Project Ideas: Innovation and Infrastructure

Many of the University of Waterloo's campus buildings were built at a time when insulation, air sealing, and thermal bridging were not major concerns. Consequently, these buildings are not optimal for saving energy and are a large source of greenhouse gas emissions. How can we improve these buildings by prioritizing high-performance building envelopes?

The University of Waterloo has a large untapped potential for renewable energy production that can reduce peak electricity demand and greenhouse gas emissions. Renewable energy systems are an important solution to the climate crisis and can also reduce the power draw during the five peak demand days that impact electricity costs throughout the year.