Lessons from 25+ Decarbonization Projects in BC

Across Western Canada, organizations are increasingly seeking practical pathways to reduce energy consumption, meet greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets, and renew aging building systems. At Prism Engineering, we’ve supported clients through this transition for years, completing numerous decarbonization projects across commercial, institutional, government, and recreational facilities.

Last October, Robert Greenwald, President of Prism Engineering, shared field‑tested insights at the 2025 Engineers and Geoscientists BC (EGBC) Annual Conference in Vancouver. They were drawn from our review of over 25 major projects, from recreation centres and airports to academic campuses and office towers. The findings reveal clear patterns in what drives success, where challenges typically emerge, and how organizations can confidently move toward low‑carbon operations.

Below are five practical lessons property managers, building owners, and operators can apply immediately.

Lesson 1 – Start with stakeholder engagement and clear visioning

Across nearly every project reviewed, effective early engagement proved to be one of the predictors of success. Operators, capital planners, sustainability staff, finance teams, and tenants each bring unique priorities.

Visioning workshops, which were used successfully at the Abbotsford Recreation Centre (ARC), Langara College, and multiple municipal facilities, build alignment around GHG goals, risk tolerance, capital constraints, and long-term renewal needs.

This upfront engagement produces decision making frameworks that guide all subsequent phases, helping clients avoid misaligned expectations, costly redesigns, and operational resistance later in the process.

Lesson 2 – Use detailed assessments to understand true carbon pathways

Deep Carbon Retrofit (DCR) and Low Carbon Electrification (LCE) studies allow organizations to evaluate holistic system interactions, understand technical constraints, and identify the most effective sequence for measures to be implemented. The sequence of measure implementation should take into account factors such as remaining equipment life, emissions reduction per dollar invested, and energy cost savings. The optimal pathway balances these factors while still allowing the organization to meet goals and targets.

At the ARC, for example, Prism modelled four different decarbonization pathways: from like for like replacement to full heating systems integration. The selected option delivered an estimated 73% emissions reduction by recovering waste heat from the ice plant and natatorium and distributing it through a new low temperature heating network.

Similarly, at the Canadian Rockies International Airport, an audit revealed that heat pump failures were rooted not in equipment quality but in control sequencing and system configuration. Through targeted design changes and buffer tank integration, Prism restored the intended operation and delivered an estimated 80% GHG reduction on-site.

Left to right: Thermal storage tank and the exterior/interior interconnecting piping at the Abbotsford Recreation Centre.

Lesson 3 – Strategic phasing reduces risk and unlocks opportunity

Most existing facilities cannot execute deep decarbonization all at once. Phasing spreads capital, reduces disruption, often aligns with asset renewal cycles, and at times can help improve the business case.

Langara College exemplifies this approach through its multi-year decarbonization roadmap: a deep retrofit of its oldest building, followed by a central heating plant and district energy loop, domestic hot water electrification, and future campus-wide heat recovery integration. This long-term strategy allows the College to sequence investments and maintain service continuity while pursuing a 2030 decarbonization vision.

Quamichan School followed a similar phased roadmap to align upgrades with capital cycles and minimize disruption. Meanwhile, at 2110 W 43rd Avenue, a building that houses small businesses and the Pacific Spirit Community Health Centre, a staged approach enabled incremental electrification and heat recovery while maintaining service and budget discipline.

Lesson 4 – Apply integrated, operator friendly design

Across projects, several themes consistently emerged as critical for long-term performance:

  • Keep designs simple, particularly for heat recovery chillers, low temperature hydronic systems, and variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems, and document clearly and completely to avoid misunderstandings.
  • Validate all assumptions through functional testing and commissioning, including actual heating and cooling loads, heat pump sensitivity to supply water temperature, and coil performance.
  • Design for constraints, tight mechanical rooms, limited electrical capacity, heritage structures, and required occupancy.
  • Prioritize operator usability, clear building automation system graphics, intuitive controls, and accessible components.

The Hillcrest Community Centre retrofit in Vancouver illustrates the value of these principles. Prism resolved long standing heat recovery failures by redesigning piping, installing larger pool heat exchangers, simplifying controls, and integrating heat recovery into domestic hot water production. The result: over $92,000 in annual energy savings and 700 tonnes of COe reduction per year.

