Brian Shedden Memorial Award

Brian Shedden

Members are aware of Brian Shedden’s sudden passing on May 29, 2022. Brian was a special person, and he touched many people in so many ways. He will be missed for years to come.

The Building Science Specialist Board is honoured to create the Brian Shedden Memorial Award in his memory.

Brian was a champion of the BSS designation since its inception. He obtained his designation in 2005 and worked tirelessly to promote Building Science across the country, most recently as a member of the Building Science Specialist Board.  

The Brian Shedden Memorial Award recognizes outstanding contributions in the field of building science. The award will be presented to a BSS holder who, within the first 10 years of obtaining their designation, has made outstanding early-career impacts to the field of building science. 

If you know a building science specialist that that has made outstanding contributions to the field of building science within the first 10 years of obtaining their BSS designation, nominate them today.  The deadline for nominations is September 3, 2024.

Nomination Form


Brian Shedden Memorial Award - Winners

2022 - Russell Richman

 Russell Richman

Russell has been researching and consulting in the combined fields of building science and sustainable building for over 25 years.  Russell's interest in sustainable building stems from his years in between Master's and Ph.D. degrees, while working as an engineer at Yolles Partnership. During his tenure attending the University of Toronto, Russell had the unique opportunity to study a range of topics comprising building technology, construction, and standards. During his doctorate, Russell realized the implication of continuing to construct buildings to using current methods and standards - a failure to the needs of future generations.  

As a professor at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson), Russell has grown into a national expert on building science theory, building enclosure design, building enclosure materials, and building performance testing.  Russell currently is the Director of the Graduate Program in Building Science within the Department of Architectural Science at Toronto Metropolitan University.  

Russell is a researcher, engineer, and consultant. Using his experience in all three areas, Russell has the ability to develop innovative solutions to the complex problems facing society in the future - particularly the building industry.