Building for Sustainability: Canmore 2024
For the second year in a row, the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley and the Bow Valley Builders and Developers Association (BOWDA) hosted an inspiring event that brought together leading organizations and companies from across Alberta. The symposium focused on the state of sustainable construction, urban planning, and environmental conservation in the built environment.
This year’s event tackled some of the most pressing challenges in the industry, such as climate resilience, environmental responsibility, affordability, compliance and advancing the building codes. HSS Design Build was proud to be a sponsor and contributor, reaffirming our commitment to advancing sustainable practices in the Bow Valley and beyond.
Building for Sustainability Symposium: Canmore 2024
One of the standout moments of the event was a presentation by Marina, a Certified Passive House Designer and HSS team member, titled “Reframing the Retrofit: Putting Costs into Perspective.” In her talk, Marina redefined the conversation around sustainable retrofits, challenging the outdated perception that these projects are purely an expense.
Instead, she demonstrated how retrofits are a strategic investment, yielding significant long-term benefits, including cost savings, improved living conditions, and a reduced environmental impact.
Key Takeaways:
Value Over Cost: Retrofit is an investment, offering financial returns over time—it’s about creating financial returns by reducing the operational costs. Sustainable retrofits lower energy bills and reduce ongoing maintenance, offering long-term economic advantages.
Health & Comfort: Retrofits improve indoor air quality and thermal comfort throughout the building, reduce thermal bridging and drafts, and enhance aesthetics, all of which directly contribute to homeowners’ quality of life.
Environmental Impact: Retrofitting plays a pivotal role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, helping us move closer to a net-zero future.
Added Property Value: Energy-efficient retrofits boost a property’s appeal to eco-conscious buyers and increase its long-term resale value, making it a future-proof investment.
Marina Martin and Raphael Spinner at the HSS Design Build booth during the Symposium. Photo Credits findthewild.ca
As Marina highlighted that, “80% of the buildings that will still be standing in 2050 have already been built (The Climate Group, 2022).” This statistic underscores the importance of retrofitting as a key tool for combating climate change and achieving the 2050 emissions reduction targets.
Marina Martin presenting in front of the Building for Sustainability Symposium attendees.
HSS Design Build is proud to be part of the conversation and solutions that drive meaningful change in the built environment. Together, we can work toward a more sustainable, resilient future for our communities and planet.