Resources to Empower
Sustainable Building Practices

Our Resources

Over the years, Focal has authored and co-authored numerous guidelines, design guides, articles, training materials, and tools to support professionals in creating high-performance, sustainable buildings.

This collection of resources reflects our dedication to advancing industry standards and equipping clients, collaborators, and the broader community with practical insights and technical expertise. Whether you’re navigating building code compliance, exploring energy efficiency strategies, or planning for future climate scenarios, our resources are designed to guide and inspire your journey. Explore our library below.

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All Article Checklist Conference Guideline Interview Presentation Video

Guideline

CoV Energy Modelling Guidelines v3

Focal was retained by the City to analyze and develop proposed updates to the Energy Modelling Guidelines that form the basis of the Vancouver Building Bylaw and BCBC Step Code Part 3 energy models.

Checklist

Step Code Part 3 Design Checklist

Focal developed the BCBC Part 3 Step Code Checklist to be used when submitting Step Code projects to municipalities across BC. An Advisory Committee provided input.

Guideline

Step Code Part 3 Design Checklist: User Guide

This User Guide accompanies the BCBC Part 3 Step Code Checklist, developed by Focal.

Video

Step Code Part 3 Design Checklist Training Videos

These explanatory videos walk through how to use the BCBC Part 3 Step Code Checklists, including case studies and tips. Watch the Video.

Article Interview

Does your home or office hold the key to solving the climate crisis? Experts say yes

Experts advocate for retrofitting existing structures and designing new ones to be energy-efficient and fossil fuel-free, presenting significant economic opportunities. Global News Interview with Focal Engineering's Susan MacDougall.

Presentation

eSIM Keynote: BC Step Code, 4 Years In

The BC Energy Step Code has been in effect for four years, adopted widely across the province. Susan MacDougall, Principal at Focal Engineering, will share insights on its impact, lessons learned, and how energy modelling in BC has evolved

Video

BC Energy Step Code Part 3 Energy Design Report Training Video

Focal was retained by the province to provide training on how to use the Energy Design Reports used to submit Step Code project results.

Conference

NHICE02 Conference: Designing Buildings for a Warming Climate

BC will experience significant changes in climate over the next several decades. Focusing on overheating and indoor air quality, this paper, Co-authored by Focal Engineering, presents a set of design principles, strategies and practices that can enhance building resilience to climate change and improve overall building quality and occupant comfort and health.

Video

Modelling the Future Climate in Passively Cooled Buildings

This video provides an overview of how designers can improve building resilience by considering the risk of overheating as described by the BC Energy Step Code for applicable projects. Watch Now

Guideline

Builder Insight 19: Modelling the Future Climate in Passively Cooled Buildings

This Builder Insight provides an overview of how designers can improve building resilience by considering the risk of overheating as described by the BC Energy Step Code for applicable projects. It includes a methodology for analyzing and reporting the potential for passively cooled buildings to overheat under future climate scenarios.

Conference Presentation

EcoCity World Summit 2019: Urban Design Safe and Affordable Housing: A Basis for Health and Sustainability

Susan co-presented with BC Housing colleauges on BC Housing's Journey Towards Social, Environmental and Economic Sustainability

Guideline

Step Code Design Guide Supplement for Overheating & Indoor Air Quality

The Design Guide Supplement on Overheating and Air Quality was published by BC Housing in collaboration with BC Hydro, the City of Vancouver, the City of New Westminster, and the Province of BC.

Conference Presentation

Creating Connections Conference: Tall Poppies

Women in STEM are told to "lean in" and be more assertive to get what they want, but in practice this may not be the most effective way to get ahead. This session will explore the issues with how confident women are perceived in the workplace.