Lesson 5 – Commissioning and long-term optimization are non-negotiable

Decarbonization projects interact with existing systems in complex ways. Continuous commissioning and monitoring across seasons are essential to achieving projected performance. Projects such as Hope Recreation Centre, 650 W. Georgia and Kitsilano Community Centre (PDF) reinforced the need for:

  • Availability of all parties during commissioning.
  • Clear control specifications (not assumptions).
  • Sufficient training and documentation for operators.
  • Flexibility to respond to unanticipated on-site conditions.
  • Commissioning not over one day, but over multiple seasons

Left to right: Piping connecting campus buildings, heat exchange pump, and connecting pipes between buildings during construction at Langara.

What these lessons mean for your organization

Decarbonizing existing buildings can be complex, but it also offers major opportunities: lower operating costs, reduced emissions, renewed systems, and even improved comfort. Prism Engineering’s work across BC shows that success doesn’t depend on a single technology. It comes from the right mix of planning, technical rigour, and engagement of people.

Get the details

Want to dive deeper? Download the slide deck (PDF) presented at the EGBC session to explore project data, visuals, and summaries referenced in this article.

If your organization is exploring how to reduce carbon emissions while renewing aging infrastructure, or you’re just curious to learn more about our approach, our team can help you chart a clear, actionable, and cost-effective path forward.

Let’s Talk

Prism is here to support your organization’s success.

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Deep Carbon Retrofits
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Our 20+ Years Partnership with Langara College
Vancouver School Board | Recommissioning


Banner image: Engineers and Geoscientists BC Conference and AGM, Photographer Wendy D Photography (image modified by Prism Engineering).

Supporting BC Hydro in Helping Organizations Unlock the Value of Demand Response

As electricity demand continues to rise, driven by population growth, electrification, and extreme weather events, organizations across British Columbia are looking for practical ways to manage their electricity use more effectively.

BC Hydro’s Demand Response program offers a powerful solution by temporarily reducing or shifting energy consumption during peak periods. By participating, organizations can not only support the resiliency and efficiency of the grid but also earn financial incentives while improving their energy savings.

What is demand response and why it matters?

Demand response programs help organizations:

  • Lower operational costs through financial rewards.
  • Reduce strain on the grid during peak heating or cooling periods.
  • Contribute to sustainability and climate action goals.
Practical tools to help sectors get started

To help sectors better understand how to take part in BC Hydro’s Demand Response Behavioural program, Prism collaborated with BC Hydro to develop a series of succinct program participation overviews for several key sectors:

  • School buildings
  • Post-secondary education facilities
  • Commercial office buildings
  • Government buildings
  • Hospitality buildings
  • Municipal buildings
  • Public hospitals
  • Retail buildings

Designed for busy facility managers, operations teams, and decision-makers, these resources explain what demand response means, why it matters, and how different building types typically respond.

To illustrate demand response in action, each overview also includes a sector-specific case study that describes practical, implemented strategies and the results they achieved in real settings.

How Prism adds value: Turning opportunity into actionable strategies

Understanding how to participate effectively in demand response can be complex. Every building operates differently, and identifying what actions are possible, and what benefits they will bring, requires a technical and strategic approach.

Prism Engineering helps organizations:

  • Model their hourly electrical load profile using historic utility data.
  • Identify practical demand response strategies tailored to their facilities.
  • Quantify potential energy savings, financial incentives, and operational impacts.
  • Align demand response program participation with sustainability and electrification goals.

With over 35 years of experience in energy management and a deep familiarity with BC Hydro’s programs and requirements, we help clients make informed decisions that align with their operational needs and sustainability goals.

Get started

The program participation overview documents are available on BC Hydro’s Demand Response Behavioural webpage.

If your organization is interested in exploring how demand response could work for your facilities, our team is ready to help.

Contact Us

Prism is here to support your organization’s success.

Read more about our services
Decarbonization Planning
Energy and Carbon Audits
Low Carbon Electrification

Read more about BC Hydro’s demand response program
Demand response for business

Maia Penco Reflects on 15 Years at Prism

We’re excited to celebrate Maia Penco’s 15th anniversary at Prism!

From joining us as a junior drafter to becoming an Associate and Senior Mechanical Designer, Maia’s journey reflects growth, curiosity, and meaningful contributions to our team and clients. We sat down with her to reflect on the path that brought her here, her most memorable projects, the mentors who shaped her career, and the advice she has for the next generation of mechanical designers and engineers. We hope you enjoy this conversation with Maia.

