In Alberta and across Canada, buildings are a major contributor to emissions, and retrofitting existing buildings is a key solution to meeting energy and emissions reduction targets. Large-scale building conversions are also key, especially in cities faced with high office vacancy rates and housing shortages. 

In this webinar, Heather Elliot, Senior Associate at Entuitive, will walk us through a case study featuring a 1950’s era vacant commercial building that was converted into 80+ affordable housing units in Calgary, Alberta: Neoma. Heather will discuss the recladding, structural upgrades, and a mechanical/electrical system overhaul used to achieve new use and performance goals. Entuitive was the Prime Consultant, Building Envelope and Structural Consultant on this project. 

Heather will also compare and contrast the Neoma project in Calgary with another leading-edge Canadian retrofit project: Ken Soble. This 1970’s era tower, including post-war apartments in Hamilton, Ontario, was the first retrofit project of its kind in North America. At the time of certification, it was the largest multi-unit residential building EnerPHit (the Passive House certification for retrofits) project in the world. Entuitive was the Building Envelope and Structural Consultant on this project. 

We will discuss the strategies that allowed for a full retrofit approach for these projects and how those opportunities can be leveraged well in Alberta.