Feb 2025 Decarb Lunch: Where Embodied Carbon Meets Circular Economy
February 18, 2025
A Net Zero Retrofit – Lessons from the Cutting Edge
Past Event: Mar 4, 2025 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Podcast
Slideshow
Overview
Achieving Net Zero Energy in existing homes comes with unique challenges—but also major opportunities. High-performance building envelopes, low-carbon materials, and integrated renewable energy are key to reducing emissions while improving comfort and resilience.
In this ZEBx webinar (co-hosted with HAVAN), we take a deep dive into North Shore’s first NZE retrofit, a project that pushed the boundaries of sustainable homebuilding. The homeowner and builder (Twin Lions Contracting) shared real-world insights from navigating design and permitting hurdles, optimizing air tightness, selecting efficient heating and ventilation systems, and integrating solar power and energy monitoring. With 80% of construction waste diverted from landfill and a fully electrified system performing in below-zero temperatures, this project sets a new standard for deep retrofits.
The session covers both technical takeaways and key policy challenges, from foundation reuse complexities to wildfire resilience requirements and the need for more streamlined permitting and incentive structures. Whether you’re a homeowner, builder, or industry professional, this discussion provides valuable lessons to help accelerate the transition to net zero retrofits.
Thanks to the generous support of BC Hydro, Vancity, and the City of Vancouver, this event was free.
Speakers
Zosia Brown
Zosia is senior leader with nearly two decades of experience driving sustainable change and environmental policy in organizations across North America and Europe. Most recently she worked as VP Sustainability at Nexii, and prior to that as Head of Resource Conservation at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle. Zosia is passionate about green buildings, climate action and shaping a future in which both people and nature thrive.
Kevin Hatch, Co-Owner/President, Twin Lions Contracting
Kevin laid the foundation for Twin Lions Contracting in 2010 as a general contractor, creating relationships and earning a reputation for perfection, one customer at a time. While shepherding the early growth of the company, he also made an important corporate commitment to support the North Vancouver community in which he was raised and still calls home. Along with co-owner and General Manager, Ben McKeen, he continues to steer the growth of Twin Lions through a laser focus on customer service, quality, and relationship building. Contributing greatly to Twin Lions’ success is a strong company culture and a shared passion for strengthening community. A Red Seal carpenter, Kevin managed many projects for local construction companies before forming Twin Lions Contracting.
Hosts
Natalie Douglas, ZEBx Program Manager, ZEIC
Shaun St-Amour, ETRO Construction
