March 10th, 2023
As part of our FYDP/Capstone 2023 spotlights, we’re excited to introduce "JAMS Engineering Inc." from the Environmental Engineering team: Adil Nawaaz Gulam, Sujeethan Vigneswaran, Madeleine Myles and Jane Montgomery!
Explain your project in one sentence
Our team is developing the design of a green freight corridor along Highway 401 to support the conversion of 5% of existing freight vehicles from diesel to electric power (or “drive trains”) to meet Ontario’s emission target for the year 2030. The proposed infrastructure plan supplements the increased demand on Ontario’s electric grid by supporting charging stations with solar energy and battery storage systems. Ranging from diesel trucks to electric vehicles with charging stations, they are to be supported by solar energy and battery storage systems.
What has been the best part of your project so far?
It has been valuable to research and propose a solution to a complex problem that we wouldn’t get to explore through the courses in our discipline. Additionally, it has been exciting to collaborate with members in the industry, as well as with each other as a multi-disciplinary team.
What are the biggest challenges you've faced during the project?
As transitioning to zero emissions freight is of interest to many sectors of the Government, considering the different elements of policy, planning, and technology feasibility has been challenging. Connecting with members of the industry has given us insight into the many layers of this problem that make it complex.
How does your project improve human lives and/ or our planet's health?
Our project will result in an estimated emissions reduction of 48.8MT CO2e from Ontario’s transportation sector. This will help to achieve the project’s ambitions of decreasing total emissions by 37% from the 1990 levels by the year 2030. Additionally, this project will directly improve the lives of those located in proximity to Highway 401 by reducing the quantity of harmful pollutants in the air and thus improving air quality and human health.
What's next for your team members (ie: working full-time, looking for a job, starting a business, etc).
Our team is comprised of members with a large range of different interests spanning from programming to chemistry to geotechnical engineering. Some members of JAMS Engineering Inc. will be continuing their education by pursuing a master’s degree, and some members will be beginning their careers by entering directly into the workforce.