The Evolution of Regenerative Design in Theory and Practice

Geoff Cox, Local Practice Architecture + Design (Vancouver)

This session explores regenerative thinking to shift how we relate to the world around us. It introduces the evolution of regenerative design theory and its guiding principles. Participants will learn strategies to support the vitality of living systems through daily practice. The goal: to foster deeper connection, responsibility, and long-term viability for all life.

Challenges and Success of Designing to Net Zero Ready in the Prairies

Kathleen Tiede, Senior Sustainability Engineer/Associate, Crosier Kilgour

This session highlights three Prairie projects that achieved Zero Carbon Building (ZCB) Design certification. It includes an overview of the ZCB Standard and key design challenges in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Attendees will learn strategies for reducing embodied carbon and addressing grid-related limitations. Lessons learned from a school and two residential buildings will be shared to inform future projects.

Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) – A Saskatchewan Opportunity

Brian Brunskill, P.Geo

Saskatchewan has significant wind and solar potential, but their intermittency limits large-scale integration into the energy mix. Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) in salt caverns can convert this intermittent supply into electricity on demand. This proven technology, successfully operating in Germany and the U.S. for decades, enables reliable grid-scale power. Leveraging Saskatchewan’s abundant renewables and salt cavern experience, CAES can provide low-carbon, dispatchable electricity for the province.

Pushing the Envelope: Passive House Projects on the Prairies

Matthew Dipple, P.Eng & Riley Fitzsimmons, Airtight Engineering Inc. 

This session shares lessons from Passive House-inspired projects in the Prairie provinces. It highlights innovations in building envelopes, passive cooling, electrified heating, and occupant comfort. Cold climate challenges and design adaptations will be explored through real project examples. Airtight Engineering demonstrates that high-performance, low-energy buildings are achievable on the Prairies.

Deep Geothermal Energy Opportunities in Southern Saskatchewan Can Support Our Energy Transition to Net-Zero Heat Production

Erik Nichel, PTRC

This session explores the history and future of deep geothermal energy development in Saskatchewan. It highlights geothermal potential to replace natural gas for heating and reduce GHG emissions. A case study from the City of Regina outlines a proposed geothermal system for a major public facility. Technical, environmental, and economic benefits of geothermal in long-term municipal planning will be discussed.

Green Building and Affordability – One Sask Made Solution

Ian Loughran, Vereco (Saskatoon)

This presentation explores innovative use of reclaimed materials—including mass timber from Saskatchewan grain elevators—to design and build high-performance and Net Zero buildings. It highlights how reclaimed and high-performance materials can enhance affordability and sustainability. Case studies include a grocery store, a Net Zero home in an Indigenous community, an Indigenous cultural centre, and affordable fourplex housing for a Métis organization. The session can focus on a single project or provide insights across multiple builds.

Fallow

Sophie Brunas, UBC Master of Architecture Student

This project explores the transformed landscapes of Southern Saskatchewan shaped by agriculture, infrastructure, and habitat fragmentation. It uses mapping and design to speculate on the future of the Prairies and propose new tools for land management. Interventions subvert existing infrastructure to guide ecological succession and challenge traditional productivity models. The work highlights the prairie as a complex, interconnected landscape with ecological potential.

Hygrothermal considerations when applying interior insulation to masonry structures

John Wells, Crosier Kilgour & Brennan Sperl (Saskatoon)

This session explores strategies for improving the thermal performance of historic masonry buildings. It focuses on the risks of interior insulation, including condensation and freeze-thaw damage. Hygrothermal modeling with future climate data is used to assess the durability of different approaches. Case studies illustrate how to balance energy efficiency with long-term preservation of heritage structures.

High-Efficient Housing: Insights from SaskEnergy’s Homes Beyond Code Program

Mohsen Zarepour, SaskEnergy

The Homes Beyond Code program by SaskEnergy encourages builders and homeowners to exceed minimum code by achieving Tier 3, 4, or 5 energy efficiency standards. Since launching in 2024, the program has shown significant energy savings, lower GHG emissions, and improved comfort in Saskatchewan homes. Data from applications provide insights into construction trends, building performance, and cost comparisons for different heating systems. This presentation shares early findings and explores how these practices can become the industry norm.

