Navigating Energy Codes: Communities Sharing Their Experiences

Hear directly from those who have been on the ground, navigating the complexities of energy code requirements while balancing tough decisions around code implementation and construction hurdles.

This session offers a candid look at the realities of building up-to-code structures in Indigenous Communities – from the challenges to the triumphs of better building performance and longevity. Whether you’re in the middle of a construction project or just starting out, and if you’ve faced obstacles on the path to sustainable construction in Indigenous Communities, this webinar is for you.

Who is this for?

• Indigenous housing team members responsible for planning, approving, or overseeing construction projects
• Construction workers and contractors working in or with Indigenous Communities
• Energy champions and sustainability leads within First Nations, Métis, and Inuit organizations
• Federal, provincial, and municipal staff working on Indigenous housing or energy efficiency programs
• Anyone navigating the realities of energy code implementation in an Indigenous community context

Why attend?

• Hear community-sourced perspectives on what worked, what didn’t, and what they wish they had known earlier
• Gain practical insight from peers who faced the same barriers you may be navigating right now
• Understand how energy code compliance connects to long-term outcomes: reduced energy costs, improved indoor comfort, and more durable buildings
• Build connections with other Indigenous housing and construction professionals facing similar challenges
• Ask your questions directly to community members in a live Q&A

Session Schedule:

• Welcome & Introductions (5 min): Overview of the session, speaker introductions, and framing of the conversation.
• Community Experiences Panel (40 min): Speakers from Métis Nation – Saskatoon, Tsuutʼina Nation, and Samson Cree Nation share their experiences with energy code navigation, including barriers encountered, decisions made, and outcomes achieved in their communities.
• Live Q&A (15 min): Open question period moderated by Vaneska Grechinski. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own questions and challenges