Question: Why Mechanical Design?

Maia: The truth is that it chose me. My original plan was to become an architect, but I started with engineering, thinking it would give me a strong foundation. I didn’t realize it would lead me exactly where I was meant to be. Mechanical design has inspired and challenged me in ways I didn’t expect.

Q: Can you describe your career path at Prism?

M: I began as a junior drafter right after university. Driven by curiosity, dedication, and a willingness to learn, I gradually moved from working on the computer to and project management. With the support of incredible mentors, I’m honored to now be an Associate at Prism, and I strive to pay it forward by supporting others in their careers.

Q: What is the most memorable project you’ve worked on?

M: Every project has a unique story. But one challenged me more than any other—a renovation of a two-storey building that required major HVAC, water, and sanitary upgrades. We even had to lift the entire building to install piles. This one will forever stand out for everyone involved.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at Prism?

M: Prism has always felt like an extension of my family and aligns with my core values. Successes are celebrated collectively, and I find unwavering support during challenging times.

Q: Any fun facts or memorable experiences?

M: Fun fact: I interviewed my current team leader, Stephen Kooiman, when he applied for a role on our team. I had the pleasure of asking him about his career goals and technical skills. He soon became my mentor and continues to support my growth today.

Q: What career advice would you give to recent graduates?

M: Integrity will set you apart. Show up for your clients, colleagues, and yourself, even when challenges feel overwhelming. Consistency, determination, and reliability build a strong foundation for long-term success. And don’t forget to have fun! Always stay open to laughter and exploring new things along the way.

 

Maia set to play bowling with the rest of the Mechanical Team as part of our Spring
Team Event series in 2025.

 


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35 Years of Making a Difference | Prism’s Journey Toward a More Sustainable Future
Celebrating Women in Engineering

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Major International Coffee Brand | Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing (MEP) Consulting
Richmond Hospital | HVAC Upgrade

Practical Tools for Better Buildings: Prism Supports NRCan on Building Optimization Resources

As buildings age, their systems often fall out of tune—resulting in unnecessary energy consumption, increased maintenance costs, and diminished comfort. Building optimization through Existing Building Commissioning (EBCx) helps building owners and operators make informed decisions to optimize their systems and improve performance across lighting, HVAC, and other energy-intensive equipment.

Sharing our expertise with NRCan

At Prism, we’ve spent over 35 years helping Canadian organizations identify and implement energy-saving opportunities through building optimization. We’re proud to bring this experience to our collaboration with Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), contributing to a new set of educational factsheets designed to empower building professionals across the country.

“The factsheets will help raise awareness and education among building owners and operators when deciding to optimize existing building systems,” says Sam Thomas, Principal and Strategic Energy Management Team Leader at Prism.

Prism was selected by NRCan to develop five factsheets, each highlighting a key opportunity for improving the performance of existing buildings. These resources can be accessed through NRCan’s EBCx webpages, which feature a wide range of tools to support building optimization efforts across Canada.

They are also available here for direct download:

These factsheets provide best practices and guidance for owners and operators navigating building performance improvements, whether they’re working independently or with consultants.

“If they are working with consultants, the factsheets can also offer them guidance on what needs to be done and things to look for in the reports,” Sam adds.

Prism Engineering staff in conducting various energy audits and system analysis.

Prism engineers and technical specialists conducting various building and energy audits.

Experience in 1,000+ building audits

The content in these resources draws directly from the on-the-ground experience that Prism’s multidisciplinary team has built up over the years. Our engineers and technical specialists have worked on more than 1,000 building audits—totaling over 73 million square feet.

Prism is also one of the most active service providers in BC Hydro and FortisBC’s Continuous Optimization Program (C-Op). We’ve delivered more than 300 C-Op projects—representing approximately one-third of all C-Op projects approved by BC Hydro.

“The factsheets reflect our experience on what has and hasn’t worked in these projects, as well as trends we’ve seen in the industry and how they might help operators,” Sam explains.

New EBCx pre-screening tool

In addition to the factsheets, Prism has worked with NRCan to create an updated version of the EBCx pre-screening tool, which will be available soon through NRCan’s EBCx webpages. This new user-friendly tool will allow building owners and operators to enter information about a portfolio of buildings and quickly identify which ones are most suitable for existing building commissioning. It’s designed to streamline planning and help users prioritize where optimization efforts will have the greatest impact.

