Centre for Residential Construction Excellence

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Lauren Lipka works for the CHBA-NB Center for Residential Construction Excellence as their Energy Efficiency Manager, Trainer, and Consultant. Lauren is Licensed by Natural Resources Canada as an Energy Advisor for their residential housing programs. Lauren frequently partners with other organizations to deliver residential energy efficiency training throughout New Brunswick, Atlantic Canada and in Northern Communities. 



In the 1990s Lauren embarked on a new career in the residential industry serving in various capacities including a professional designation with the Appraisal Institute of Canada as a Canadian Residential Appraisal, Service New Brunswick’s Assessment Department, Natural Resources Canada Energy Advisor and has worked in Saskatchewan, PEI, Newfoundland & Labrador, and New Brunswick. Lauren specializes in energy efficiency consultations, plan evaluations (Hot2000), air tightness testing, the R-2000 Program, ENERGY STAR® for New Homes and the EnerGuide Rating System for New and Existing Homes. Lauren is also a Qualified CHBA Net Zero Energy Advisor and Trainer for the Canadian Home Builders’ Association building energy advisor and builder capacity and serves on their CHBA Net Zero Technical Committee, ENERGY STAR’s Technical Advisory Committee, and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Association of Consulting Energy Advisors as well as on their Technical Committee.

Vice President | Building Knowledge Canada

With an extensive background as a builder for 20+ years Andrew brings insightful and real-life practicality to building science principles and their in-field applications. As a recognized building science trainer by the government of Canada-Office of Energy Efficiency, Building Science Specialist (University of Toronto), and HVAC designer and commissioner, Andrew is working closely with the development of new Building Codes, advanced building programs (i.e. ENERGY STAR®, Net Zero, LEED for HomesTM, etc.) across North America.

Founder & CEO | The Smart Energy Company™



The Smart Energy Company is a New Brunswick-based firm responsible for developing over 50% of the Solar connected to the grid in New Brunswick. Mark is a Professional Technologist with diplomas in both Power and Mechanical Engineering, along with being an energy consultant for contractors and other business owners.

President | Riko Passive Homes

For over 20 years, Richard LeBlanc, owner of Riko Passive Homes and Forefront Construction, has been building custom homes in the Greater Moncton area. His expertise and specialization are in custom energy-efficient homes of diverse types, designs, and configurations. He has been using multiple approaches to ensure optimal performance in his constructions. With his hands-on experience and love for research, his companies are trusted for their ability to build energy-efficient homes.

Technical Director, Eastern Canada | Dupont Canada

For the past 26 years, Eric has worked in the technical and commercial services of world-class manufacturing companies. In 2009, he was recruited by Dow Chemical Canada ULC in the role of demand creator, and subsequently served as Channel Manager since his transition to DuPont de Nemour Inc. in 2019, became Technical Director for the Eastern Canada region, and most recently for all Canada, advising engineers and architects on solutions for insulation of infrastructures and buildings envelop performances.

Mr. Lavoie has had a career path allowing him to accumulate various expertise such as the construction of heavy infrastructure; road design and construction; R&D, industrial treatment processes; technology transfer; Commercial and Technical Director for Eastern Canada Northeast USA; industrial adhesives; engineered wood structural components; building envelope as well as frost heave insulation protection.

His expertise in several fields, both technical and commercial, distinguishes him by these combined skills of technical, professional, communication, and persuasion based on science.

General Manager | MCL Construction Ltd.

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Born and raised in Quispamsis, New Brunswick, Brad McLaughlin holds a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from St. Francis Xavier University. Following university, Brad continued his education at Moncton Flight College, successfully completing his Commercial Multi-Engine IFR and Class Three instructor ratings. Brad continued working at the Flight College as a commercial flight instructor before moving back to Quispamsis in 2010 to join the family business in residential construction.

Brad has been a champion of Net Zero residential construction, taking an active role in continuous learning and educating others in building science throughout his 12 years in the industry. Brad is an active member of various Canadian Home Builders Association (CHBA) Committees, including; the Technical Research Council, Net Zero Renovation Working Group, and Net Zero Council. Brad incoming President of CHBA - New Brunswick. Engaged in his career and his home life, Brad lives in Quispamsis with his wife Kathryn and their 4 children and remains active volunteering his time coaching hockey.

Énergie NB Power

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JP has been with NB Power since 1990. He has worked in generation plants, on technical teams, met face to face with customers, and managed the Net Metering and Embedded Generation programs during his 30+ year career. He is currently the e-Mobility Lead, a role he took on in June 2022. Being trained in Environmental Technology, and Energy Efficiency, he is passionate about doing the right thing for the environment. On a personal basis, he installed a 14.5 kW solar system on the family home in 2022. He is a Certified Energy Manager with the Association of Energy Engineers and a Certified Technologist with NBSCETT.

JP is an avid motorcyclist end enjoys maintaining them. He also holds an advanced qualification in amateur radio which allows him to speak to other operators around the world. He lives in Dieppe with his wife and has two adult daughters in university.