Continuing Education Day

We invite you to attend a day of Continuing Education (CE) Series sponsored by the Committee on the Environment (COTE).

9:45am Check-in and Coffee 

10:15-11:30am
Introduction to Passive House – 1.0 AIA HSW
Presented by David Komet, CPHC w/Urban Earth Consulting

Passive House goals and methodology change how architects and builders think and work, making the architectural design a driver of climate, health, and social solutions. This one-hour course dives into the basic principles, history, and the new frontiers of Passive House design as it continues to challenge and change industry expectations.

11:30-12:45pm
A Sustainable Path Forward / Embodied Carbon and EPDs – 1.0 AIA HSW
Presented by Chris A. King, CSI, CDT w/ROCKWOOL

Along with energy conservation measures, sustainability trends are continuously becoming more robust with high focus on carbon emissions, product transparency and resiliency. Importantly, the embodied carbon impacts of building materials are becoming one of the primary measurements of a product’s sustainability. The use of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) is increasing where understanding the inputs and outputs of the lifecycle assessment are critical. This course will provide insight into these topics using stone wool insulation as an example, and relate them to overall durability, energy efficiency, and occupant health and comfort. These topics will be explored within the infrastructure of green building certification metrics and schemes such as LEED and local sustainability initiatives will be integrated. Best practices and user-friendly tools and resources to assist with sourcing sustainable products will be highlighted.

12:45-1:15pm
Break for Lunch 

1:15-2:30pm
FortWhyte Alive Buffalo Crossing: Passive House, Zero Carbon, and Mass Timber Design – 1.25 AIA HSW
Presented by Jonas Risen, AIA w/Stantec

Using FortWhyte Alive’s Buffalo Crossing visitor centre as a case study, this program explores how architecture, sustainability, and building performance came together to shape a highly responsive design. The presentation follows the project from its unique site and climate considerations through decisions about building form, orientation, mass timber, envelope design, daylight and solar control, and mechanical systems. Particular attention is given to how these strategies support occupant comfort, resilience, energy efficiency, and long-term building performance. The session will also share lessons learned from pursuing Passive House and Zero Carbon goals while balancing design intent, constructability, and the experience of the people who use the building.

Total AIA Learning Units: 3.25 AIA HSW

• Individual classes are not available for the event.
• Pre-registered pricing includes lunch only.
• Parking is not included.
• A minimum of 3 business days’ notice is required to receive a full refund if you need to cancel your reservation.

Mission of the COTE Committee: 

The Committee on the Environment (COTE) works to advance, disseminate, and advocate—to the profession, the building industry, the academy, and the public—design practices that integrate built and natural systems and enhance both the design quality and environmental performance of the built environment.

The committee reflects the profession’s commitment to providing healthy and safe environments for people and is dedicated to preserving the earth’s capability of sustaining a shared high quality of life. The committee’s mission is to lead and coordinate the profession’s involvement in environmental and energy-related issues and to promote the role of the architect as a leader in preserving and protecting the planet and its living systems.