Moving from insight to action

Whether you manage a single building or an entire portfolio, tuning up your systems through existing building commissioning can uncover meaningful opportunities for energy and carbon savings. The new factsheets are designed to make that path clearer—providing trusted guidance to help you act with confidence.

Explore the EBCx factsheets or connect with our team to learn how you can get started.

 


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Continuous Optimization | Unlocking Low-Cost Energy Savings

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Existing Building Commissioning (EBCx)

 

 

Prism Recognized for Environmental Impact at the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade Business Distinction Awards 2025

Prism Engineering is proud to be named one of the finalists in the Environmental Impact category at the GVBOT Business Distinction Awards 2025, an event that celebrated leadership and innovation across the region’s business community.

The awards ceremony, held on October 30, featured a short video highlighting our journey — from our early involvement in BC Hydro’s Power Smart program in the 1990s to our current work supporting organizations in improving energy efficiency, decarbonization, and reducing their environmental impact.

“We’re proud of the role we’ve played over the past 35 years in helping organizations across the region take meaningful action toward a more sustainable, low-carbon future,” says Robert Greenwald, President of Prism Engineering. “It’s rewarding to see our work recognized alongside so many other organizations making a positive impact in British Columbia.”

Congratulations to our fellow finalists in the Environmental Impact category — Novex Delivery Solutions, Renewal Development, and the category winners, SenseNet, for their incredible work on early wildfire detection!

Watch the video featured during the awards ceremony to learn more about our story and how we’re helping Change Systems for a Better World:


Prism is here to support your organization’s success.

Interested in making the most of your energy use and reducing your carbon footprint?
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Decarbonization Planning
Energy and Carbon Upgrades
Transportation Decarbonization Planning
Sustainability Engagement

Prism Wins Two ASHRAE Awards for Low-Carbon, High-Performance Building Design Systems

We’re thrilled to share that Prism has won two ASHRAE BC Technology Awards for the year 2024-25, recognizing excellence in sustainable building performance!

The award-winning projects are:

  • First Place in Region XI and BC Chapter Award – Warrington 9850 King George Boulevard – Continuous Optimization Implementation (Commercial Buildings EBCx Category)
  • BC Chapter Award – Hope Recreation Centre – Heat Recovery System (Existing Institutional Buildings Category)

The ASHRAE BC Technology Awards recognize organizations that are advancing the built environment through proven, innovative design and operational strategies that enhance comfort, air quality, and energy performance. These awards highlight how engineering expertise can help organizations meet climate goals while reducing operational costs.

Prism Engineering staff

Left to right: Nick Carter, Electrical EIT; Alison Bodine, Intermediate Electrical Designer; Iram Green, Principal and Energy Team Leader; Tim Aske, Associate and Senior Energy Engineer; Stephen Kooiman, Principal and Mechanical Team Leader; and Sewa Odufuwa, Energy Management Professional.

Innovation in building decarbonization and energy efficiency

For Warrington PCI Management, Prism led a Continuous Optimization (C-Op) implementation at 9850 King George Boulevard, a 15-storey LEED Gold–certified office tower in Surrey, BC. Following a BC Hydro Continuous Optimization (C-Op)–funded recommissioning study, Prism implemented advanced control upgrades and ventilation system improvements to restore reliable heat pump and heat recovery operation, reduce reliance on district energy, and enhance overall energy efficiency.

“This project shows how even high-performing buildings can benefit from ongoing optimization,” says Sewa Odufuwa, Energy Management Controls Specialist at Prism. “Through smart control strategies and collaboration with the client, we were able to significantly improve system performance while reducing operating costs and emissions.”

For the Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD), Prism implemented a new CO2-based heat recovery system to replace aging infrastructure and improve overall energy performance at Hope Recreation Centre. The new system captures waste heat from the ice plant and redistributes it to heat the pools, under-slab area, and other building spaces, significantly reducing natural gas use and operating costs.

This project builds on a previous Low-Carbon Electrification (LCE) study conducted by Prism for FVRD and demonstrates the long-term value of integrated energy planning and design.

“The Hope Recreation Centre project is a great example of how collaboration and long-term planning can transform a community facility,” says Tim Aske, Associate and Senior Energy Engineer at Prism. “By reusing waste heat, we’re not only reducing emissions but also improving comfort and lowering costs for years to come.”

