A Mechanical Engineer who spends the majority of his time interconnecting complex hydronics systems in existing buildings, Moises De Alba says the benefits of modelling are numerous with the two biggest being team effectiveness and the opportunity for the client to provide feedback. Involved in the modelling process since 2019 – from the design to the review stages – Moises emphasizes the importance of being able to foresee issues in advance and the value that is realized from increased project engagement with the client.

About Moises:

Moises, a Principal with FirstLight Energy Solutions, was born and raised in Mexico where he earned a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering. Following his move to Canada in 2007, he began his career as a senior technician, then earned a Master of Engineering in Clean Energy from UBC. Since that time, Moises has specialized in conducting comprehensive energy and decarbonization studies, feasibility assessments, and the design and management of large-scale energy retrofit projects in residential, commercial, and critical environments, including data centers, healthcare facilities, and laboratories.

Doug Vance recently retired from his position as Manager Building Permits – Inspections at the City of Coquitlam where he managed a staff of 20 building & plumbing officials.

Doug began his career in the construction industry part time in 1976 as a plumber’s helper, completing his apprenticeship in plumbing in 1983. In 1992 he was hired by the City of Coquitlam as a plumbing and gas inspector.

Doug has served as president of the Plumbing Officials Association of British Columbia where he also developed many training courses and exams for plumbing and building officials. He was instrumental in that association’s amalgamation with the Building Officials Association of British Columbia (BOABC) and currently serves as Vice President, Plumbing Officials for the BOABC.

In addition, he has served on the Modernization Advisory Group, which led to the Building Act legislation adopted by the Province of British Columbia and the Building Officials Qualification working group which defines the minimum qualification requirements for building and plumbing officials working for local governments.

Currently, Doug is a member of the British Columbia Building Code Interpretation Committee and a BC Ministerial appointment to the Building Code Appeal Board until 2029.

Bio coming soon.

With a background in engineering and energy utilities, Sean has been at the forefront of research, industry capacity building programs, and the development of policies aimed at decarbonizing energy systems in Vancouver.  Sean and his team collaborate with engineering firms to undertake technical/financial research, and engage with stakeholder groups to address challenges and set regulations for energy within the industry. With his involvement in the BC Energy Step Code Council, his team pioneered the development and implementation of this energy efficiency standard for new construction in the province.  They have also introduced Canada’s first annual greenhouse gas limits for large existing commercial and retail buildings (in Vancouver).

About Sean: 

Sean Pander, P. Eng, is the Manager of Green and Resilient Buildings for the City of Vancouver.  He is also a member of the BC Energy Step Code Council and the Buildings to Electric (B2E) Leadership Council, past-chair of the Zero Emissions Building Exchange ZEBx, and is a recipient of Canada’s Clean50 award. Under Sean’s leadership, Vancouver has rapidly transitioned its Building By-Law to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from new buildings by over 70% to date and approved changes that will reduce emissions by 90% by 2025.

Bertine Stelzer is a seasoned professional in energy policy and industry collaboration at BC Hydro, where she has spent the past 8 years working alongside industry partners to advance the implementation of energy codes and standards, including the BC Energy Step Code and the Zero Carbon Step Code. In this role, she bridges practical, on-the-ground experience with the expertise of codes and standards professionals, refining these standards to ensure successful implementation and the achievement of energy efficiency goals. Bertine has built and maintained relationships with over 40 professional and training organizations across BC, supporting education, research, pilot projects, and best practices related to energy codes and standards.

About Bertine:

Bertine Stelzer, M.A., is the Co-Chair of the Energy Step Code Capacity Building and Communications Committee and serves on several technical committees, including the Building to Electrification (B2E) Capacity Building Committee and the Canadian Home Builders’ Association Net Zero Council. As a passionate advocate for energy and renewables, she focuses on aligning the drivers of the energy transition with the motivations of individuals and organizations, accelerating the shift toward more sustainable energy sources and practices.

When it comes to project modelling, there’s always that one person who has their finger on the pulse at every stage. In his role as Project Manager at Modern Niagara, James Taylor will share how his role is a constant touchpoint when it comes to BIM – from collaborating with Consulting Engineers and ensuring contract requirements are translated to the model, to facilitating design collaboration with Architects and Owners and between the field and the model, to leveraging the model to manage a project’s budget.  

About James:

A Mechanical Engineering graduate, James has worked in the mechanical contracting industry for 10 years as a Project Manager. His project experience ranges from small scale to larger, complex ones, including his current role on the New St. Paul’s Hospital build where BIM is the platform that enables collaboration and efficient decision making. James, a member of MCABC’s Next Gen Board of Directors, values opportunities to help inform industry to how BIM can optimize work processes in the mechanical contracting industry. 

The successful adoption and evolution of BIM in your company is dependent on a clear vision, a well-developed plan that measures incremental change, saying “yes” to jobs that lend themselves to BIM and a solid structure. Kyle Wisniewski, General Manager, Black & McDonald, and BIM champion, will share the company’s approach to project modelling – from when it was first introduced with the purchase of a 3D scanner for $75K (which collected dust for 95 per cent of the year) to its integration throughout Black & McDonald’s project processes today.

About Kyle:

An advocate for leveraging technology to spur industry advancement and innovation, Kyle brings more than 18 years of experience in the mechanical contracting industry. During his time at Black & McDonald, Kyle has been involved in projects that have provided opportunities to use BIM to troubleshoot issues, innovate solutions and create efficiencies. The current Chair of the MCABC, Kyle is an advocate for bringing industry together to share and strengthen competencies.

A big fan of project modelling, Erik Sundstrom, Site Supervisor at Trotter & Morton, espouses the benefits of best practice modelling; he’s also seen it take a turn in the wrong direction! Accountable for actioning the model in the field, Erik will share his first-hand experiences – from all contractors and subs subscribing to an extensive project model to the more common hybrid approach, and how each impacts the project. 

About Erik:

With a background in mechanical systems and project supervision, Erik brings 25 years’ experience in residential, commercial and institutional construction, nine of which include actioning BIM in the field. As part of the project handover to the field, Erik is responsible for reviewing and confirming the model on site before the direction to start construction is issued; he also holds weekly clash detection meetings with project designers and other site supervisors.  Currently, Erik oversees mechanical operations for the VGH Operating Room Upgrade project. 

Le Hien, a Mechanical Engineering graduate (B.Eng) and Engineer in Training (EIT) who holds a CanBIM certification (CanBIM CP), brings to her role mathematical and analytical expertise, problem-solving skills, drafting experience and an eye for design. She is an advocate for increased collaboration within the mechanical contracting industry, noting that it is key to driving technological advancements. Le Hien’s goals include raising awareness amongst youth and women of the various opportunities available in the mechanical trades. Le Hien is a member of MCABC’s Next Gen Board.

Bio coming soon.