March 19 @ 11:45 am - 2:00 pm
Agenda:
11:45 – 12:00 Registration & Housekeeping
12:00 – 12:30 Lunch
12:30 – 1:30 Presentation and Q&A
1:30 – 2:00 Networking (optional)
About the Presenter
James Higgins
RDH Building Science
James Higgins is an Associate and Senior Consultant with RDH Building Science and the author of the Detailing Guide for Heat Pump Penetrations in Existing Buildings. He works across British Columbia and Canada supporting building officials, designers, and contractors with enclosure design, retrofit strategies, and practical code compliance solutions. James focuses on translating building science principles into clear guidance and details with effective air, water, vapour, and thermal control layers. His work bridges research, technical guidance, and on-site application to support durable, high-performance field-ready solutions.
About the Topic
Detailing Heat Pump Retrofit Service Penetrations in Existing Walls
As heat pump retrofits accelerate across British Columbia, service penetrations through existing wall assemblies are becoming a more common building enclosure risk, with the potential to introduce water leakage, air barrier discontinuity, and long-term durability concerns if not carefully detailed. This session presents guidance from the Detailing Guide for Heat Pump Penetrations in Existing Buildings, published by BC Housing with support from the City of Vancouver.
The presentation reviews practical detailing strategies for line sets, electrical disconnects, and conduit penetrations through common wall types, including rainscreen, EIFS, exterior-insulated, exposed concrete, and window wall spandrels. Participants will examine exposure risk assessment methods, material compatibility considerations, sequencing requirements, and quality control practices necessary to maintain continuity of vapour, air, thermal, and water control layers. The session supports designers in coordinating mechanical retrofits without compromising enclosure performance, code compliance pathways, or building durability.
Learning Objectives
•Identify enclosure performance risks associated with heat pump retrofit penetrations in existing wall assemblies.
•Apply appropriate penetration detailing strategies based on cladding type and exposure conditions to maintain continuity of air, vapour, thermal, and water control layers.
•Evaluate material selection, sequencing, and quality control requirements necessary to support durable and code aligned retrofit installations.
REGISTRATION
Please Note:
All WALK-UPS (non pre-registered attendees) must pay a blanket price of $65.00, including Students and Members.
Refunds:
No Refunds after Friday, March 13th Noon. Refunds will be offered before March 13th less $25 admin charge.
Education Credits:
This luncheon seminar qualifies for 1.0 AIBC Core Learning Unit. To receive credit, enter a valid AIBC Registration Number during the online registration process.
To register for this event, click on the following link: Vancouver Luncheon Seminar Thursday March 19, 2026