Presented by BTZx in partnership with The ReCover Initiative
Are you a building professional looking for practical, code-ready climate knowledge?
The Climate Literacy for Deep Retrofits course provides trades professionals with the opportunity to learn about the future of building performance. This two-day, in-person course is designed for anyone looking to deepen their knowledge of how deep energy retrofits can improve comfort, cut emissions, and make buildings more resilient and cost-effective over time.
Through a mix of technical instruction and experiential learning, participants will explore building envelope upgrades, mechanical system integration, code tier alignment, and carbon reduction strategies - all tailored to Atlantic Canada's unique climate and aging building stock.
Location: Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water St., Halifax, NS
Please note: The registration link is for both days of the workshop, November 19-20, 2025. Each day will run from 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
About the Deep Retrofits Pilot
This pilot is an opportunity for association and organization leaders to experience and evaluate the course before its full rollout in 2026 and see if the course can be a fit for professional development. Your feedback will ensure it meets the real needs of your members.
Why Climate Literacy Matters
Many jurisdictions across Canada, including Nova Scotia, are exploring strategies to support the sustainable building industry. Research and consultation points to a critical gap: trades professionals need accessible, job-relevant climate literacy and understanding of emerging roles in the building sector.
This course responds to that need for upskilling. By participating in this pilot, you and/or your association will help shape a resource that supports your members’ long-term success.
Why Participate in Deep Retrofits Training?
- Work to real standards: see how NBC/NECB tiers and voluntary standards (ZCB Retrofit, Passive House) shape targets and scope.
- Level-up your building science: diagnose envelope issues and select strategies that cut operational and embodied carbon.
- Prove the business case: assess feasibility - capital costs, energy savings, and incentive pathways—to unlock projects.
- Learn by doing: a half-day experiential activity to practice assessing and developing an actual retrofit concept.
Who Participate in Deep Retrofits Training?
- Energy auditors
- Retrofit and general contractors
- Project managers, and
- Consulting professionals advancing deep-retrofit work.
Support for this program
Developed by Building to Zero Exchange (BTZx) with funding from The ReCover Initiative and the Province of Nova Scotia, this course is part of a broader effort to improve climate literacy in the building sector.