Watson Goepel at the 4th Annual Canada–Italy Green Building Forum at Buildex Vancouver 2026
Watson Goepel was proud to participate in the 4th Annual Canada–Italy Green Building Forum, held February 11–12, 2026, at the Vancouver Convention Centre West as part of Buildex Vancouver 2026, Western Canada’s leading building, construction, and real estate industry event.
Created and presented by the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Canada–West (ICCCW), with the support of the Consulate General of Italy in Vancouver, the Forum is the Chamber’s premier annual platform dedicated to showcasing advanced sustainable building solutions, green construction technologies, and smart city innovation from Italy and Canada.
What is the Canada–Italy Green Building Forum?
The Canada–Italy Green Building Forum is a bilateral industry event designed to connect Italian and Western Canadian companies in the building and construction sectors. Hosted on-stage at Buildex Vancouver, the Forum features:
- Expert-led presentations
- Real-world green building case studies
- Technical deep-dives into sustainable construction
- Smart city design insights
- Cross-border business networking opportunities
The event attracts top architects, engineers, developers, contractors, specifiers, designers, and international buyers seeking innovation in eco-conscious construction and LEED-certified building solutions.
Strengthening Canada–Italy Trade in Sustainable Construction
Our partner, Celso Boscariol, K.C., delivered remarks in his capacity as President of the ICCCW, highlighting the Chamber’s longstanding mandate to promote trade, investment, and commercial collaboration between Italy and Western Canada.
Founded in 1992, the ICCCW operates as part of a global network of more than 85 Italian Chambers of Commerce abroad and over 100 offices in Italy. With offices in Vancouver, Calgary, and Italy, the Chamber facilitates:
- Trade and economic missions
- International business delegations
- Participation in global trade fairs
- Customized market-entry support for Canadian and Italian companies
Mr. Boscariol noted that the Forum was originally inspired by Vancouver Economic Commission data identifying over $3.3 billion in green building market opportunities in B.C.’s Lower Mainland, alongside a recognized supply gap in sustainable building products in Western Canada.
By connecting Italian innovation in natural stone, HVAC technology, and high-performance building systems with Canadian developers and contractors, the Forum helps bridge that gap and accelerate sustainable development across the region.
He also emphasized the importance of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) in facilitating trade between Canada and the European Union, creating enhanced opportunities for cross-border collaboration in the green economy.
Featured Speakers and Industry Insights
The 2026 Forum featured distinguished speakers and sector leaders, including:
- His Excellency Alessandro Cattaneo, Ambassador of Italy to Canada, who reinforced the strength of Canada–Italy bilateral relations and the importance of cooperation in trade, innovation, and institutional partnerships.
- Alex Martyniak, Director of Trade Promotion & Business Development (ICCCW), who presented opportunities for Canadian design and construction professionals to connect with world-leading manufacturers through the “We Speak Stone” initiative and Marmomac 2026, the world’s leading natural stone trade fair in Verona.
- Kavinder Dhillon, Eng.L. and Anton Van Dyk of LabTest Certification Inc., who addressed certification pathways and removing regulatory barriers for the export of Canadian products into the European Union.
- Kambiz Pishghadam, Giacomini Canada, who explored how Italian sustainable HVAC innovation is reshaping Canada’s green and LEED building landscape.
- Chris Petrucci, Partner at Bennett Jones LLP, who served as emcee.
About Buildex Vancouver 2026
Buildex Vancouver is Western Canada’s largest building and construction trade show, bringing together:
- 8,000+ industry professionals
- 340+ exhibitors
- 200+ expert speakers
- 90+ accredited educational sessions
The event serves as a central hub for innovation in sustainability, building codes, construction technology, and workforce development across Western Canada.
Watson Goepel’s Commitment to Sustainable Development
Watson Goepel is honoured to support initiatives that foster international business collaboration, sustainable building innovation, and responsible economic growth.
As the demand for high-performance buildings, green infrastructure, and smart urban design continues to grow across British Columbia and beyond, cross-border partnerships like those showcased at the Canada–Italy Green Building Forum play a critical role in shaping a resilient and forward-looking built environment. We look forward to continuing our involvement in initiatives that strengthen international relationships and advance sustainable development in the communities we serve.
Disclaimer: This content is provided solely for informational purposes and is not intended for use in any legal proceeding. You should consult a qualified lawyer for advice tailored to your specific circumstances.