Designing for Success: Energy Efficiency and the Value of Early Planning
March 5, 2026 | 2:00 (EST)
Description
Effective planning during the pre-construction stage is critical to the success of deep energy retrofits. Decisions made early can significantly impact project costs, timelines, resident experience, and access to funding. This webinar will explore what goes into a strong retrofit plan and how to make the most of the early stages. Participants will learn practical strategies for identifying priorities, engaging technical experts, integrating energy-efficiency goals into design, and maintaining flexibility as conditions and funding opportunities evolve. The session will also feature a case study from a housing co-operative currently in the early stages of its retrofit journey, sharing lessons learned and insights to guide future projects.
Objectives
- Highlight the importance of early-stage planning for successful deep energy retrofit projects.
- Explore key elements of a strong retrofit plan and strategies to maximize the pre-construction phase.
- Share practical insights and lessons learned from a real-world project in its early stages to inform future planning.
Speakers:
Stephanie Pineau, Project Officer, Federation of Canadian Municipalities
Stephanie Pineau is a Project Officer in Capacity Development with the Sustainable Affordable Housing team at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. She holds a Master of Arts in Psychology and brings several years of experience in capacity development and adult learning.
She has more than a decade of lived experience in community-based housing, having lived in a housing co-operative, she has served multiple terms on its board of directors in various roles and contributed to a major capital repair project. The perspective she gained from these experiences inform her commitment to strengthening affordable housing across Canada.
Irfaan Hasham, Regional Energy Coach, Cooperative Housing Federation of Canada
As the founding Principal at SSES, Irfaan brings extensive experience across the consulting and utility sectors, with a strong focus on supporting Non-Profit and Co-operative housing. He is a Professional Engineer and holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering (B.Eng.) from Ryerson University. In his role as a Regional Energy Coach with CHF Canada, Irfaan works directly with housing co-operatives to advance energy efficiency, electrification, and long-term asset planning, while helping organizations navigate funding programs, technical studies, and implementation pathways.
Irfaan has several years of experience working with and for government entities and utilities, providing him with a strong understanding of the policy, funding, and regulatory landscape related to electricity, GHG emissions, and asset management. He supports Non-Profit and Co-operative housing providers through technical review, guidance, and coaching on conservation measures, asset planning considerations, and energy transition studies. His work emphasizes capacity building, affordability, and long-term resilience for housing providers across Canada.
Fred Lwanga, Spruce Court Co-op