Canada Post Publications Agreement Number: 40609661 PUSHING THE ENVELOPE CANADA A PUBLICATION OF THE BUILDING SCIENCE ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO SPRING 2026 Changing the Equation of Sustainability in Building Envelopesn n n TABLE OF CONTENTS ■ ■ ■ TABLE OF CONTENTS Pushing the Envelope Canada A publication of the Building Science Association of Ontario Spring 2026 Published For: The Building Science Association of Ontario 2800 – 14th Ave. Suite 210 Markham, ON L3R 0E4 Phone: 647-317-5754 Fax: 416-491-1670 info@bsao.ca www.bsao.ca © 2026 Matrix Group Publishing Inc. All rights reserved. Contents may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Matrix Group Publishing Inc. Printed in Canada. BSAO does not specifically endorse the editorial, products or services contained within this magazine. These products and services are presented here as an indication of the various possibilities in the Marketplace. BSAO wishes to advise the reader that sound Building Science Practices should be applied to any and all product or service selections. BSAO does not make or imply any warranties as to the suitability of any of these products or services for any specific situation. Furthermore, the opinions expressed in this magazine’s editorial content may not necessarily reflect the opinions of BSAO. Building Science Association of Ontario 3 ON THE COVER: This issue of Pushing the Envelope Canada is highlighting many current issues in the building envelope industry, with a focus on sustainability in building envelope practices. Canada Post Publications Agreement Number: 40609661 PUSHING THE ENVELOPE CANADA A PUBLICATION OF THE BUILDING SCIENCE ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO SPRING 2026 Changing the Equation of Sustainability in Building Envelopes UP FRONT Message from the President......................................................................................7 Meet the BSAO Board of Directors............................................................................7 Upcoming Building Science Specialist Exam Dates.................................................8 FEATURES A Changing Carbon Equation.....................................................................................9 Advancing Sustainable Roof Restoration: Enhancing Roof Recovery with Embodied Carbon Analysis and Innovative Material Choices.........................12 Building Envelope Renewal as a Catalyst for Integrated Decarbonization Strategies..................................................................................15 Building Envelope Issues, Expect the Unexpected : Damage Due to Bulk Water Entry and Entrapment..........................................................................................17 How to be a Better Expert Witness..........................................................................19 TAKE ACTION Join the Building Science Association of Ontario ..................................................21 INDEX TO ADVERTISERS ....................................................................................22Pushing the Envelope Canada A publication of the Building Science Association of Ontario Spring 2026 Published By: Matrix Group Publishing Inc. Return all undeliverable addresses to: 309 Youville Street Winnipeg, MB R2H 2S9 Toll Free: 1-866-999-1299 Toll Free Fax: 1-866-244-2544 www.matrixgroupinc.net Publications Agreement Number: 40609661 President & CEO Jack Andress Operations Manager Shoshana Weinberg sweinberg@matrixgroupinc.net Senior Publisher Jessica Potter Publishers Christine Scarisbrick, Julie Welsh Editor-in-Chief Shannon Savory ssavory@matrixgroupinc.net Editors Paul Adair, Kaitlin Vitt, Rich Cowan Editor / Social Media Manager Jenna Collignon Finance /Administration Lloyd Weinberg, Nathan Redekop accounting@matrixgroupinc.net Director of Circulation & Distribution Lloyd Weinberg distribution@matrixgroupinc.net Sales Manager Jeff Cash jcash@matrixgroupinc.net Sales Team Leader Colleen Bell Matrix Group Publishing Inc. Account Executives Ana Baez, Colleen Bell, Jackie Casburn, Chandler Cousins, Paolo Cruz, Rob Gibson, Wilma Gray-Rose, Jim Hamilton, Craig Hornell, Frank Kenyeres, Brendan Kidney, Sandra Kirby, Andrew Lee, Brian MacIntyre, Chad Morris, Lynn Murphy, Monique Simons Layout & Design Travis Bevan Advertising Design James Robinson © 2026 Matrix Group Publishing Inc. All rights reserved. Contents may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Matrix Group Publishing Inc. Printed in Canada. BSAO does not specifically endorse the editorial, products or services contained within this