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CNC Applied Research collaborates on insulation project



The College of New Caledonia’s (CNC) Applied Research and Innovation has collaborated with Twin Maple Group to research the use of aluminum reflective foil insulation as replacement for poly vapor barrier in wall building systems.

The study involved measuring the energy consumption required to heat two identical sheds at CNC’s Prince George campus.

The calculated energy savings associated with the shed using reflective foil was approximately five per cent compared to the shed using a traditional poly vapor barrier, according to CNC’s Applied Research and Innovation acting director Sorin Pasca.

“Those were potential energy savings from space heating structures built by the latest standards for wall system insulation (R-22) for the residential building sector in northern BC,” he said, in a news release. “However, it is expected savings to be considerably higher, approximately 10 to 20 per cent, when upgrading existing, old houses, with an effective insulation value of the wall assemblies of R-10 or lower.”

The project offered a holistic approach to the way research is conducted at CNC. Students and faculty from CNC’s carpentry program helped build the two sheds, while Facilities Services hosted the experiment in the residence parking lot and an international student played a part in the collection on energy data.

“This project was a unique opportunity for Applied Research and Innovation to test the collaborative capacity between various departments at CNC,” Pasca said.

The project was funded by a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council Engage Grant for colleges and will benefit Twin Maple by expanding its market potential.

“It was a pleasure working with CNC on this project,” said Twin Maple manager Les Friesen. “The Applied Research and Innovation department truly understood radiant energy and the effect reflective insulation had in saving energy.”

The technical report generated by this study has been featured in Construction Canada magazine, January 2018 issue, page 42. It can be currently accessed online at: https://www.constructioncanada.net/publications/de/201801/index.html

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