NSERC Smart Net-Zero Energy Buildings Strategic Network

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The NSERC Smart Net-zero Energy Buildings strategic Research Network (SNEBRN) proposed here will be based on a previous network: the NSERC Solar Buildings Research Network (SBRN), which completed its program at the end of 2010. The vision of SNEBRN is to perform the research that will facilitate widespread adoption, by 2030, of optimized NZEB energy design and operation concepts suited to Canadian climatic conditions and construction practices. We also aim to influence long-term national policy on the design of net-zero energy buildings and communities in association with our partners. Joining 18 researchers from SBRN will be 11 new researchers in the new Network's university team, making a total of 29 researchers from15 Canadian universities taking part in the effort. In addition there are partners from government and industry. Major partners include the CanmetENERGY laboratory of Natural Resources Canada, Hydro-Québec LTE (Laboratoire des technologies de l'énergie) and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. A broad range of industry partners is also planned, including the following: Philips (lighting and appliances, energy management), Alouette Homes and KOTT (prefabricated home manufacturers), Régulvar (building automation), Unicel (curtain walls), Canadian Solar (PV manufacturer) and Gaz Métro. We will train over 100 highly qualified personnel, thereby providing the leaders who will go on to join universities, industry and government and provide further innovations and work to overcome the barriers to our vision. The main network goal is to develop optimal pathways for achieving zero average annual energy consumption at both the building and neighbourhood levels. This will be achieved through combination of dynamic building methods that integrate a number of technologies: building-integrated solar systems, high performance windows with active control of solar gains, short-term and seasonal thermal energy storage, heat pumps and smart controls. In doing this, we will aim for simultaneous reduction of energy demands and shifting of peak loads through techniques such as predictive control operating both at the building and neighbourhood scales. Other Language Version of Summary (optional).