Building Capacity for High-Performance Part 3 Buildings in Nova Scotia
A new financial incentive program is now open to applications from building design and planning teams looking to upskill and become competitive within a sector that is increasingly requiring net-zero practices.
IDP Defined
The Integrated Design Process (IDP) is a collaborative, whole-systems approach to building planning. The capstone of IDP is the successful engagement of all stakeholders - owners, architects, engineers, contractors, and others - early in the planning process. What sets IDP apart from other building processes is the end goal, which is advancing toward voluntary performance building standards.
About the Program
The IDP Training Program is a set of incentives developed to attract Nova Scotia’s building professionals to engage in IDP. The benefits to participants are upgraded skills, mentorship access, and real-world work experience needed to add IDP to Part 3 buildings (multi-unit residential, commercial, institutional, industrial, and public sector, etc.).
Led by Building to Zero Exchange (BTZx) with expert trainers from Sustainable Buildings Canada and Nova Scotian IDP experts, this program includes two phases:
- Phase 1: Intro to IDP Workshop: In-person, hands-on, 2-day workshop for all participants. (November 2025).
- Phase 2: Applied Learning: Applicant teams work through a real project or case study over a 12-month period with mentorship from an IDP expert from Nova Scotia providing ongoing guidance.
Who should participate?
Professions involved with the full lifecycle design of a building, including but not limited to:
- Building Owners
- Developers
- Architects
- Engineers
- Contractors
- Energy Modellers
- Planners
- Other stakeholders
BTZx is committed to supporting greater participation of African Nova Scotian and Indigenous professionals who live and work in Nova Scotia. The IDP Training Program is designed to build capacity, strengthen professional development, and increase representation in the building sector.
Why participate?
- Add to your resume or C.V. more practical knowledge and skills to deliver IDP-aligned projects.
- Gain a competitive edge for bidding on government and institutional projects that increasingly require IDP.
- Strengthen relationships across project teams for better outcomes.
- Receive a possible financial incentive to bring your project through the program.
- Access up to $10,000 in financial incentives, workshop registration, and a year-long mentorship program.
Start your application process
Download the Program Guidelines to learn more about the program, including application pathways and how to apply, and download the trainee application form to submit.
