Environmentally
Sustainable Construction in Kamloops
Mark
Miller
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Summary Statement:
The purpose of
this research project is to determine the viability of bringing new, affordable
housing to the city of Kamloops that meet the requirements of the R-2000
standard in environmentally sustainable construction. There’s no question that
energy efficiency is one of the most effective ways to reduce the cost of
living. In a society that puts an emphasis on going green and reducing
footprint, is it possible to turn the R-2000 standard into simply the industry
standard? The goal of this project is to prove that it is. By becoming familiar
with the requirements of R-2000 certification and with the products available
in the current eco-friendly construction industry, it can be determined whether
or not this task is feasible. Through research and analysis, and ultimately the
design of an average home outfitted with this technology, an environmentally
friendly and cost effective housing solution can be achieved.
Purpose:
A
project of this nature can continue to positively impact the industry well
after a conclusion has been drawn. If it is indeed possible to produce quality
homes that are also eco-friendly and cost effective, then the only thing left
to do is expose the process. If the results yield a negative result, that it
isn’t feasible to make these homes, then at the very least the root of the
problem can be proven, and from there work towards a solution can begin. A
problem with a lot of new, green technology is that it is considered to be
obscure and risky from the perspective of both the owner and the contractor.
The goal of this project is to prove that it isn’t risky, and that both
homeowner and builder can prosper from its implementation. The result is a
happy home-owner, and a positive impact on the environment for years to come.
Goals and Objectives:
The
goal of this project is simple, to prove that it is economical to produce homes
that meet the R-2000 standards. The R-2000 initiative has been around for
decades, and “represents the leading edge in cost-effective housing technology”
(Natural Resources Canada, 2012). If it is indeed
the leading edge in cost effective construction, why is it not implemented in
all residential development? This is a question I hope to answer over the
course of my research. What barriers prevent this technology from being more
commonplace throughout the industry, and how can they be overcome? After
gathering enough information a design can be proposed, using the City of
Kamloops as a general site. This project is not a proposal for new construction
in Kamloops, but rather an attempt to prove the viability of R-2000 homes in
terms of cost, and provide a sample project incorporating these concepts.
Methodology and Analytical Approach:
The
bulk of research to be done is on the R-2000 standards, eco-friendly materials,
and on the site (general to the City of Kamloops). By design the R-2000
standards act more as guidelines, allowing the builder to choose the
appropriate materials for the job, so long as the resulting building meets the
grade. Nonetheless the standards can be found at this URL: http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/new-homes/r-2000/standard/16118.
I plan to attend the Build-Ex conference in Vancouver to learn more about the
newest products on the market, ask questions, and hopefully find materials to
use in my design. Lastly I plan to do some research into the type of
construction in Kamloops, and attempt to estimate the average cost of a local
home. Ideally I would also like to acquire statistics on the energy consumption
in Kamloops, to use as a measuring stick against my own design.
After gathering
enough research I will be prepared to design the “model affordable,
environmentally friendly home” for Kamloops. The home will be able to support a
family of four. It will meet the R-2000 standards, and its value will be
competitive on the current construction market. My hope is to prove that being
environmentally friendly and conserving energy is realistic and cost effective.
The general consensus I’ve gotten when on the topic of adapting
eco-friendliness into our lives is that it isn’t practical, and that the cost
to buy in is always greater than the return. It is this mentality that prevents
us from moving forward with green technology, and this research project is to
be a step in the right direction towards positive change.
Plans for Dissemination of Work:
Throughout
the project I will be using a blog, which will keep track of my progress as I
reach certain goals. It will also provide a way for me to get feedback on what
I’m doing from my peers. Using the suggestions and ideas of others I can improve
my research techniques, gain more knowledge on the task at hand, and ultimately
improve my final product. By sharing my blog through social networks like
Facebook and Twitter I can seek a wider audience.
Contribution to Academic Goals:
I
see this project as a way to test myself on what I have been learning during my
studies in the ARET (Architecture and Engineering Technology) program. My goal
upon the completion of this project is to gain confidence in applying what I
learn. I am constantly exposed to new “revolutionary” technologies that aim to
change the construction industry, to which I have always had the questions “Is
it possible to change? Is it feasible?”. From these questions came the concepts
for my project. I know the technology exists for us to change, but I want to
prove that the average person can afford to make the change in their life, and
present the benefits of doing so. Using the resources I have, and additional
resources outlined in the budget, I aim to conduct the research necessary to
educate myself on the subject thoroughly. I will design the project based on my
research, using Autodesk Revit software.
Currently
I’m finishing my second year of the ARET program. Within the next year to two
years I will be ready to graduate start looking to establish a career. A
project like this will give me valuable experience in a professional
atmosphere, setting and achieving goals and producing results. I’m anxious to
begin applying what I’ve learned from my time at school, and this is a great
opportunity to prove to myself that I’m following the right path.
