What’s the Data Telling Us? Insights on the Step Codes

Past Event: Jan 27, 2026 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Podcast

Slideshow

Overview

The first ZEBx Decarb Lunch webinar of 2026 will be co-hosted with Canadian Home Builders’ Association of BC (CHBA BC). In this one-hour webinar, speakers Pauline Rupp of CHBA BC, Mark Bernhardt of Bernhardt Contracting and Henri Belisle of TQ Construction will draw on the latest CHBA BC data of over 8,500 as-built Hot2000 energy models to examine real-world building industry results and practical approaches to reducing carbon emissions in Part 9 residential construction.

The discussion will focus on what Step Code data reveals about what is actually happening across the province—how far the industry has come, where meaningful progress is being made, and which approaches are delivering real results. Speakers will also explore opportunities to improve regional coordination and discuss what a reasonable, practical path forward looks like, balancing flexibility with consistency across jurisdictions. Mark and Henri will offer candid perspectives on viable paths forward within current political and economic constraints.

Speakers

Henri Belisle, President, TQ Construction

Henri is the President at TQ Construction, where he leads the delivery of high-performance residential and mixed-use projects across British Columbia. With extensive experience in energy-efficient construction, Henri has been actively involved in advancing low-carbon building practices, including airtight construction, advanced building envelopes, and electrification strategies. Through his work, he collaborates closely with designers, trades, and manufacturers to translate decarbonization goals into practical, buildable solutions. Henri is a strong advocate for knowledge-sharing within the construction community – sitting on Homebuilders Association Vancouver’s (HAVAN) Executive Committee, CHBA BC’s Executive Committee, and CHBA’s Net Zero Council.

Mark Bernhardt, President, Bernhardt Contracting

Mark is the President of Bernhardt Contracting Ltd, and CEO of Energy Code Solutions. With roots in high performance, low carbon building Mark has focused much of the last decade to helping other builders reduce their energy use and gear up for Step Code. Mark is a Certified Energy Advisor and Passive House Consultant with extensive experience navigating the evolving landscape of energy codes, building performance requirements, and low-carbon construction methods. He is deeply engaged in exploring cost-effective pathways to decarbonization, balancing constructability, affordability, and long-term performance. Mark is the past President of CHBA BC and active participant on CHBA’s Net Zero Council.  

Speaker & Co-host:

Pauline Rupp, Director of Technical and Building Innovation, CHBA BC

Pauline is the Director of Technical and Building Innovation at the Canadian Home Builders’ Association of BC (CHBA BC), where she leads initiatives supporting industry transformation toward high-performance, low-carbon housing. With a strong background in building science, policy, and industry engagement, Pauline works closely with builders, governments, and utilities to advance programs related to energy efficiency, electrification, and emissions reduction. She plays a key role in translating policy and technical requirements into actionable guidance for the residential construction sector, helping to bridge the gap between regulation, innovation, and on-the-ground implementation.

Thanks to the financial support of BC Hydro and the City of Vancouver, this event is free of charge!