Advancing sustainable building performance

This year’s awards add to previous awards Prism has won over the years and reflect our ongoing commitment to helping clients improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and renew assets for a more sustainable future.

Congratulations to the teams involved — and a big thank you to our clients for their collaboration and trust!

Awards highlights
Warrington PCI Management – 9850 King George Boulevard

9850 King George Boulevard office tower

Service: Continuous Optimization (C-Op) Implementation
Building: 15-storey, 137,000 sq. ft. LEED Gold office tower in Surrey, BC
Main goal: Improve system reliability, enhance heat recovery, and optimize controls for consistent, efficient operation.
Estimated results: 84% reduction in annual fuel costs and a decrease of 208 tonnes of CO2e per year.

Read the case study

9850 King George Boulevard, Surrey, BC. Photo: Google Earth.

Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD) – Hope Recreation Centre

Hope Recreation Centre ice rink construction

Service: Heat Recovery System
Building: Ice rink, 25-metre leisure pool, hot tub and sauna, fitness spaces, and community rooms.
Main goals: Implement a heat recovery system to reduce GHG emissions and energy consumption across aquatic and ice arena spaces.
Estimated results: $25,200 in annual energy cost savings and a reduction of 88.7 tonnes of CO2e per year.

Read the case study

Hope Recreation Centre ice arena, Hope, BC. Photo: Prism Engineering.


Prism is here to support your organization’s success.

Interested to learn more?
Connect with our Energy Team Leader

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Building Controls
HVAC
Low Carbon Electrification
Recommissioning and Retro-commissioning

See project examples
Justice Institute of BC New Westminster Campus | Controls Upgrade
UNBC | Continuous Optimization Recommissioning
Vancouver School Board | Recommissioning

Prism Welcomes Two New Associates

We’re pleased to welcome Emma Harrison and Shannon Hardman as the newest Associates at Prism!  

Their commitment, expertise and passion for energy management make them valuable additions to our Leadership Team.

At Prism, Associates play a vital role in shaping our company’s future—leading business initiatives, mentoring emerging professionals, and nurturing our culture of care and collaboration. Emma and Shannon embody these values, and we’re thrilled to have them help drive our mission forward.

Prism Engineering Associate and EIT Emma Harrison

Emma Harrison joined Prism in 2023 as an Energy Management Engineer-in-Training. She brings experience in municipal climate action and has an academic background in mechanical engineering and industrial ecology. At Prism, she has contributed to energy audits, low-carbon electrification projects, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions pathway studies across various sectors.

Prism Engineering Associate and Senior Strategic Energy Management (SEM) Coach Shannon Hardman

Shannon Hardman joined Prism in 2021. Based in Kamloops, BC, she brings over 15 years of experience in climate change and Strategic Energy Management. As a Certified Energy Manager, she has led energy performance initiatives across more than 140 civic facilities and developed tools to enhance client energy management programs.

We’re excited to see Emma and Shannon continue to support our clients in achieving their energy and sustainability goals.

Meet our Principals and Associates to learn how our Leadership Team can support your organization’s energy journey.

 

 

Prism Expands Its Presence on Vancouver Island

Our presence on Vancouver Island has reached an exciting new milestone — Prism local team has moved into a larger office in downtown Victoria! The new space at 204 – 1005 Broad Street reflects both our expanding team and the increasing demand for engineering, energy management, and sustainability services across the Island.

“We have supported clients on Vancouver Island for decades,” says Robert Greenwald, President of Prism Engineering. “Establishing a full-time office in Victoria two years ago was a natural next step as our work and partnerships on the Island continued to grow. This move into a larger space reflects both the expansion of our team and the growing opportunities to support clients locally. We’re excited to be even closer to our clients and partners as we continue to build on that momentum.”

More space to collaborate

Map of downtown Victoria, BC, showing 1005 Broad Street.The new 754-square-foot office occupies a unit in one of Old Town Victoria’s most iconic heritage buildings — the Weiler Brothers Warerooms, built in 1883–84. With a meeting room, kitchen, and shared amenities like a rooftop patio and bike room, the office provides a comfortable and collaborative space for our local team to connect, innovate, and deliver results for clients.

“Having a physical presence on the Island allows us to respond quickly to site requests and connect more directly with our clients,” says Adam Franklin, Associate and Vancouver Island Branch Leader. “Our clients value the opportunity for more face time and stronger local relationships — it helps us deliver solutions that truly meet their needs.”

