DESIGNING BUILDINGS THAT GENERATE MORE POWER THAN THEY USE

With a focus on net-zero energy buildings (structures that produce at least as much energy as they consume over the course of a year), we're making a difference through applied concepts and ongoing research. Institutes such as the Centre for Zero Energy Building Studies are working to reduce the environmental impact of buildings while enhancing their safety and comfort. 

Solar energy is increasingly a key component of an integrated system that approaches net-zero energy consumption in buildings. As a part of its larger efforts to make solar energy more affordable and practical, Concordia instituted the Solar Simulator - Environmental Chamber laboratory. The facility is able to test solar products with full simulated sun in indoor and outdoor conditions. 

Reducing the carbon footprint of our structures will require the incorporation of AI solutions that can control a building’s critical functions. By adjusting lighting, heating, AC, window blinds and other utilities based on the activities of those inside a building, these Occupant Centric Control (OCC) systems can have wide-ranging effects on overall energy costs.

What do you get when you combine engineers, biologists, artists, philosophers and policy experts? An interdisciplinary effort that forms a core tenet of how the university is looking to solve the challenges faced by our cities. Bodies such as the Next-Generation Cities Institute provide an open, flexible and horizontal structure to help support solutions that draw from experts in a variety of fields.