magazine. These products and services are presented here as an indication of the various possibilities in the Marketplace. BSAO wishes to advise the reader that sound Building Science Practices should be applied to any and all product or service selections. BSAO does not make or imply any warranties as to the suitability of any of these products or services for any specific situation. Furthermore, the opinions expressed in this magazine’s editorial content may not necessarily reflect the opinions of BSAO. MEET OUR EXPERTS ■ ■ ■ TABLE OF CONTENTS Building Science Association of Ontario 5 ROCKFORD BOYER Rockford Boyer, B. Arch. Sc., MBSc, BSS, is a building science leader at Elastochem Specialty Chemicals and brings over 20 years of technical knowledge in sustainable building design. Regarded as an expert in the field of building performance, Rockford works closely with building professionals using energy modeling technology to implement sustainable design strategies. Rockford’s dedication to high-performance construction is a core area for his work with architects, builders and contractors. GERALD R. GENGE Gerald R. (Jerry) Genge has twice been President of the BSAO (previously OBEC), is a Fellow of OBEC, a professional engineer, recognized expert witness, Chartered Arbitrator and Qualified Mediator with ADRIC, an ODACC Adjudicator (Ret.) and author of the book, The Expert Witness, available on Amazon.ca. IVAN PRIJONO Ivan Prijono is a roofing and building enclosure specialist with experience across manufacturing, consulting, and technical product support. He worked at WSP as a Building Science Consultant, contributing to roof assessments, design reviews, and enclosure investigations. He now serves as a Technical Services Coordinator at IKO, specializing in single-ply roofing systems, supporting specification development and installation-related technical inquiries. MILIRSAN PUGALENDIRAN Milirsan Pugalendiran, P.Eng., RRO, is a Project Manager and Building Envelope Engineer with WSP Canada Inc. He specializes in the investigation, design, and rehabilitation of building enclosure systems, with a focus on sustainable renewal strategies that balance performance, durability, and embodied carbon considerations. Milirsan is a licensed professional engineer in multiple Canadian provinces and a Registered Roof Observer. MICHELLE CHRISTOFFERSON Michelle Christofferson, Dip.T., ENV SP, is the National Lead for Embodied Carbon at WSP Canada Inc. With a background in building science & sustainable design and infrastructure, she leads initiatives that integrate embodied carbon reduction strategies across WSP’s buildings and infrastructure projects nationwide. SATHYA RAMACHANDRAN Sathya Ramachandran is a registered architect with advanced education in building science and over 25 years of experience delivering projects across North America. He is the Director of Building Science, GTHA at EXP Services Inc. He can be reached at sathya.ramachandran@exp.com. AHMED ALYOUSIF Ahmed Alyousif, PhD., P.Eng., is Vice President of Building Science & Resiliency at Pinchin Ltd., where he leads multidisciplinary teams specializing in building envelope engineering, structural systems, MEP systems, and building condition assessments. His work focuses on retrofit design, capital planning, and integrated decarbonization strategies for large and complex building portfolios across the commercial, institutional, and multi residential sectors. He advises building owners and asset managers on long term strategies that improve building performance, resilience, and lifecycle value. KEVIN ZHANG Kevin Zhang, Ph.D., P.Eng., is an Assistant Professor in the Lassonde School of Engineering at York University. His work focuses on building envelope performance, retrofit strategies, and embodied and operational carbon emissions. He has consulted on both retrofit and new construction projects and is currently leading the development of a Building Science curriculum at York University. His research examines durability and carbon performance in heritage building retrofits.Building Science Association of Ontario 7 ■ ■ ■ UP FRONT Message from the President Negar Pakzadian President Building Science Association of Ontario President: Negar Pakzadian, B.Eng., M.Arch., MBSC, BSS, CPHD, Major Capital Project Manager Vice-President: Matthew Gelowitz, M.A.Sc., CPHC, LEED ® AP, Synergy Partners Consulting Ltd. Treasurer: Paul Johannesson, International Leak Detection Operations Manager: Sherry Denesha, Building Science of Ontario Directors: Mohammed Dawoud, P.Eng, M.Eng, BSS, CPHD, NFRC Certified Simulator, Ennova Facades