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Welcome to Change Builders, the podcast by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association of Vancouver Island (CHBA VI), where we highlight the people, ideas, and innovations shaping the future of homebuilding on Vancouver Island.

I’m Kerriann Coady, CEO of CHBA Vancouver Island, and in this episode we dive into one of the most important, and often misunderstood topics in residential construction today: energy efficiency, sustainable construction, and how to build high-performance homes without losing sight of affordability.

This episode is proudly sponsored by BC Hydro and FortisBC, whose programs and incentives are helping builders and homeowners adopt energy-efficient solutions that support a greener, more resilient future.

Understanding the Role of Owens Corning in Energy-Efficient Building

Joining me for this conversation is Andrew Brassington, from Owens Corning Canada. Andrew works across Western Canada. Andrew works closely with architects and builders, helping them navigate building codes, performance tiers, and material choices to meet energy and sustainability goals in a practical, cost-effective way.

Owens Corning is a global residential and commercial building products manufacturer that uses material science to support a more sustainable built environment. As Andrew explains, their focus is on reducing environmental footprint while increasing “handprint”—creating products that help builders deliver resilient, durable, high-performance buildings that benefit both homeowners and communities.

Key Energy Efficiency Trends Builders Should Be Watching

From a national perspective, Andrew highlighted two major trends shaping energy-efficient construction today: 

Increased use of exterior insulation, and A growing emphasis on airtightness.

Together, these strategies reduce energy demand, improve occupant comfort, and often allow for smaller, more cost-effective mechanical systems. Airtight buildings don’t just save energy, they improve indoor air quality and long-term durability, while exterior insulation helps protect homes from increasingly extreme weather conditions.

Getting Insulation Right: Where Builders Should Focus First

When it comes to insulation choices, Andrew emphasizes that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Different materials have different strengths, and the right approach depends on performance goals, budget, and design constraints.

That said, if builders need to prioritize, the building envelope should come first.

Most homeowners renovate kitchens and finishes long before they address what’s behind the walls. By investing upfront in a strong envelope insulation, air control, and weather protection, builders help homeowners save on energy costs long-term and protect the home’s overall performance from day one.

Emerging Technologies in Building Materials

Andrew also shared insights into new product innovation coming to market, including Owens Corning’s upcoming EasySheath™ insulated sheathing panel, expected in Canada in the near future.

This thinner XPS sheathing system incorporates polymer layers to support airtightness and thermal performance, while working alongside structural bracing. Innovations like this are helping builders meet higher performance targets without adding unnecessary complexity or thickness to wall assemblies.

Common Mistakes in the Push for Energy Efficiency

One of the most common missteps Andrew sees is jumping straight to solar panels before addressing the fundamentals.

While solar energy plays an important role, it should come after improving the building envelope and mechanical efficiency. Fixing air leaks and insulation gaps first reduces energy demand—making any future renewable energy investments far more effective.

Balancing Sustainability and Affordability

Affordability remains top of mind across our industry, and Andrew stresses that sustainability does not have to mean unaffordable.

Hybrid wall assemblies such as exterior mineral wool or XPS insulation combined with interior fiberglass—can deliver strong thermal performance, lower carbon impact, and reasonable costs. These combinations are increasingly recognized as practical, scalable solutions that work within today’s budgets while still moving the industry forward.

Building for the Future: Resilience and Code Evolution

Looking toward 2030 and beyond, Andrew believes climate resilience and extreme weather will drive many future code requirements. Materials like mineral wool are gaining traction in wildfire-interface areas, while airtight, well-insulated assemblies will remain essential across all regions.

Future-proofing homes today means thinking beyond minimum code and considering how buildings will perform over decades, not just at occupancy.

The Role of Incentives in Driving Change

Incentives and rebates play a crucial role in making higher-performance construction achievable. Programs like Better Homes BC help open the door for builders and homeowners who may otherwise assume sustainability is out of reach.

Even modest incentives can shift perception, spark conversation, and encourage people to explore options they might not have considered.

Where to Start on a Tight Budget

For those working within tight financial constraints, Andrew’s advice is consistent:

Start with the envelope.

Improving insulation and reducing air leakage often delivers the biggest return on investment. If possible, coordinating insulation upgrades with siding or window replacements can also reduce costs and disruption over time.

A Final Message to Builders

Andrew’s closing message to builders is simple but powerful:

Take a closer look at your specifications.

Small changes slightly more insulation, a different assembly, or a minor product adjustment—can often move a project to the next performance tier without significant cost increases. Working with manufacturers and technical experts early can uncover opportunities that add real value for homeowners and strengthen your product in the marketplace.

Continuing the Conversation

Energy efficiency, sustainability, and affordability are not competing priorities—they are interconnected. By focusing on performance-based solutions, relying on trusted expertise, and making informed material choices, builders can deliver homes that are comfortable, resilient, and future-ready.

Thank you to Andrew Brassington for sharing his insight, and to BC Hydro and FortisBC for supporting conversations like this that help move our industry forward.

Stay tuned for more conversations on Change Builders, where we continue to explore how Vancouver Island’s builders are shaping the future, one smart decision at a time.