About this event 

Extreme heat and poor air quality during wildfires are already affecting buildings, communities, and public health. Local governments and building professionals need practical strategies to address this challenge while advancing decarbonization goals. 

This ZEBx Decarb Lunch will explore how cooling measures can be integrated into electrification and retrofit projects to improve indoor comfort, reduce emissions, and address air quality concerns. The session will offer actionable takeaways from the “Thermal Safety in Existing Multi-Unit Residential Buildings” report, highlighting strategies that both local governments and technical professionals can implement now. 

Lisa Westerhoff of Westerhoff Climate Strategies and Susan McDougall of Focal Engineering, both key authors of the “Thermal Safety in Existing Multi-Unit Residential Buildings” report (co-authored with Introba), will walk participants through the report’s findings. Together, they will highlight practical strategies, tools, and approaches to help local governments and building professionals integrate cooling measures into decarbonization and retrofit projects, offering insights that bridge policy and technical implementation. 

Participants will leave with clear guidance, real-world examples, and opportunities to identify ways they can apply these strategies in their own communities or projects. This session is designed for local government decision-makers, planners, and industry professionals seeking practical solutions to extreme heat while advancing decarbonization and electrification objectives. 

Speaker Bios: 

Lisa Westerhoff – Principal, Westerhoff Climate Strategies 

• Lisa is the principal and founder of Westerhoff Climate Strategies, a consulting firm specializing in building decarbonization policy and stakeholder engagement. With over a decade of experience, Lisa collaborates with local governments, universities, developers, and industry organizations to create policies and strategies that promote a low-carbon and resilient built environment. She holds a PhD in urban sustainability from the University of British Columbia and a Master’s degree in climate change adaptation and resilience. Before founding Westerhoff Climate Strategies, she led Introba’s Climate Policy and Planning group.  

Susan MacDougall – Principal, Focal Engineering 

• Susan is a mechanical engineer and the founder of Focal Engineering, a firm specializing in energy modelling and building performance consulting. With over 20 years of experience in the building industry, Susan is recognized as a leader in energy modelling in British Columbia. She is a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.), Fellow of Engineers Canada (FEC), LEED Accredited Professional (BD+C), and a Certified Passive House Consultant (CPHC). Susan is actively involved in initiatives that promote sustainability and support women and inclusivity in engineering. She has served as an EGBC Councillor and Chair of IBPSA BC, and is currently Chair of the Passive House Canada Board and a Board Member for the Civil Engineering Department at the University of Victoria. 

Co-Host:  

Natalie Douglas, ZEBx Program Manager 

Thanks to the generous support of BC Hydro, NRCan, and the City of Vancouver, this event will be free. 

Accessing the webinar with your Eventbrite ticket: 

Our Decarb Lunch is online. 

Once you register on Eventbrite, you will receive an email with a link to the online Zoom webinar. 

• Click the “View Now” button in the Eventbrite email. 

• Clicking the View Now button will take you to the Eventbrite Webinar landing page. Click the play button and register yourself for the Zoom webinar by submitting your name and email address. 

• Once you register, you will be granted access to the Zoom webinar link. 

• If you have any questions, please contact events@zeic.ca . 

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