One group of researchers will make the most of the University of Toronto’s energy retrofits on its three campuses in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The research project, entitled “Wellbeing and The Built Environment: a New Framework for U of T Campus Building Performance Assessment Assessment”, will be co-led jointly byMarianne TouchieAssistant professor in the Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering. He aims to set a new standard in holistic building performance.
We want to inform retrofit by trying to link certain aspects of the built environment with wellness outcomes for the people living and working there, saysTouchie.
The U of T Engineerings Dean Strategic Fund is supporting the project.John Robinson, a professor at Munk School of Global Affairs & Public PolicyThe School of the EnvironmentAlstan JakubiecAssistant professor at John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design.Blake PolandThe Dalla Lana School of Public Health associate professor, Dr.. Ron SaportaU of Ts chief operational officer, Property Services and Sustainability
Researchers will use sensors to measure indoor temperature and quality, and an app to receive real-time feedback from residents of buildings.
Touchie states that one of the most exciting aspects of the study is the testing of a technique called Photovoice. We will ask respondents for photos of campus-built elements that affect their well-being.
The project will assess economic and environmental benchmarks. It also intends to measure the effects of these retrofits upon people living and working in these buildings.
Touchie says this is a complex topic that involves many aspects, including the individual, the space and the building. All these factors can impact how an inhabitant feels. Previous research has focused on thermal, visual, and indoor air quality alone. We are trying to bring them all together in a common framework.
The Earth Sciences Centre is seen from Huron Street. This is one of the locations that researchers are planning to study (photo byChris Thomasmaidis).
Touchie will be working with her collaborators to develop the assessment approaches. They expect to begin pre-retrofit assessment in early 2023.
These retrofits are meant to reduce greenhouse gas emission to mitigate climate change, and reach U.Ts climate-positive-by-2050 goalTouchie says that through this project, we hope to find ways to use retrofits to also make people positive. Retrofitting spaces will improve comfort, productivity, and health for students as well as staff and faculty.
