Join us for an engaging and practical in-person workshop bringing together municipal leaders, builders, energy advisors, contractors, designers, site supervisors, manufacturers, and other industry stakeholders. This collaborative session will demystify energy efficiency regulations in Ontario, clarify common myths about building beyond the OBC, and highlight how high-performance construction—including ENERGY STAR® certification—can benefit both municipalities and industry.
Whether you're involved in planning, approving, designing, constructing, or supplying materials for new homes, this workshop will equip you with relevant insights, tools, and real-world examples to support better-performing buildings and more informed decision-making.
Doors open at 11:15am for attendee check-in; Lunch will be available immediately, so that attendees can network and settle in.
We will begin programming at 11:45am; there will be a break during the programming, and we will wrap up by 4:30pm
Venue: Italian Cultural Centre - 120 Algoma St S, Thunder Bay, ON
Speaker: Gord Cooke
Date: 05 Feb - 05 Feb 2026
Time: 11:30 AM - 04:30 PM
Workshop Highlights
Energy Efficiency Regulations & OBC Clarity
Clear explanations of Ontario’s evolving energy efficiency requirements and what they mean for planning, approvals, and construction.
Myth-busting: the realities of building beyond the OBC and what ENERGY STAR® actually requires.
Building Science Fundamentals
Practical principles behind airtightness, thermal performance, moisture management, and durability.
How third-party verification improves consistency and reduces call-backs.
Costs & Market Drivers
Demystifying the true costs of high-performance homes and where savings occur.
Overview of incentives, financing tools, and consumer trends supporting improved performance.
Municipal–Industry Alignment
Case studies showing benefits to builders, municipalities, and homeowners.
How both sectors can collaborate for more efficient, resilient housing.
Engagement Opportunities and Q&A
Where Thunder Bay manufacturers and suppliers fit into high-performance home construction.
Open discussion to address technical questions and local challenges.
Key Learning Outcomes
Participants will:
Understand Ontario’s energy efficiency regulations and how programs like ENERGY STAR® support compliance and improved performance.
Grasp core building science principles that reduce risk and enhance durability, comfort, and efficiency.
Gain clarity on real vs. perceived costs of high-performance construction and where long-term savings occur.
See how third-party verification improves quality, supports approvals, and reduces municipal and builder uncertainty.
Identify opportunities for local manufacturers and trades to participate in high-performance building pathways.
Strengthen collaboration across municipal, builder, and supplier groups, enabling better-performing homes in Thunder Bay.
President, Building Knowledge Canada
Gord is a respected educator, consultant, and professional engineer with over 35 years of experience in the residential construction industry. As President of Building Knowledge Canada and Partner at Construction Instruction, Gord specializes in applied building science, energy-efficient housing, HVAC innovation, and indoor air quality. He has dedicated his career to training builders, renovators, HVAC contractors, and energy advisors on high-performance building techniques, ensuring homes are more comfortable, durable, and sustainable.
A founding member of multiple industry organizations, including the Net Zero Energy Housing Council, Gord is a recognized leader in advancing energy-efficient housing initiatives. His expertise extends to forensic investigations, building code compliance, and consulting on leading programs like ENERGY STAR® for New Homes, LEED for Homes, and Net Zero Energy Homes.
Honored with numerous accolades, including the EEBA Legend Award and the Clean50 Lifetime Achievement Award, Gord continues to be a driving force in shaping the future of sustainable homebuilding.
For more information, contact the ENERQUALITY Training team, training@enerquality.ca
ENERQUALITY endeavours to be as flexible as possible with our cancellation policy. In the event you are unable to personally attend a workshop, you may, with prior notice, substitute another representative from your company. A refund (less $50 administration fee) will be issued for cancellations made up to 14 days in advance of the workshop. Contractual obligations and agreements with third parties may require for the policy to be amended or revised from time to time. ENERQUALITY reserves the right to reschedule, relocate, or cancel events. Should this be required, we will provide prior notice to all registrants.
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