b'BCBEC FOUNDATION AWARDS PROFILEBCBECFOUNDATION AWARDS PROFILE:Desmond WanBy Justyne EsseryE very year, the BCBEC Education Foundationapplications. That led me to pursue more opportunities where I awards scholarships to post-secondary studentscan have the most impact on building design and operation.with high academic performance in building science programs across B.C. In 2019, BE:What role has BCBEC played in supporting your career?Desmond Wan received a $1,500 award whileDW: BCBEC has supported my career in providing an avenue of working towards his Master of Engineering inresourcesfor example, their magazine and webinars allow me to Building Science at the British Columbia Institute of continue my knowledge and keep up to date in building science-Technology (BCIT).related topics. Also, the fundamental fact that BCBEC gave me After graduating in 2020, he joined Zenith Commissioning asan award and financial [support] during my BCIT studies, which a commissioning provider. BCBEC Elements recently caughtI was thankful for.up with him to discuss his career so far and what lies ahead. BE: What are your career goals for the future?BCBEC Elements: Tell us about your role at Zenith. DW: I hope to continue expanding my knowledge of building What does your day-to-day look like? science and using this knowledge to help the industry expand test standardizations, specifically the aforementioned integrated fire Desmond Wan: As a team, [my colleagues and I] help ensureand life safety testing and room pressurization testing for internal that buildings are being designed and delivered to theirpartitions, especially in hospital settings. In terms of room pres-fullest potential, in terms of both an energy and operationalsurization testing, this hasnt been standardized in the industry, so optimum. Part of that comes from work such as participatingweve been working with mechanical contractors [on that]. Were in design reviews, working with the design team to ensure thathopeful for room pressurization testing standardization at least in the design is meeting both performance and client intentionsB.C., but hopefully Canada, especially in hospital settings.and participating in commissioning meetings to ensure theresBE: Do you have any advice for people who want to enter the coordination between trades. In addition, Im participating [in]building science industry?writing and making test plans for room pressurization testing for hospital applications (namely isolation rooms and operatingDW: Building science is a multi-disciplinary industry, although theatres) and the recent CSA-S1001 integrated fire and lifepeople tend to think that its just about building envelopes or safety testing standard.energy modeling. You can choose to be a specialist or a generalist in building science, but Id say that itd be nice for people to have BE: What drew you to building science? an overall perspective on how buildings in general operate [in DW: I was always drawn to building science because of myterms of] design, construction and operational aspects. You also interest in sustainability, knowing that buildings take up a highneed to have an inquisitive mind, because building systems are percentage of our yearly energy demand. This led me to pursueinherently complicated and understanding systems is built on different roles to understand both the creation and usage ofcontinuous learning. Finally, having some boots-on-the-ground energy. For example, when I was in my undergrad, I had thefield experience can bring a new perspective, even if you are opportunity to work in a co-op for a utility company, learninginterested in a building science career where you arent involved how energy is generated and transferred for consumer use. Afterin active day-to-day construction.my undergrad, I worked for Schneider Electric as the validationFor more information on BCBEC Foundation awards, nomination and verification engineer for thermostat and lighting controlcriteria and how to apply, visit bcbec.com/bcbec-foundation/awards.SPRING/SUMMER 2022 21'