Grant: Technology Access Centre

With support from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, Red River College (RRC) willestablish the Centre for Building Envelope Performance (CBEP) at its main Winnipeg campus. The Centrewill significantly increase access to the College's facilities, equipment and expertise by Manitoba's buildingindustry, especially small- and medium-sized enterprises. Building envelopes have a major impact onconstruction costs, durability and appearance, maintenance and repair expenses, occupant comfort and health,as well as energy use of buildings. Issues in Manitoba driving the need for innovation in the design,construction, maintenance and repair of building envelopes include: ongoing building envelope problems andfailures; increased complexity driven by an expanding number of new materials and systems; new standardsand code requirements; a more aggressive provincial target to reduce building energy use; and growth indemand for building envelope commissioning. To address these concerns and issues, CBEP will supportinnovation in building envelope design and construction, conduct applied research and provide specializededucation and training. CBEP will serve design professionals; contractors and renovators; buildingdevelopers, owners and managers; building material/product manufacturers and distributors; buildingenvelope consultants, commissioning agents and other service providers; building code authorities; andindustry associations that represent these organizations and professions.