Sustainable Buildings Canada (SBC) has announced the appointment of Brynn Nheiley as its new executive director, effective November 12, 2024. A visionary leader dedicated to sustainable development, Nheiley joins SBC with a commitment to expanding the organization’s reach and strengthening its impact across Canada’s built environment.
With an extensive background in both public and private sectors, Nheiley brings invaluable expertise in urban and rural planning, climate change mitigation, and sustainability practices. Her appointment marks an exciting new chapter for SBC, as Nheiley’s leadership philosophy is firmly rooted in partnerships and shared knowledge. By engaging the collective expertise within SBC’s networks, she aims to lead transformative change and strengthen the adoption of sustainable building practices nationwide.
Most recently, Nheiley has served as the executive director of Community Planning, Regulation & Mobility for the City of Burlington. In this role, she led pivotal urban policy, mobility, and development initiatives, focusing on responsible growth that integrates both environmental and social values. Her previous experience in architecture, including contributions to key transit projects for the Toronto Transit Commission such as the design of the Union Station subway platform and intermodal connections, and various healthcare (LEED Silver certified Tideview Terrace Long Term Care Facility in Digby NS) and educational facilities (LEED Gold certified Carles P. Allen High School and Community Centre in Halifax NS), lends her a holistic view of the built environment.
“I’m thrilled to be joining SBC and to build awareness about the critical role the organization plays in advancing the development of sustainable building practices,” says Nheiley. “As a municipal planning and architectural professional, I believe there are tremendous opportunities to help the building community close the gap on making impactful change by leveraging SBC’s deep knowledge base, outstanding network of building professionals and hands-on workshops designed to provide objective solutions to realistic building challenges.”
Nheiley’s announcement comes after an extensive search to replace executive director and SBC co-founder Mike Singleton, who announced his decision to retire at the end of 2024.
“We’re at a critical crossroads in our fight against climate change as we urgently move toward implementing practical solutions to reduce carbon emissions,” adds Singleton. “Brynn’s ability to forge impactful partnerships and advance SBC’s mission will be instrumental as we work together to support healthier communities and resilient systems in Canada.”
With degrees in Architectural Science from Toronto Metropolitan University and Planning from Dalhousie University, Brynn’s multifaceted perspective aligns with SBC’s mission to connect communities of learners, practitioners, and leaders committed to sustainable solutions. She is eager to elevate SBC’s influence within the sector, providing platforms to foster innovation, share best practices, and drive collective action toward a sustainable future.
