Description

Approved by BC Housing for 2 CPD credits

Course Overview:

This session challenges the idea that more energy efficiency is always better. Through real projects and hands-on experience, we’ll look at where high-performance design starts to lose value. You’ll hear from an architect, a builder, and an energy and carbon consultant. We’ll cover when energy modelling goes too far, what actually works on site, and how to balance operational and embodied carbon without overbuilding. The goal is simple: help you make smarter decisions that deliver real performance, not just better numbers on paper.

Key Learning Outcomes:

- Understand where common high-performance measures add cost without meaningful benefit, based on real construction experience 

- Learn practical alternatives that achieve similar performance with simpler, more cost-effective approaches 

- Recognize how to balance energy efficiency decisions with constructability, durability, and overall project value 

Takeaway:

Spot when to adjust your approach to communicate more effectively with designers and consultants when proposed measures don’t align with real-world construction in order to deliver projects that balance performance, cost, and buildability without compromising quality 

Speakers:

Doug Langford, President, JDL Homes

Doug grew up in rural Southern Ontario, where working on the family farm shaped his strong work ethic. He brings that mindset to JDL Homes, combining hands-on building experience with a passion for design, building envelope science and energy efficiency. 

Starting as a carpenter, Doug worked through his education and now has over 25 years of experience in construction. He is a Certified Net Zero Builder, Built Green builder and an active member of HAVAN, and the Renovators and Custom Homebuilders Council.

Nick Bray, President, Nick Bray Architecture

Nick is a registered architect with over 20 years of experience, starting his career in London after graduating from the Welsh School of Architecture. He worked on award-winning projects, including a UK Housing Design Award-winning sustainable residential building.

Since moving to Vancouver in 2010, he has led the design of several notable and award-winning projects. Now leading his own practice, Nick Bray Architecture, he focuses on sustainable design and is actively involved in industry committees, education, and policy discussions around high-performance buildings.

Elisabeth Baudinaud, Founder, Carbon Wise

Elisabeth is the Principal and Founder of Carbon Wise, a group of energy and carbon advisors providing combined operational and embodied carbon services. Carbon Wise aims to bridge the gap between the realities of on-the-ground construction and the imperative actions needed to meet our climate targets. Elisabeth and her team have established themselves as leaders in the field, with a strong commitment to sharing their knowledge, often publishing case studies to advance research on high-performance buildings and participating in policy development. Their leadership and innovation have been recognized through multiple awards, including the BC Embodied Carbon Award (2023 and 2024), the HAVAN Trailblazer Award (2024), the BUILD LCA & Policy Award (2025) recognizing their impact on driving sustainable construction practices forward.