"The event was exceptionally well-executed. The venue was great: comfortable, well laid out, and conducive to both learning and networking. The food was excellent and thoughtfully planned, with plenty of variety and options throughout the day. As a first-time attendee, I really appreciated how welcoming and approachable everyone was. I left feeling energized, inspired, and already looking forward to next year. Huge kudos to the organizers for putting together such a memorable experience!" (attendee, 2025)

Spring Training Camp for Advanced Building Science 2026

Just when you think the camp topics cannot possibly go deeper and broader - Here comes 2026! This year the applied building science explodes in detail and breadth. This may be the most comprehensive and full spring camp yet!

12 years of spring camp has enabled critical industry learning built on the principles of cold Climate Canadian building science, spring-boarded difficult but critical conversations across industry stakeholders, provided a safe place to exchange important insights & experiences, and a truly Canadian atmosphere of industry collaboration.

Learn . Explore . Challenge . Debate . Question . Engage.

Here is a teaser of the coolest topics and speakers we have on deck:

• Dr. John Straube - University Of Waterloo / RDH Building Science - pushes the industry farther, for the better. Reducing costly warranty & litigation risks through deep building science and knowledge.

• A view from the internationally renowned building material & process digitization (Can we say AI?) team at University of Zurich (Switzerland). This world leading facility looks into the future of materials, climate and rapid built housing, concepts and technologies that will enable builders/developers/contractors of ALL sizes to re-tool and adapt.

• Phase Change Materials are now in Canadian Homes! Energy and thermal storage technologies that are ready to be applied NOW, enhancing grid load leveling (shaving peaks), enhancing heat pump operation for space and hot water service and much more. Learn the basics in preparation for applying this new tech.

• Learn how to apply detailed thermal comfort analysis on any home design in MULTIPLE Canadian climates.

• Lean into a deep hygrothermal (WUFI) and in-situ analysis of enclosures we thought were working…??

• Design & technical direction on alternative low-load and multifamily HVAC distribution designs using ACCA Manual LL (Yes-It’s a thing but few know about the opportunities) from climate zone 4 to climate zone 8!

• Take a deeper look at an RPH (Campers will know what this stands for…) and the Building Science and tech that was needed to address the one of a kind architecture and a very discerning client/occupant!

• We go north! VERY cold climate (7a-8) HVAC and Durability challenges and solutions.

• Finally getting the electrification/grid thing figured out. New research, electrification codes and technology that brings the complexity and cost of grid – ready homes down (and how to apply it with your contractors, community designers and utility partners).

• Critical updates on the new, just published, 2025 NBC (Here comes operational carbon emissions) AND the 2030 NBC development which include Embodied Carbon

• A healthy and constructive debate continues around embodied carbon and insulation solutions. We're going to challenge the experts as we get to the bottom of this important discussion

• Resiliency has the Insurance and re-Insurers concerned, but working hard to collaborate with builders/renovators/designers/owners who are facing cost and regional climate risks. The CHBA / ICLR project team helps the industry plan for next steps.

• And much more !......

Our World Class Experts

• Dr John Straube - Univ Waterloo & Principal @ RDH Building Science

• Dr Russell Loveridge - Managing Director NCCR Digital Fabrication (Zurich, Switzerland)

• Robert Bean - ASHRAE Distinguished Lecturer

• Justin Wilson - President and lead researcher, Construction Instruction, Denver, Colorado

• Trevor Trainor - MASc Building Science, President Bawating Building Science

• Chris Magwood - MASc Manager Carbon Free Buildings, Rocky Mountain Institute

• Sonja Winkelmann - EP, Senior Director Net Zero Housing CHBA

• Leigh St Hilaire - BASc Executive Director, Volta Research

• Miyoko Oikawa - Director Training & Strategic Initiatives OHBA

• Michael Ridler - Owner/GM Eden Energy

• Gord Cooke - P.Eng, President, Building Knowledge Canada

• Andrew Oding - MEA, Vice President, Building Knowledge Canada

• Mark Rosen - AIBC, OAA M. Arch MEA , Director Building Science, Building Knowledge Canada

• Alexis Minniti - MASc Sustainability Specialist & Carbon Lead, Building Knowledge Canada

• And many more !...

Who's Invited

-Senior design, construction and R&D staff of leading homebuilders, renovators, and condominium developers.

-Utility representatives who have been actively promoting energy management programs to the Canadian industry.

-Energy consultants influencing their clients to adopt new technology.

-Leading manufacturers who have supported energy efficiency; including those that are actively engaged in Net Zero energy projects.

If you know someone who should be attending and isn't, let us know and we’ll be happy to extend an invitation.

The Hosts   

Gord Cooke, Andy Oding, and Mark Rosen have combined their talents and insights to create Spring Training Camp with you in mind. As they revel in the success and shoulder the challenges together, this year’s “camp” is returning to its favourite home away from home, Hockley Valley Resort. Come join us - we look forward to seeing you there.

"The learning gained from this year’s Building Science Spring Training, as well as previous years, has helped guide our organization as we work towards building more energy-efficient homes and decarbonizing our buildings." (attendee, 2024)

 Price & Logistics

There is magic in getting folks out of their routine and away from the day to day. With that in mind, we’ve created an all-inclusive fee at the wonderful Hockley Valley Resort, located in Mono, Ontario, which covers pretty much everything.

* Your room registration will be looked after by the organizers. There is no need for you to contact the hotel about your reservation.

Camp Fees - $1595 plus HST per person. In spite of the current economic downturn, we are thrilled to keep conference pricing to 2025 prices!   Your room will be ready after 4PM on Sunday, April 19th. Event Check-In / Itinerary Pick Up: 7:00pm - 10:00pm in the Front lobby. You’ll be on your own for dinner on Sunday Night, but you’re encouraged to drop by our reception room on Sunday evening between 7:00pm and 10:00pm.  

You are welcome to bring your family along. They can stay with you in your room (max 4 adults) for a fee and can choose to either eat with us or use the onsite restaurant on their own. If you wish to bring family, just let us know on the registration page by using the access code Guest2026 to open up the registration options for them.   Are you needing a refund?   Please contact the organizer to request one if needed.

Do you have a new innovation that you would love to showcase at Spring Training 2026?   Let Rachel Oding know.   You may be interested in purchasing an Innovation Table to set up your work.



The Full Conference Package includes:
• 2 nights’ accommodation (Sunday, April 19th, and Monday April 20th)
• Sunday Night Informal Drop-in Reception 7:00pm - 10:00pm
• Monday (breakfast, break, lunch, break, dinner)
•  Tuesday (breakfast, break, lunch, and break)

"I really enjoyed all the speakers and learned so much" (attendee, 2025)

What I liked about 2025?

"I liked the balance between energy efficiency, resiliency, and comfort." (attendee, 2025)

"Nice balance of addressing current issues and future challenges." (attendee, 2025)

Contact the organizers

Kimberly: kimberly.cobb@buildingknowledge.ca Rachel: rachel@buildingknowledge.ca or 1(519) 241-2767