Data in the Journey to Net Zero

The journey towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions requires the effective utilization of data. Data plays a crucial role in identifying areas where emissions can be reduced, tracking progress towards targets, and making informed decisions for sustainability. Therefore, it is essential to collect, analyze, and interpret data accurately to achieve the goal of net-zero emissions.

In this session, we'll explore how to integrate a data strategy with your decarbonization strategy and the best ways to incorporate technology into your plan. Our panelists will discuss the challenges they face and how they are addressing them, as well as the changes they are making in their respective organizations.

Julian Smith
Vice President, Energy & Sustainability Canada - JLL Canada
(Moderator)
Nisha Agrawal
Director, Sustainability - QuadReal Property Group
Tanja Milosevic
Associate Vice President ESG - Grosvenor
Dave Ramslie
COO - OPEN Technologies
***
Executive Presentation
11:20AM–12:00PM
Dispelling Myths About Net Zero vs. Carbon Neutral vs. Climate Positive
Dispelling Myths About Net Zero vs. Carbon Neutral vs. Climate Positive

Learn from the lead author on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change assessment, who served as an appointed member of Canada’s Net-Zero Advisory Body, and advises the federal government on achieving net-zero emissions. During this discussion, Simon will explain the difference between Carbon Neutral, Net Zero and Climate Positive. He will cover what REC’s (renewable energy credits) are, how they are used and the difference (value) between REC’s that have been validated and those that have not been validated.

Simon Donner
Professor - University of British Columbia
(Moderator)
***
Panel Discussion
1:00PM–1:40PM
Technology's Role In Addressing ESG Risk
Technology's Role In Addressing ESG Risk

We will cover the various forms of technology available that can/will help you collect the data needed. We discuss how to collect EPD documents, how to collect Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions and relevant software that can assist your clients, partners so you can use less staff and still provide the high quality data needed. We will learn from an architect/architect(s) who are actually using this technology.

Jason Lewis
Chair, Project Delivery & Risk Management Think Tank - Building Transformations
(Moderator)
Jeanie Chan
Senior Energy Modeller/Planner - AECOM
Sarah Keyes
CEO - ESG Global Advisors
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Panel Discussion
1:45PM - 2:25PM
Understanding and Implementing General Contractor "Net Zero" ESG Goals
Understanding and Implementing General Contractor "Net Zero" ESG Goals

During this session we will hear from a top GC, who will speak about their journey to Net Zero. They will discuss how they implemented governance across their organization, the various kinds of controls needed, and how each of their various departments are involved. They will discuss how they collected all 15 categories of Scope 3 emissions and compute this for all projects.

Cheri Hanes
Head of Construction Innovation and Sustainability - AXA XL
(Moderator)
Etienne Gravel
Director of Sustainable Construction - Pomerleau
Audrina Lim
Director - Carbon Transition - Chandos Construction
Morgan McDonald
Director of Corporate Sustainability - Ledcor Construction
***
Panel Discussion
2:30PM - 3:10PM
Understanding Scope 1, 2 and 3 Carbon Emissions and How They Impact Sub Trades
Understanding Scope 1, 2 and 3 Carbon Emissions and How They Impact Sub Trades

We will conduct a deep dive into what Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions are, how embodied carbon relates and discuss how to source materials that have low embodied carbon. Learn about what kinds of supply chain decarbonization practices are underway, i.e. about ev trucking networks and other forms of transportation required to transport construction goods.

Stacy Smedley
Executive Director - Building Transparency
(Moderator)
J. Ignacio Cariaga
Commercial Sustainability Director - Heidelberg Materials
Ryan Zizzo
CEO & Founder - Mantle Developments
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Panel Discussion
3:25PM - 4:05PM
Best Practices for Staffing Up for the Net Zero Transition
Best Practices for Staffing Up for the Net Zero Transition

During this session, we will learn about how to properly staff a company to prepare for ESG regulatory reporting. We will discuss what effective governance mechanisms look like. This session will explore up-skilling the work force and building capabilities to deal with increasing ESG expectations.

Oliver Clayton
Senior Manager - Sustainability in Deals - PwC
(Moderator)
Kathy Wardle
Principal & Regional Director of Regenerative Design - Perkins & Will
Nicole Flanagan
VP, Climate Solutions - Stantec Consulting Ltd.
***
Panel Discussion
4:10PM–5:00PM
Net Zero Cities Of the Future – Understanding What These Cities Look Like and the Infrastructure Required
Net Zero Cities Of the Future – Understanding What These Cities Look Like and the Infrastructure Required

Explore where we are headed along with some of the top consultant companies who are helping to understand what the future looks like. Learn about what cities are paving the way, and what they are doing to help us get there.

Geneviéve Walker
Net Zero Infrastructure Expert, Transportation - Hatch
(Moderator)
Zahra Teshnizi
Green Building Senior Planner - Embodied Carbon Policies and Regulation - City of Vancouver
Justin Phill
Senior Engineer, Green Building and Energy Code - City of Edmonton
Adam Rysanek
Associate Professor at the UBC School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA)
***
Closing Address
5:00PM–5:30PM
Incorporating ESG Into Your Corporate Vision
Incorporating ESG Into Your Corporate Vision

There are many 'one size fits all' approaches to ESG in the development, construction and real estate sectors. There are a plethora of standards and checklists. But to have a real, lasting and meaningful impact, each project first needs to understand the potential ESG impact that's achievable.

As one example, in a province where 98% of electricity is renewable, the climate impact of energy efficient buildings is low. However, as of Canada's last SDG report, only 68% of Canadians are living in areas that meet air quality standards. While the temptation may be to focus on greenhouse gas emissions, the biggest ESG impact may actually be realized through reducing and managing air pollution.

This presentation will discuss the impact first approach to ESG as an alternative to standards and checklists, and a necessary step to realizing meaningful ESG outcomes.

Jaime Webbe
President & CEO, United Nations Association Canada
(Moderator)
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Closing Remarks
5:30PM–5:35PM
Closing Remarks - Industry Summit on Sustainability & ESG 2023
Closing Remarks - Industry Summit on Sustainability & ESG 2023
(Moderator)
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Day Three

October 13, 2023

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Event Planning Team

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