Research Proposal

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.