Presented by the Ecology Action Centre and the Housing Construction Council
Date: November 26, 2025
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Patterson Hall 4th Floor, 15 University Ave, B4P 2R6, Wolfville, NS
👉 Register Now: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/qraumc6
What to Expect
Join us for an engaging discussion on the financial benefits of energy-efficient building with industry experts Natalie Leonard, Founder of Passive Design Solutions; Charity Carr, Business Development Manager at Efficiency One; and Jessica Ward, Operations & Project Development Manager at the Housing Construction Council.
This session will explore the relationship between capital costs and operational savings in energy-efficient building design and construction, offering insights for professionals and organizations in Non-Market Housing, community members, and students.
What You'll Learn
This event will address a central question facing today’s construction sector:
How do we balance capital costs with long-term operational savings when building energy-efficient housing?
Through expert presentations and interactive discussion, attendees will gain clarity on:
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Funding and incentives available through Efficiency Nova Scotia
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Cost-effective approaches to energy-efficient building and retrofits
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How hands-on training and workforce development support scaling up net-zero, affordable construction
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Meet The Speakers
Funding For The Future
Speaker: Charity Carr, Business Development Manager, Efficiency One
Charity will guide attendees through available incentives, grants, and retrofit programs—and how to leverage them to reduce upfront project costs. She brings years of experience in construction, energy management, and affordable housing, making the funding landscape accessible to organizations at every stage.
About Charity:
A certified construction site manager, energy manager, and building science professional, Charity has worked across multiple sectors of construction. She volunteers with the Canadian Home Builders Association of Nova Scotia and contributes nationally through the Technical Research Management Committee and Net Zero Council.
Balancing the Budget: Making Energy Efficiency Work in Today’s Construction Market
Speaker: Natalie Leonard, Founder of Passive Design Solutions
Natalie will explore how strategic design decisions influence long-term operating savings—especially in net-zero and high-performance builds. Attendees will walk away with a clearer understanding of the cost-benefit considerations shaping today’s housing projects.
About Natalie:
As Canada’s first Certified Passive House Consultant and Builder, Natalie is a pioneer in energy-efficient residential design. With more than 400 Passive House projects completed across North America, she continues to lead national conversations on affordability, sustainability, and design excellence.
Building Skills for a Sustainable Future: Training the Next Generation of Builders
Speaker: Jessica Ward, Operations & Project Development Manager, Housing Construction Council
Jessica will share how hands-on training programs—including the Tiny Home Construction Fundamentals and Tiny Home Construction Finishing Fundamentals—are preparing Nova Scotians to meet growing demand for energy-efficient housing.
About Jessica:
With a background in project management and workforce development, Jessica leads initiatives that strengthen the construction workforce pipeline and foster industry collaboration across Nova Scotia.
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