High Performance Design Meets Boots on the Ground TORONTO November 2026

National non-profit Passive Buildings Canada presents High Performance Meets Boots on the Ground.

This event brings together leaders from the design and construction fields (and beyond) to share ideas, network and learn about great products that get the job done to produce high performance buildings. See "Agenda" below.

Tickets are required for this event

Tickets are $25, just click the "select tickets" button to the right. Admission includes 1 ticket for beer or wine plus pizza (while supplies last). Non-alcohol drinks are free.

Free tickets for PBC members

PBC members get free tickets for all "Boots on the Ground" events during their membership. Membership starts at just $25 (the price of admission). Join today to get your free admission to this event! After joining, Just login to your PBC account and go to the member only page with ticket links for PBC events. PBC members who need assistance getting their free ticket(s) please contact us.

What do these events look like?

Presentations (More details coming soon)

Dr. Russell Richman on air tightness
Russell Richman has been researching and consulting in the combined fileds of building science and sustainable building for over 25 years. Russell's interest in sustainable building stems from his years in between Master's and Ph.D. degrees, while working as an engineer at Yolles Partnership. During his tenure attending his doctorate at the University of Toronto, Russell had the unique opportunity to study a range of topics comprising building technology, construction and standards.

During his doctorate, Russell realized the implication of continuing to construct buildings to using current methods and standards - a failure to the needs of future generations. As a professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, Russell has grown into a national expert on building science theory, building enclosure design, building enclosure materials and building performance testing.

Tom Knezic on multiplex developments
Tom Knezic owns and operates Eco-Flats Developments, a developer, builder, and operator of multiplex projects in Toronto. Formerly a principal of Solares, Tom continues to collaborate on projects with us through Eco-Flats.

While working with clients on their multiplex projects, Tom has also developed five of his own, which he continues to manage. He now combines his experience with designing, building, and managing multi-unit properties with his expertise in energy-efficient building construction to provide quality end-to-end services to our joint clients. His services include pre-project consultation and strategy, construction management, and post-construction lease-up and property management.

Agenda

6pm: DOORS OPEN: Networking and Mini-Trade Show (food & drink)
7pmish: PRESENTATIONS: Three 20 minute presentations (no Q&A)
8pmish: NETWORKING AND MINI-TRADE SHOW (food & drink)

Filming

Please note that this event will be filmed and promoted on public media. Note that by attending this event you consent to your voice, name and/or likeness being used, without compensation or recognition, in photographs, recordings, films and any and all media for any purpose including advertising, publicity, commercials, and any other purposes worldwide.

*Pre-event air tightness workshop

Our friends at SIGA are offering a free workshop on air tightness and moisture management prior to our event at the same location.  For any questions on this workshop please contact SIGA. These are independent events and individual tickets are required for both. 

This workshop will be focused on best practices, building science insights, and practical solutions for high-performance building envelopes. Participants will be engaged in a discussion and a hands-on envelope detailing workshop. During this 3.5-hour, interactive course, participants will learn:

• Building science fundamentals and the environmental impacts that affect building performance
• Building envelope key components and terms
• The importance of a continuous weather and airtightness layer(s)
• Strategies to avoid risk from design to implementation