A multidisciplinary team

Prism Victoria office staff: Adam Franklin, Shelby Tay, Haydn MacLean, Christine Obee, and Ross Hilliard.

With more projects and opportunities emerging, our local team is well-positioned to support organizations advancing their energy and decarbonization goals. Together, they bring a mix of skills, local knowledge, and passion for delivering practical, sustainable solutions to our clients.

The team also benefits from cross-office collaboration, working closely with colleagues in our head office in Burnaby and branch office in the Kootenays, ensuring clients receive the full breadth of Prism’s expertise.

Meet our Vancouver Island team:

Left to right: Adam Franklin, Associate and Vancouver Island Branch Leader, Shelby Tay, Communication and Design Specialist, Haydn MacLean, Mechanical Consultant, Christine Obee, Engagement Specialist, and Ross Hilliard, Energy Engineer. Not shown: Vaibhav Parmar, Electrical Engineer-in-Training.

Key local initiatives shaping a low-carbon future

With our new office and growing team in place, we’re proud to be contributing to meaningful work that’s shaping a more sustainable future for clients and communities across Vancouver Island. Among the projects that will have lasting local impacts are the EV Ready Fleet Plans and Charging Strategies for BC Ferries, the Capital Regional District (CRD), and Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District #68; mechanical upgrades for the Cedar Hill and Pearkes recreation centres and Saanich Municipal Hall; and Electrical Planning Reports for local stratas in Saanich.

Each of these initiatives contributes to reducing carbon emissions and advancing a more sustainable, energy-efficient future for local communities.

Stop by to say ‘hello’!

Ready to advance your energy and decarbonization goals? Contact our Vancouver Island team today and discover how we can deliver tailored solutions for your organization.

Whether you’re in Victoria or anywhere across Vancouver Island, we’d love to connect! Stop by our new office for a catch-up, a coffee, or to discuss how we can support your next project.


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Electrical Planning Report (EPR)
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Recommissioning and Retro-commissioning
Transportation Decarbonization Planning

Learn more about other projects on Vancouver Island
BC Ferries | Terminals Power Quality Review
Millstream Village | Power Factor and Quality
Nanaimo Regional General Hospital | Vulnerability Risk Assessment
Nanaimo’s Federal Building (BGIS) | BOMA Best Certification
School District #79 Lake Cowichan | Biomass Boiler

Lighting the Way: Andrew Munro Retires After 31 Years at Prism

This September, we say goodbye to a colleague, mentor, and friend, Andrew Munro, Senior Electrical Designer, who is retiring after 31 years at Prism.

Four men standing in an office hallway.If you’ve had the chance to work with Andrew, you know he’s more than his job title, he’s a trusted advisor, a practical problem-solver, and one of the leading authorities in lighting and electrical systems auditing and design in British Columbia. His work has not only shaped the careers of many young designers at Prism but also positioned us as a respected firm in the field.

Andrew joined Prism just seven months after Casey Gaetz, Electrical Team Principal. Together, they laid the foundation of our Electrical team, driving innovation that continues to benefit our clients and communities. Over the decades, their collaboration led to innovations like custom tools for electrical evaluation and specifications for low-voltage lighting control systems, solutions that have supported smarter design decisions, improved building performance, and set new standards for energy-conscious engineering across BC.

Left to right: Brian O’Donnell, Founder, Casey Gaetz, Principal,
Andrew Munro, and Robert Greenwald, President.

Making an impact through design

Throughout his career, Andrew contributed to countless projects that brought him excitement and professional fulfillment. Among the most meaningful were his long-standing work with Vancouver Coastal Health and Fraser Health, where he played a central role in delivering lighting upgrades, conducting reviews, and setting standards across dozens of buildings and sites.

These projects spanned decades and allowed Andrew to collaborate with diverse teams to solve complex challenges and improve energy efficiency on a large scale. He also played key roles in award-winning projects like the Richmond Olympic Oval Event Hall Lighting Upgrade and the Vancouver Convention Centre Exhibition Areas Lighting Upgrade, both recognized in 2019.

The ‘Ballroom’ at the Vancouver Convention Centre and basketball courts at the Richmond Olympic Oval.

A philosophy of work

What set Andrew apart was his thoughtful and disciplined philosophy of work. He often reminded colleagues that “you’re only as good as your last project,” a mantra that kept him striving for excellence on every assignment and delivering consistent value to clients.

