Creating a Better Building Environment, Digitally

Thursday, May 9th, 12:00pm PT

BUILDEX Connects is excited to present our upcoming webinar taking place on May 9th, 2024, from 12:00pm-1:00pm PT (1:00pm-2:00pm MT) titled: Assessing and Selecting Low Carbon Materials for a Zero Carbon World.

Zero Carbon buildings will soon be the new normal since embodied carbon is a significant factor (around 50%) in mapping architecture’s carbon footprint. Join our speaker, a respected collaborative project delivery and sustainable design expert, as he provides valuable insights on carbon smart choices in the design phase, cost-saving benefits of zero carbon buildings, and best practices on sourcing and selecting carbon-neutral building materials and systems.

Thursday, June 13th, 12:00pm PT

BUILDEX Connects is excited to present our upcoming webinar taking place Thursday, June 13th, from 12:00pm-1:00pm PT, 1:00pm-2:00pm MT, titled Optimizing Inclusive Design for a Neurodiverse Workplace.

An estimated 15-20% of the global population exhibits some form of neurodivergence. The prevalence of neurodiversity is only expected to rise, making it critical to understand how our workplaces could be more inclusive of those who are neurodivergent. Neurodivergent employees represent a significant and largely untapped talent pool, often bringing highly valuable skill sets to the workplace in areas such as innovative problem solving, analytical thinking, and attention to detail. However, the typical workplace can get in the way of allowing those strengths to thrive and often amplifies challenges for those who are neurodivergent. 

The concept of Biophilic Design is a popular green strategy which seeks to connect people with experiences of nature in the modern built environment. This is usually achieved through stunning water and plant features, as well as breathtaking views of nature from indoors, and has multiple documented physiological, psychological, and economic benefits. This session will explore new science, economics, and methods for applications of biophilic design across a range of building types.

Decarbonization is the biggest challenge facing the Canadian Building industry. Reducing GHG emissions emanating from the production of construction materials and maintaining existing buildings will mitigate future climate impacts whilst ensuring retrofit buildings satisfy their basic design purpose. BUILDEX Connects Webinar Series is delighted to present “Avoiding Common Decarbonization Pitfalls for Existing Buildings and Realizing True Cost Savings” . Learn from their insights into the process of evaluating buildings for climate resiliency and occupant health and wellness, and how best to incorporate these considerations in your decarbonization strategy.

2023 has the dubious distinction of being considered for the hottest year on record [Is 2023 going to be the hottest year on record?, Published], synonymous with burning highways and firefighter sacrifice. The number of emergency evacuations, including Yellowknife residents' evacuations to Alberta’s cities, is unprecedented. Future climate data tells us that “Summer 2023” is the new normal: long spans of hot, dry days, smoky skies, and evacuation alerts, even in regions without a history of wildfires. The rise of displaced peoples due to climate hazards like heatwaves, wildfires, and floods raises many questions about the suitability of third spaces typically used in disaster response situations, e.g., community centres, school gymnasiums.

The increased number of commercial and residential buildings in Western Canada - with no expectations to stop any time soon - has been taking a toll on Property Managers. In British Columbia alone, there is a disheartening shortage of Property Managers who end up having to manage three times the number of units they should. Such demanding and stressful conditions push property managers to their limits, causing burnout, increased absenteeism, and even a change in careers. Therefore, addressing this vicious cycle now is of the utmost importance to prevent a critical escalation of the problem.

In celebration of Earth Month, UrbanToronto will examine the subject of sustainability in the development industry. This webinar will include a presentation by UrbanToronto's Research Analyst / Economist, Ash Navabi. UrbanToronto's Managing Editor, Craig White, will then be joined by a panel of experts to discuss the many issues and challenges of sustainability and various strategies for a greener future. 

The current City of Toronto was amalgamated from Metro Toronto in 1998. Fast forward to 2003, when the first Official Plan of the amalgamated city was unveiled, setting the stage for decades of urban development. Now, as UrbanToronto proudly celebrates its 20th anniversary, join its Managing Editor for an exclusive one-on-one conversation with Toronto's Chief Planner, Gregg Lintern. Together, they’ll reflect on the remarkable journey of Toronto over the past two decades, exploring the myriad changes that have unfolded within the Planning Department and among developers. Through this webinar, they’ll delve into the challenges faced and the ambitious goals set for Toronto's future.

The Well has been called the most ambitious single mixed-use project in Canada. Located on the western doorstep of Downtown Toronto, and bordering Front, Spadina, and Wellington, the complex includes 1.1 million square feet of office, 500,000 square feet of retail and food services, and 1,700 residential units spread throughout multiple buildings, all connected to a 3-level retail base. Join us as we discuss the magnitude and most interesting aspects of this massive endeavour with representatives from each of the architectural teams.

In this informative webinar, UrbanToronto presents the latest data on development applications and real estate planning in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). UrbanToronto will share insights from its annual report on development applications, highlighting key trends and changes in the GTA's rapidly evolving real estate market. The webinar will also features a lively discussion on the topic of building heights, with industry experts Esteban Yanquelevech, VP of Construction at Mizrahi Developments, and Craig White, Managing Editor at UrbanToronto.