Residential Mold sparked the ‘Blanket of Warmth’ Project

Wendell Starblanket & Aura Lee MacPherson, Elder, Star Blanket Cree Nation & MacPherson Engineering

The ‘Blanket of Warmth’ project addresses cold, damp, and unhealthy homes on Star Blanket Cree Nation by combining hybrid forced air/hydronic radiant heating with Indigenous ecological knowledge. Using the UN Sustainable Development Goals as a guiding platform, the project improved comfort, air quality, and energy efficiency while reducing fire risks. This innovative approach blends cultural wisdom and technical expertise to tackle a national housing crisis. The presentation highlights how empathy, multidisciplinary collaboration, and creative HVAC solutions can advance social and environmental sustainability.

Direct Deep Geothermal Heat for Regina’s New Indoor Aquatic Facility

Murdoch MacPherson, Neil Struthers & Cassidy Taylor, MacPherson Engineering & City of Regina

The City of Regina’s new Indoor Aquatic Facility is set to become Canada’s first building heated by direct deep geothermal energy, marking a major step toward the city’s 2050 renewable energy goals. This session explores the research, funding, and partnerships that made this pioneering project possible. Presenters will share lessons from international case studies and insights into design and implementation in a cold-climate context. The project sets a new benchmark for sustainable, community-focused development in Saskatchewan.

Biodegradable HVAC Water Treatment: Unlocking Energy and Water Efficiency Without Added Costs

Will Wilson, Pace Solutions

This session presents a biodegradable, non-chemical HVAC water treatment that improves energy efficiency. Attendees will learn how it reduces energy use by up to 15% and extends system life without added costs. Real-world case studies and available SaskEnergy rebates will be shared. Practical strategies will help meet emissions goals and boost system performance with minimal investment.

Catalyzing Low-Carbon Solutions: Insights from Smart Sustainable Resilient Infrastructure Association’s (SSRIA) Building Demonstration Projects

Daniel Benner, SSRIA

The Smart Sustainable Resilient Infrastructure Association (SSRIA) is a not-for-profit organization accelerating the adoption of innovative low-carbon solutions in the built environment. Between 2020 and 2024, it supported 20 demonstration projects testing 38 emerging technologies across diverse building types. These projects explored low-carbon materials, high-performance envelope systems, net-zero and Passive House approaches, and AI-driven operational optimization. Insights from this work inform policy, design, and construction practices to advance sustainable, cost-effective building solutions.

Unlocking Potential: Saskatchewan’s Brownfields and the Tools to Reimagine Communities

Reanne Risdale, PhD Candidate – Toronto Metropolitan University

This session explores how Saskatchewan is reimagining brownfields—sites with real or perceived contamination—through innovative planning and redevelopment strategies. Attendees will learn how these projects can reduce liabilities, drive economic growth, and revitalize communities. Local case studies highlight tools like the Saskatchewan Orphaned and Impacted Sites Fund to overcome barriers. The presentation offers practical insights into remediation, interim uses, and collaborative approaches to redevelopment.

Building our Future: Evolving Codes for a Sustainable Saskatchewan

Peter Wotherspoon, Government of Saskatchewan

This presentation reviews current regulatory requirements for energy-efficient building construction in Saskatchewan and explores options to exceed minimum standards. It also provides insight into how operational and embodied GHG emissions are being addressed in upcoming updates to the National Building Code and National Energy Code. Attendees will gain practical guidance for owners, industry, and municipalities aiming for higher performance.

Building Tours

University of Regina Heating Plant Tour: Sustainable HVAC in Action

Pace Solutions

Tour the University of Regina’s central heating plant to see a sustainable water treatment system in action. Learn how this non-chemical solution improves HVAC efficiency and reduces water and maintenance costs. Explore its impact on boilers, chillers, heat pumps, and cooling towers without added capital investment. Discover practical ways to support ESG and operational goals through greener system management.

Kisik Tower: A Bold Step Toward Energy Efficiency and Resiliency

MacPherson Engineering & University of Regina

Learn how the University of Regina’s Kisik Tower became Western Canada’s first high-rise with in-floor HVAC. This system cut energy use by 30% and improved campus-wide electrical efficiency. It also enhances resiliency, maintaining thermal comfort even during power outages. Discover the performance, sustainability, and climate adaptation benefits of this innovative design.