Brandon Gemme, P.Eng., BSS, CPHD, Leading Edge Building Engineers Inc. Alessandra Valerio, B.Arch., PMP, BECxP, CxA + BE, Stantec Cameron Smith, Engineering Link Incorporated Stephanie Martin, M.Sc., P.Eng., MTE Consultants Inc. Christina Martin, Pretium Engineering Inc. I t is a tremendous honor to address you as President of the Building Science Association of Ontario (BSAO). My jour- ney in building science began with a deep curiosity about how buildings perform and how thoughtful design and construc- tion can improve both human well-being and environmental resilience. Through my professional work and involvement in this community, I have come to appreciate the important role BSAO plays in advancing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and supporting professionals across our in- dustry. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve an organization that continues to ad- vance building science practice across our province and beyond. I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to Daniel Aleksov for his leader- ship, dedication, and vision during his tenure as President. His efforts strength- ened the association’s educational pro- gramming, industry partnerships, and stra- tegic direction, helping position BSAO for continued growth. I am equally thankful to our board members, volunteers, sponsors, authors, and members whose time, exper- tise, and passion continue to shape the association and advance building science across Ontario and Canada. Our industry is at a pivotal moment. Increasing climate pressures, evolving performance standards, and the urgent need for resilient, sustainable, and afford- able housing are reshaping the built en- vironment. Building science professionals play a critical role in ensuring that buildings are durable, energy-efficient, and respon- sive to the needs of both occupants and the environment. BSAO plays an important role in supporting this transition. Through education, technical exchange, and collab- oration, the association helps bridge the gap between research and practice. Our seminars, conferences, and publications, such as Pushing the Envelope Canada, pro- vide valuable opportunities for profession- als across disciplines to share knowledge, challenge assumptions, and advance the performance of the building envelope and the built environment. Supporting and in- spiring the next generation remains equally important, as their innovation and dedica- tion will shape the future of our field. As we look ahead, the Board will under- take another strategic planning session to review our progress and identify the prior- ities that will guide BSAO’s work in the com- ing years. Much of the work outlined in our current strategic plan has already been ac- complished, and we look forward to build- ing on this momentum while continuing to strengthen the association’s role as a lead- ing voice for building science in Ontario. BSAO continues to advance advocacy efforts that support stronger building performance standards and improved industry practices. Our priorities include contributing technical expertise to the On- tario Building Code revision process, in- creasing recognition of the Building Science Specialist (BSS) designation, and promoting best practices such as building envelope commissioning and periodic building con- dition assessments. The coming months will provide many opportunities for members to connect and engage with the building science community. BSAO has an exciting lineup of events this spring, including webinars, dinner meetings, and participation in the PM Springfest, where we will introduce the Building Science Stream. We are also proud to support educational initiatives such as the Mechanical Systems Course developed to help prepare candidates for the Building Science Specialist Board’s Mechanical Sys- tems Exam and the BSS designation. Looking ahead, we are pleased to co- host the BSAO/GHC-CCI Golf Tournament once again this summer, and we are excit- ed to announce that the Canadian Confer- ence on Building Science and Technology (CCBST) will return in November 2027. None of this work would be possible without the dedication of our volunteers, speakers, committees, and Board of Dir- ectors. By working together, sharing know- ledge, supporting emerging professionals, and advancing best practices, we can en- sure that building science remains at the forefront of creating healthier, more resili- ent, and more sustainable buildings and communities for generations to come.8 Pushing the Envelope Canada • Spring 2026 UP FRONT BUILDING ENVELOPE SYSTEMS Date May 8, 2026 Time Exam