“You need to have fun with the work, experiment, and stay disciplined. Technology can give you clues, but you also must learn to trust your instincts,” he says. For him, projects were never just about technical results—they were about curiosity, growth, and creating meaningful outcomes for people and places.

“Backed by solid engineering practices, Andrew brings together the ability to look at issues from a practical perspective. He has been able to show clients the practical nature of designs and how they are best suited to meet their needs,” says Casey. “Andrew also has had a sharp eye for documentation, always ensuring every detail is clear so clients understand exactly what their projects require and can move forward with confidence,” he adds.

Andrew at Prism’s first office on Hastings Street,
Burnaby, sometime in the mid 1990s.

Dedication to clients

Andrew’s devotion and unwavering commitment to client success have been a hallmark of his career.

“Andrew has always been dedicated to looking after clients, making sure the right solutions are chosen and that installations meet both best practices and code. His commitment to doing what’s best for clients has set a high standard for our team,” says Robert Greenwald, President of Prism Engineering.

Looking ahead

Outside of work, Andrew is always chasing new challenges, from Tae-Kwon-Do to motorcycling. In retirement, he plans to continue exploring his family history, with hopes of uncovering new stories on a trip back to the United Kingdom.

From all of us at Prism: Thank you, Andrew, for more than three decades of client-focused design, technical excellence, and mentorship. You’ve left buildings, teams, and clients stronger, smarter, and more sustainable—and that’s a legacy worth celebrating!

Andrew looking cool for the camera.


Prism is here to support your organization’s success.

Interested to learn more about Andrew’s work at Prism?
30 Years of Bright Ideas: A Chat with Andrew Munro

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Electrical Services

Explore the Latest BOMA Enspire Webinar Highlights

If you haven’t yet explored the BOMA Enspire Program’s 8-session webinar series, now is the perfect time to catch up on the highlights. We’ve released four condensed videos—available both on our YouTube channel and embedded in this page—to give you a sense of what each session covers and highlight the key takeaways.

The series is designed to help building owners and property managers uncover opportunities for energy savings, carbon and water reduction, and sustainable building operations.

Webinar 1: A Practical Methodology for Energy Efficiency and Carbon Reduction

Robert Greenwald, President of Prism Engineering, and Stephen Dixon, Principal at TdS Dixon Inc., introduce the series with a structured approach to energy management that can drive energy, cost and carbon savings in existing buildings.

Webinar 2: Low-Cost Opportunities including Existing Building Commissioning (RCx)

Richard Senez, Energy Management Professional at Prism, and Stephen Dixon, Principal at TdS Dixon Inc., share practical, low-cost strategies to enhance building performance through operational improvements, recommissioning and smart diagnostics.

Webinar 3: HVAC and DHW Electrification Opportunities

Sam Thomas, Principal and Strategic Energy Management Team Leader at Prism, and Stephen Dixon, Principal at TdS Dixon Inc., explore how to identify electrification opportunities, maximize heat recovery, and align HVAC upgrades with long-term asset planning.

Webinar 4: Deeper Retrofits Through Building Envelope Upgrades

Sam Thomas, Principal and Strategic Energy Management Team Leader at Prism, and Stephen Dixon, Principal at TdS Dixon Inc., discuss how upgrading roof, walls, and windows can enhance energy efficiency, improve occupant comfort, and reduce heating and cooling demands in buildings.

Watch all the videos on YouTube
Not a participant of BOMA Enspire yet?

These are highlight sessions only. To watch the full webinar recordings, enroll in the BOMA Enspire Program. Applications are open until October 31, 2025 — but funding is limited and reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Learn more about the program and how Prism can help

What’s next?

New highlight videos will be uploaded to our YouTube channel following each webinar. Registration is already open for the upcoming session, “Deeper Retrofits through Building Envelope Upgrades,” co-presented by Sam Thomas and Stephen Dixon on September 10th, 1–3 pm EDT.

Focusing on the building envelope, this session examines how roof, wall, and window upgrades can drive deep retrofits and improve both energy efficiency and occupant comfort, while reducing demand for heating and cooling.

Register now


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Energy and Carbon Audits
Green Building Certification
HVAC
Recommissioning and Retro-commissioning
Sustainability Engagement

Learn more about BOMA Enspire
Download BOMA Enspire’s Program Guide (PDF)