While many in the architecture profession are aware of the significant economic and environmental advantages of improving carbon performance in new and existing buildings, the OAA is working to broadcast these advantages so that community leaders and decision-makers can be better positioned to offer solutions to address climate stability. 

A free, public online plenary panel will be part of this year’s Virtual Conference Week! On Wednesday, May 19, from 9 to 10:30 am, “The Value of Zero: Investing in Carbon-Free Design” focuses on the role of net-zero carbon architecture and resilient infrastructure in the context of green finance, offering a pathway to Canada’s post-pandemic green economic recovery. 

The panel, sponsored by Brampton Brick, comprises four expert speakers:

• Jamie Gray-Donald, Senior Vice President, Sustainability & Environmental, Health & Safety at QuadReal;
• Tom Rand, author, venture capitalist, and climate expert;
• Lisa King, City of Toronto Senior Policy Planner; and
• Joanne McCallum, architect and principal, mcCallumSather.

As part of a one-hour discussion moderated by economist, author, and broadcaster Linda Nazareth, each speaker will discuss their work and share ideas and insights as they relate to the built environment. Whether as deep energy retrofits or zero-carbon new construction, this panel will foreground that sustainable architecture is not something to do “in the future,” but something architects are already doing with great success and outcomes. 

The public will be able to watch via the OAA Website or its YouTube channel, while members can register for ConEd points—more information will be shared soon!