The construction sector currently ranks as one of the top global consumers of raw materials, responsible for 25 to 40 per cent of the world's carbon emissions. A large contributor to this footprint is Canada, generating four million tonnes of construction waste annually. In response, experts are widely championing the Circular Built Environment (CBE) approach, which extends the lives of building materials, supports the adaptive reuse of existing structures, and advocates for designs that adapt to future societal needs. But is Canada ready?
Building Tomorrow: Circular strategies for Canada’s urban future will bring together a global panel of experts to tackle the business challenges and opportunities of evolving Canada’s built environment toward circularity. This complimentary virtual event, designed for professionals in the built environment sector, will showcase the latest insights, strategic practices, and innovative approaches essential for driving profitable and sustainable transformation in Canada and beyond.
About the speakers
Enlai Hooi
Panelist | Head of Innovation, Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects
Enlai Hooi is Head of Innovation at Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects. An internationally recognized and acclaimed architect and industrial designer, he specializes in merging engineering with circular design to tackle complex built environment challenges. Enlai leads the firm’s sustainability initiatives and collaborates with Perkins+Will on thought leadership in adaptive transformation, circular construction, materials health, and change management. His broad expertise in architecture, design, climate, and engineering enables him to communicate effectively across professions, including representing Danish Industry at prominent conferences such as the UN Climate Conference.
David Messer
Panelist | Director, Climate Smart Buildings Alliance
David Messer is the Director of the Climate Smart Buildings Alliance (CSBA), a cross-industry initiative involving EllisDon, RBC, Mattamy Homes, AtkinsRealis, CIBC, and Wesgroup to accelerate the transition to net-zero buildings. Previously, as Executive Director of the Guelph-Wellington Smart Cities Office, David led two initiatives aimed at accelerating the circular economy: Our Food Future, an Infrastructure Canada funded smart cities project, and COIL (Circular Opportunity Innovation Launchpad), a circular business accelerator. A dedicated leader in his field, David has extensive experience in policy and systems change with the Governments of Ontario and Alberta, industry associations, and as a private sector consultant.
Hazel Sutton
Panelist | Senior Director, Sustainability, JLL Canada
Hazel Sutton is the Senior Director of Sustainability at JLL Canada. With over 12 years of experience in NGOs, government, and commercial real estate, Hazel is committed to enhancing the environmental, social, and economic performance of real estate assets. A collaborative leader, she excels in fostering synergy among stakeholders to develop impactful strategies that deliver long-term value for building owners, managers, and investors. Hazel currently leads efforts to achieve clients’ decarbonization, circularity, and ESG goals. Her team strives to embed a culture of sustainability across all aspects of a property’s operations and management, making sustainability truly business as usual.
Tima Bansal
Moderator | Founder & Lab Leader, Innovation North | Professor, General Management, Sustainability & Strategy
Tima Bansal is an award-winning, globally recognized expert in strategy and sustainability. She is a Professor of Sustainability and Strategy at Ivey Business School and the Founder of Innovation North, an initiative aimed at advancing sustainable business practices. Tima also established Ivey’s Centre for Building Sustainable Value and the Network for Business Sustainability. Her research is frequently published in top journals and media outlets; she has co-edited two books; and regularly contributes a column in Forbes. Tima holds honorary doctorates from the University of Hamburg, Université de Montréal, and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. She is also affiliated with the University of Cambridge and Monash University.
