The Okanagan has firsthand experience with the damaging consequences of climate change - from record precipitation and historic floods to extreme heat and devastating wildfires. Yet, in Kelowna, GHG emissions continue to rise. Buildings currently account for about 38% of overall community emissions, not including embodied carbon. As climate risk continues to shape insurance, financing, public expectations and government policies, low-carbon and resilient buildings are becoming more and more necessary. A growing green building community in the Okanagan is adapting to this new reality despite economic uncertainty and rising construction costs.  Building low-carbon and resilient buildings is a key ingredient to building better communities, but this is easier said than done. It’s important that we acknowledge the challenges and create space for collective action to overcome them.

Join the ZEBx, B2E and CLF BC Program Managers at BNA Brewing in Kelowna as they discuss the Okanagan's challenges, lessons learned and success stories of building decarbonization with RJC Engineers, a consulting engineering firm with deep roots in the Okanagan. It will be a late afternoon event with a lively audience-driven panel discussion, starting at about 4:30pm, preceded and followed by ample time for socializing and networking. Together, we’ll explore cost-effective solutions to real-world constraints —and how we can deliver more great buildings that last.

The ticket includes food and beverages.

• Mariko Michasiw, Building to Electrification Coalition (B2E) 

Mariko Michasiw is the Program Manager for B2E. She is a specialist in reducing emissions from building operations through electrification of space heating and hot water mechanical systems. 

• Natalie Douglas, Zero Emissions Building Exchange (ZEBx) 

Natalie Douglas is the ZEBx Program Manager and a Registered Professional Planner specializing in developing educational content that brings together different decarbonization tactics into a cohesive strategy – keeping cost-effectiveness, resilience, and whole-life carbon top of mind. 

• Stephanie Dalo, Carbon Leadership Forum of BC (CLF) 

Stephanie Dalo is the Program Manager for Carbon Leadership Forum BC (CLF BC), and a licensed Professional Engineer in BC with expertise in reducing embodied carbon. Stephanie advocates for circular design & construction strategies that keep products, components, and materials at their highest utility and value at all times.