Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

Green building activity has been gaining popularity in recent years, and as a result many residential construction companies are switching their focus to sustainable construction materials and energy efficient structures. Despite these initiatives, and the emerging industry and consumer demand for sustainable materials, other environmental challenges such as construction waste are often overlooked, leading to adverse environmental, economic and social impacts. Innovative infrastructure projects that minimize construction waste through design, such as structural insulated panels, play a key role in protecting public health and natural ecosystems. The objective of the new partnership between Collège Boréal and Tooketree Passive Homes is to conduct a feasibility study for the development of an innovative structural insulated panel, the eco-digital wall, that will improve the energy performance of buildings while reducing construction waste. If the study is successful, Tooketree Passive Homes will have a new cutting-edge sustainable product to integrate into its residential construction projects. This new product will contribute to the commercial and economic development of the company and will allow it to further differentiate itself within the construction industry. Supervised by a Collège Boréal professor, students participating in the project will gain new knowledge of diverse building equipment and materials in an experiential applied research and learning setting.