Grant: College and Community Innovation Program

Red River College of Applied Arts, Science and Technology will establish a Sustainable Infrastructure Technology Research Group (SITRG). This group will build upon the resources, experience and capabilities resident of the Centre for Applied Research in Sustainable Infrastructure (CARSI), the College's first dedicated applied research facility. Established with support from the Canada Foundation for Innovation, as well as community and regional partners, CARSI is dedicated to sustainable infrastructure research activities concerning construction and building technology. CARSI and Manitoba Hydro recently completed an 18-month research project in which the CARSI facility featured a full-bay mock-up/prototype of the double-skin curtain wall for Manitoba Hydro's new corporate headquarters in Downtown Winnipeg, which is one of the most energy-efficient commercial building in North America. Based on the very positive outcomes from this project, as well as increasing interaction, input and projects involving small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMEs), it is clear that there is both need and demand in the region for applied research in building science, with special attention to Northern and cold climate applications. Therefore, the SITRG will study novel technologies and methods that are intended to improve the energy performance of new and existing buildings in Manitoba. Applied research activities will be concentrated on four areas: building envelopes; mechanical and renewable energy systems; building performance monitoring; and reducing the embodied energy of buildings. Impacts of this initiative will include the greater availability of graduates with relevant applied research experience; greater interaction and responsiveness to industry, especially SME's; new and enhanced collaborations and partnerships; and new and/or improved building technologies, suitable for Northern and cold climates. These impacts will enhance the ability of Manitoba's building sector to reduce energy use and thereby contribute to provincial and national efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.