National non-profit Passive Buildings Canada  and Stone's Throw Design,  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.

This evening's presentations are:

Marianne Touchie: "Why interzonal air flow matters in Passive House Multi-Unit Residential Buildings"

While enclosure airtightness is a critical part of Passive House certification, depending on the building height, interzonal air tightness may be even more important for energy consumption and indoor air quality. This presentation will describe the importance of controlling interzonal air tightness, particularly in Passive House multi-unit residential buildings, and discuss pathways for achieving it.

Marianne Touchie, Ph.D., P.Eng. is an Associate Professor jointly appointed in Civil and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Toronto and Director of the Building Energy and Indoor Environment Lab. Dr. Touchie’s research focuses on reducing the environmental impact of buildings while improving the occupant experience, specifically in multi-family buildings.

Cara Sloat - "Some (don't) like it hot: Are passive buildings cool enough?"

Cooling needs along North America's east coast differ from many other regions due to our humid summers with warm nights. Let's talk about how climate, imperfect system performance, occupant vulnerability and occupant behaviors influence actual cooling demand—and why these realities can diverge from modeled expectations. Are Passive buildings cool enough?

Cara Sloat is a Principal Mechanical Engineer with Hammerschlag and Joffe, with more than two decades of experience advancing high-performance building design through consulting engineering services, and analyzing energy use in buidings. A specialist in HVAC, refrigeration and decarbonization, she has delivered pioneering mechanical projects in low-carbon retrofits, CO₂ cooling systems, and Passive House design.

Nick Malfara -"The Builder's Role in High-Performance Homes"

Nick Malfara, Founder of DSBG, shares insights from the field on delivering high-performance custom homes. With over three decades of experience, Nick highlights the builder’s role in sequencing, trade coordination, and quality assurance, and shows how early collaboration with architects and engineers leads to better outcomes. Attendees will gain practical takeaways on cost control, risk management, and strategies that ensure homes perform for generations.

Nick Malfara is the Founder and Owner of DSBG, Toronto’s premier bespoke custom home builder and construction management company. With over three decades of experience, he is known for delivering homes defined by craftsmanship, innovation, and timeless design. Under his leadership, DSBG has grown into a full-service firm supported by senior project managers, site managers, coordinators, and an exceptional network of trades. Passionate about building high-performance homes, Nick emphasizes precision, sequencing, and advanced practices to ensure exceptional quality and client experience. His commitment to collaboration and innovation has positioned DSBG as a trusted partner in creating lasting, one-of-a-kind residences.

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