BSAO News

In Memoriam: Professor Kim Pressnail

It is with great sadness that the Building Science Association of Ontario (BSAO) shares the news of the passing of Professor Kim Pressnail, a respected educator, researcher, engineer, and longtime contributor to Ontario’s building science community. 

Kim Pressnail was a Professor at the University of Toronto, where his work and teaching had a lasting impact on generations of students and professionals in the fields of building science, sustainable design, energy efficiency, and building performance. 

Within the BSAO community, Professor Pressnail will be particularly remembered as one of the driving forces behind the development of the Building Science Specialist (BSS) designation. His vision, expertise, and commitment to advancing professional education helped establish a designation that has become an important part of the building science profession in Ontario. 

His contribution went well beyond the development of a program or credential. Professor Pressnail believed deeply in strengthening the knowledge and professionalism of those working within the built environment and in connecting academic research and education with real-world industry practice. His efforts helped create opportunities for building science professionals to continue learning, develop their expertise, and contribute to better-performing buildings and communities. 

Professor Pressnail’s influence can be seen in the students he taught, the professionals he mentored, the research and initiatives he helped advance, and the building science community he worked so diligently to strengthen. 

On behalf of the BSAO Board of Directors, members, and the broader building science community, we extend our sincere condolences to Professor Pressnail’s family, friends, colleagues, students, and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. 

His contributions to building science education and to the development of the BSS designation form an important part of BSAO’s history, and his legacy will continue through the many professionals whose careers and work were influenced by his dedication to the field. 

BSAO is grateful for Professor Pressnail’s many contributions to our profession and our community. He will be greatly missed.