Join us for an AIBC-accredited session at BCIT’s High Performance Building Lab. Discover how passive shading strategies can help reduce overheating and lower cooling demands in buildings. The session includes a case study, product insights, and a guided tour of the lab.

Stay afterward for a networking session with refreshments provided.

This in-person event provides a detailed look at solar shading strategies that help reduce building overheating and minimize reliance on air conditioning.

Attendees will gain practical insight into:

• The connection between energy codes, overheating risk, and comfort
• Passive shading technologies and their performance
• Lessons learned from the AFRESH House shading installation and monitoring
• Product options for both new builds and retrofits

The event is structured to deliver both technical information and hands-on engagement with installed shading systems.

1PM-3PM: Section 1 – Introduction and context (15 minutes) --- Overview of overheating, energy code impacts, and passive mitigation Section 2 – Case Study: AFRESH House (45 minutes) --- Summary of the retrofit approach, monitoring data, and comfort results Section 3 – Product Focus (15 minutes) --- Discussion of the installed systems and supporting international data Section 4 – Tour and demonstration (45 minutes) --- Two stations inside the AFRESH House with live demos and Q&A

3PM - 5PM: Networking, paella and sangria

SPEAKERS:

Dr. Rodrigo Mora is a faculty member in the School of Construction and the Environment at BCIT. With expertise in building science and building environmental quality, his teaching and research emphasize the integration of innovative technologies and practices in the built environment. Rodrigo is recognized for his contributions to advancing green construction education and research in Canada.
Caio Nunes is a Master’s student at the British Columbia Institute of Technology, specializing in building science. With a focus on high-performance buildings, Caio’s research and academic work aim to improve building efficiency and occupant comfort. He brings a strong technical background and a passion for sustainable design to his graduate studies.
Carlos Muller is a building envelope specialist, owner of Bonshade and Sentinel Glass. With a deep understanding of high-performance glazing systems and façade technologies, Carlos collaborates closely with architects, contractors, and engineers to deliver innovative, energy-efficient solutions for complex building projects. His work bridges design and technical execution in the evolving field of sustainable construction.

Geoffrey Cox is a Vancouver-based architect and associate at Local Practice Architecture + Design, specializing in regenerative design and sustainable building systems. With over a decade of experience across institutional, residential, and infrastructure projects, he integrates biophilic principles and advanced energy performance strategies into his work. Geoffrey also teaches regenerative design as an adjunct professor at UBC’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture and the Master of Engineering Leadership in High Performance Buildings program.

ANNOUNCEMENT:

We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve secured none other than the world’s second-best paella team for this special event! Joining us on site will be the renowned Paella Guys, serving their signature dish—prepared with authentic Spanish flair. Guests will enjoy complimentary servings of this exceptional paella. To round out the experience, and thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, we’ll also be offering Sangria and a selection of non-alcoholic beverages.