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Just when you think Spring Camp topics can’t go any deeper or broader—here comes 2026. This year, applied building science expands in both detail and scope, making this the most comprehensive Spring Camp yet.
Over 12 years, Spring Camp has driven critical industry learning grounded in cold-climate Canadian building science. It has launched challenging but essential conversations among industry stakeholders, created a safe space for exchanging real-world insights and experiences, and fostered a truly Canadian spirit of collaboration. We're also thrilled to announce we'll be maintaining conference pricing at 2025 levels.
New for 2026: Have an innovation you’d like to showcase at Spring Camp? We’re introducing Innovation Tables for participants interested in sharing new ideas, tools, or technologies. Contact Rachel Oding to learn more.
Meet & Greet Hospitality + Registration
Breakfast
Welcome
Applying Building Science to Get it Right Now and Forever (Part 1)
Dr. John Straube returns to the building science camp with a special take on the science that identifies costly defects before they happen—now and in the future. This leading forensic building scientist will present the most prevalent and costly defects and how they relate to creating resilient structures that weather gracefully.
Break
Applying Building Science to Get it Right Now and Forever (Part 2)
Dr. John Straube returns to the building science camp with a special take on the science that identifies costly defects before they happen—now and in the future. This leading forensic building scientist will present the most prevalent and costly defects and how they relate to creating resilient structures that weather gracefully.
Lunch
We Talk About Thermal Comfort—Now Let's Apply It to Our Homes
Robert, Alexis, and Tracy apply ASHRAE 55 Thermal Comfort analysis to an actual home in various Canadian Climate Zones. You will be participating in groups to apply engineering principles and tools to a REAL HOUSE in your climate ZONE! Where to start? How to do it? What tools to use?
Low Load Homes (Efficient or Small) Challenges and Solutions
Gord and guests will tackle practical HVAC solutions to the challenges of traditional forced air systems in homes with ever lower heating and cooling loads. There are alternative solutions. Let’s look at what the future designs might look like.
Break
Resilience, Carbon & Retrofits
Carbon reduction, climate resilience, and high-performance retrofits are rapidly reshaping the residential sector. Join Sonja, Dan, Lynne, and Aidan for updates from three key initiatives: the Resilient Homes Task Force, the Emissions and Resilience Working Group, and the Towards Net Zero Renovations project. Discover the latest developments and what they mean for the future of housing in Canada.
Canadian Wood Council Guide
Mass timber buildings are transforming the way we build—but with new materials come new challenges. This session will explore how moisture risks develop in mass timber construction and how to take a proactive approach to moisture management. You will get practical insights into effective protection strategies for safe and timely moisture management plans.
Wrap-Up
Dinner
Open Mic: Building Science Unplugged
Breakfast
Welcome Back
How Robots Might Build Your Next House
What can Canada’s construction industry learn from a leading global lab in architecture & robotics? Dr. Loveridge will highlight innovative research at ETH, where robotics & digital fabrication are reshaping how buildings are designed & built. Tyler will share Canadian insights already transforming construction & what the next wave of innovation could mean for the industry.
Break
Electrification and Grid Loads: We're Making Progress!
Finally getting the electrification/grid thing figured out. New research, electrification codes and technology that brings the complexity and cost of grid-ready homes down (and how to apply it with your contractors, community designers and utility partners) with Miyoko and Wil.
The Future From Our Friends & Housing Program Developers In Ottawa
As building codes & environmental priorities shift, so do high-performance housing programs. Tracey will provide insight into the federal plan for housing performance programs, industry outreach & collaboration opportunities.
Embodied Carbon & the Homebuilding Industry: Are We Still Moving Ahead?
The 2030 National Building Code plans to release the parameters around embodied carbon in homes for the first time. How do we prepare? What advocacy & technology are needed? Brought to you by Chris and Alexis.
Panel: A Thought Provoking NAIMA Study Stirs Up a Good Debate!
Does a "Carbon Debt Approach" make sense? Let’s have the experts offer their thoughts BEFORE we formulate the 2030 NBC/NECB Embodied Carbon metrics with Gary, Chris, Mark, Natasha, and Alexis.
Lunch
Hygrothermal Geek-Out: Moving Past the Dew Point Discussion
Dew point analysis has been used to assess condensation risk in wood-framed walls, but it overlooks important factors. Trevor will explore the nuances of moisture performance in greater detail, illustrating these concepts using hygrothermal modeling & monitoring of wall and roof systems in cold climates.
Break
A Presentation of Stunning Luxury Homes and the Building Science Challenges They Present
We’re fortunate to have local architects show us what they’ve been working on. You’ll recognize and appreciate the challenges and help explore solutions.
Phase Change Materials Are Now in Canadian Homes!
Energy and thermal storage technologies are ready to be applied NOW, enhancing grid load leveling, heat pump operation, hot water service and much more. Learn the basics in preparation for applying this new tech with Michael.
Wrap-Up
“I appreciate the organization of the Building Science Spring Training’s forum, the open dialogue, and the entertaining presenters who, instead of lecturing, deliver engaging, relatable presentations targeted to the audience to keep them focused."