is three hours 1:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. EST Locations •BSSB Office, 2800 14th Avenue., Suite 210, Markham, ON L3R 0E4 (1:00 pm – 5:00 pm ET). •Kitchener-Waterloo area – EXP, 405 Maple Grove Road, Suite 6, Cambridge, ON (1:00 pm – 5:00 pm ET). •Ottawa area – BPA, 580 Terry Fox Drive, Suite 200, Kanata, ON (1:00 pm – 5:00 pm ET). •Edmonton, AB – Entuitive, 10055 106 Street NW, Suite 650, Edmonton, AB (9:00 am – 1:00 pm MT). MATERIALS EXAM & MECHANICAL SYSTEMS EXAM Date October 16, 2026 Time Exam is two hours, one or both exams may be written 1:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. EST Locations •BSSB Office, 2800 14th Avenue, Suite 210, Markham, ON L3R 0E4 (12:00 pm – 4:00 pm ET). •Kitchener-Waterloo area – EXP, 405 Maple Grove Road, Suite 6, Cambridge, ON (12:00 pm – 4:00 pm ET). •Ottawa area – BPA, 580 Terry Fox Drive, Suite 200, Kanata, ON (12:00 pm – 4:00 pm ET). •Edmonton, A.B. – Entuitive, 10055 106 Street NW, Suite 650, Edmonton, AB (8:00 am – 12:00 pm MT) UPCOMING BUILDING SCIENCE SPECIALIST EXAM DATES B SAO is presently collaborating with other BECs na- tionwide to introduce the Building Science Specialist (BSS) designation. The BSAO will actively promote the BSS designation throughout Canada, enhancing its pres- tige and granting holders greater authority. As part of this initiative, the Professional Member category will be elimin- ated, and you will become an individual member with the BSS designation. Register today here: https://bssb.ca/bss-exam/bss-exam-application-2.Building Science Association of Ontario 9 FEATURE By Rockford Boyer, Elastochem Specialty Chemicals A Changing Carbon Equation F or much of the last half-century, building science has been anchored in reducing operational energy. Bet- ter insulation, tighter air barriers, improved mechanical systems, and higher-perform- ance glazing have delivered meaningful reductions in heating and cooling demand, particularly in cold climates. As these strat- egies mature and as electrical grids con- tinue to decarbonize, the carbon profile of buildings is shifting. Today, embodied carbon is emerging as a defining challenge. These are the green- house gas emissions associated with the extraction of raw materials, manufacturing of building products, transportation to site, installation, maintenance, and end-of-life disposal or recycling. Unlike operational carbon, embodied emissions are largely fixed at the moment of construction. Once the materials are installed, the carbon cost is locked in. Global data now suggests that buildings account for roughly 39 per cent of total car- bon emissions, with about 28 per cent at- tributed to building operations and 11 per cent to materials and construction. That 11 per cent is growing in relative importance as operational energy use declines, placing new emphasis on material and system choices made early in design. WHY INSULATION IS UNDER SCRUTINY Within a building enclosure, there’s usually a lot of insulation and because there’s so much of it in almost every pro- ject, it ends up being a major source of em- bodied carbon. Closed-cell spray polyureth- ane foam (ccSPF) often attracts attention in this discussion. It is widely recognized for its high thermal resistance, airtightness, and durability, but it also has a false perception of having higher upfront embodied carbon compared to some alternative insulation materials. This framing, however, is incomplete. Buildings do not perform as individual ma- terials; they perform as assemblies. Evaluat- ing insulation products in isolation without accounting for the additional layers, fram- ing, membranes, and detailing required to achieve equivalent performance can lead to misleading conclusions. ASSEMBLY LEVEL THINKING Recent research from RDH Building Science, working with Toronto Metropol- itan University and The Atmospheric Fund, gives us a clearer picture of how embod- ied carbon adds up when you look at the whole building enclosure not just individ- ual materials. By modeling complete wall, roof, and floor assemblies to consistent performance targets, this work highlights how system design influences total carbon impact. In retrofit masonry wall assemblies designed to achieve R-24, assemblies in- corporating closed-cell spray foam dem- onstrated approximately 40 per cent lower embodied carbon than comparable min- eral wool solutions. The primary drivers were not materials alone, but system ef- ficiency. The spray foam assemblies re- quired less insulation thickness, reduced framing depth, and fewer supplemental control layers. Thermal, air, and vapour Next >