Reducing the energy end-use by a building, either commercial or residential, is an effective way to reduce electrical grid-strain and ultimately pollution from large energy producers required to meet the demand. Energy efficiency in buildings reduces the electricity demand of appliances, heating, cooling, lighting etc. Net-zero energy buildings incorporates energy efficiency with building design features, and energy production and storage (solar panels and batteries). The product is a house with zero net energy use annually.
Other strategies to reduce the effect buildings have on the electrical grid is to focus energy reduction techniques on the peak hours, when the grid is already experiencing large demand. Projects underway in this area at Carleton University include the Carleton Research and Innovation in Sustainable Energy (C-RISE) House – a full-scale research house to be built on Carleton University campus. Carleton University is also involved in the Solar Decathlon in collaboration with Queen’s University and Algonquin College. Solar Decathlon is a U.S. Department of Energy initiative for students to design, build and operate a solar-powered house. More information on Carleton’s involvement in Solar Decathlon can be found here.
Who is involved?
- Professor Ian Beausoleil-Morrison (Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering)
- Professor Cynthia Cruickshank (Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering)