The Ecology Action Centre’s Better Building Speaker Series brought together industry professionals, sustainability advocates, and community members to explore what it truly means to build better for people, communities, and the planet.
Designed to spark conversation and inspire action, the series created space for meaningful dialogue around sustainable construction, energy efficiency, workforce development, and the future of housing in Nova Scotia and beyond.
Meaningful Conversations on Sustainable Building
Across the sessions, speakers shared practical insights and real-world experiences that highlighted both the challenges and opportunities within the building and construction sector. Topics ranged from high-performance building practices and low-carbon materials to policy considerations and skills training needed to support a more sustainable workforce.
What stood out most was the shared understanding that better buildings are not achieved through technology alone, but through collaboration, education, and a commitment to long-term thinking.
Connecting Climate Action and Housing
A key theme throughout the series was the intersection of climate action and housing affordability. Speakers emphasized that energy-efficient, well-designed buildings can reduce emissions while also lowering long-term costs for homeowners and tenants.
By centering people in the conversation, especially those most impacted by rising housing and energy costs. The series reinforced the importance of equity in the transition to a greener built environment.
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Collaboration Across the Sector
The Better Building Speaker Series also underscored the value of cross-sector collaboration. Builders, designers, policy-makers, educators, and community organizations each play a role in driving change. Events like this help break down silos, encouraging shared learning and collective problem-solving.
The thoughtful questions and discussions from attendees demonstrated a strong appetite for continued learning and action within the sector.
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Looking Ahead
The Ecology Action Centre remains committed to advancing sustainable building practices through education, advocacy, and partnership. The Better Building Speaker Series is just one of many ways EAC is supporting a more resilient, low-carbon future.
Thank you to our speakers, partners, and everyone who joined the conversation. Together, we are laying the groundwork for buildings that are healthier, more efficient, and better for our communities and our climate.
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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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