Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

Sensus Design and Build Inc. is an integrated design and build firm that provides architectural design, interior design, and construction management services to clients across Southern Ontario. The current standard in the lumber industry is either conventional wood lumber or non-structural wood-plastic composite lumber that is used primarily for outdoor furniture or outdoor decking. As such, there is currently no sustainable alternative that combines the natural characteristics of fibrous wood lumber with the mechanical strengths of recycled thermoplastics - a product that could be used to enhance the structural design and integrity of homes in a sustainable way. *Sensus intends to collaborate with Lambton College's Centre for Industrial Material Development to use recycled industrial/consumer plastics to manufacture Thermoplastic Lumber that will allow a home's core infrastructure to be created entirely out of recycled material. Plastics can be used as fiber reinforcements to replicate the naturally occurring fibers found within wood lumber. Using such a sustainable alternative will negate the typical drawbacks associated with wood lumber such as moisture and mold damage, degradation rates and negative environmental impacts.*At Sensus, they believe producing an alternative to conventional wood lumber will not only provide superior design options to clients, it will satisfy the standard for wood lumber and revolutionize the construction and lumber industry, as Canada continue to move towards an environmentally conscious future. *