Better Ways to Build in Canada
A weekly podcast for leaders tackling Canada’s housing challenges. Conversations with experts and changemakers draw on decades of experience in building systems, standards, and policy. Each episode explores what drives their work, how they got there, and what public sector leaders need to turn good ideas into action. Build with care and thrive together. Hosted by Elisabeth Girgis, production support from Mackenzie Pratt, BC Housing
Episodes
Martin Roy is a mechanical engineer, pioneer in bioclimatic and energy-efficient design, and president and co-founder of MRA Génie, an engineering firm focused on achieve sustainable and high-performance projects on time and for the greatest benefit of buildings occupants and the environment.This episode explores his journey from traditional engineering practices to becoming a go-to partner in sustainable development through innova...
In this first episode of 2026, Andrew Pape-Salmon, adjunct professor at the University of Victoria shares his vision for democratization of energy, practical ways to have a more resilient energy system, the future of solar energy, home energy participation and community-based approaches to sustainable energy, And as always on BWBC we talk about his career path. Listener Heather Hayne asks about electric vehicle uptake and tariffs.
In this episode, Sonja Winkelmann, Senior Director of Net Zero Housing at the Canadian Home Builders Association (CHBA) discusses the evolution of energy-efficient homes, the role of data in driving sustainable housing innovations, and the importance of industry collaboration. Sonya shares her journey from business administration to leading the Net Zero Housing label program and offers insights into balancing technical rigor with c...
Dr. Susane Havelka joins the podcast to discuss community-drivenhousing initiatives in Northern Canada. As the Senior Director of the Inter-Nation Collaboration Team at BC2, she brings her research and architectural expertise to empower remote Northern communities in designing andbuilding their own homes. In this episode, she discusses the relationship between self-building and wellbeing, shares stories of self-built housing initia...
Rod Nadeau blends innovation with lived experience. As founding partner of Innovation Buildings Group, he designs projects that aren’t just energy efficient—they’re homes British Columbians can afford, enjoy, and be proud of. In this episode, Rod shares practitioner-led insights from more than 30 years in construction: the lessons tradespeople teach, why the simplest details matter most, and how affordability and climate goals can ...
Construction is applied science — drawing on dozens of specialties and showing, every day, how knowledge turns into homes, communities, and real results for people. But if the social contract between science and society was written nearly 80 years ago… maybe it’s time for a refresh. How do we strengthen trust in science, craft messages that land, and rethink outdated governance frameworks? This week, Elisabeth sits down with Rhonda...
In this first episode of Better Ways to Build in Canada, Dr. Phalguni Mukhopadhyaya, Director of the Master of Engineering in Building Envelopes and Structures at the University of Victoria and a fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineers speaks with Elisabeth. Our conversation delves into his intent on the human side of engineering.
After a career advancing material science and shaping national standards, Dr. Mukhopadhyaya shares...
A podcast for leaders shaping the future of housing in Canada—policy, construction, research, and innovation that puts people first.
At its core, housing is about people—the people shaping technologies, policies, and ways of working that affect how we live.
Hosted by Elisabeth Girgis, Better Ways to Build in Canada is a weekly podcast that brings together voices from across Canada’s housing and construction sectors. With decades of e...
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