How the Carleton Sustainability Team is Empowering Cornwall to Combat Climate Change

Canadian summers are getting hotter, and in Cornwall, Ontario, many homes aren’t coping well. The subsidized housing units face challenges like poor insulation and reliance on old natural gas furnaces, which contribute to climate change.

To tackle this issue, Cornwall turned to a group of students from Carleton University’s Sustainable Energy graduate program. They were tasked with finding solutions to retrofit over 100 townhouses to improve efficiency.

Daniel Rosenbloom, a professor leading the project, highlighted the unique blend of policy and technical expertise in the program. “We combine engineering and social insights to create actionable solutions for climate challenges,” he explained.

The students, including engineering student Akkash Elagampalayam Dhanabal, were keen to help. “Our goal was to cut greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with Cornwall’s target of net zero emissions by 2050,” he noted. They analyzed studies and conducted research to devise practical solutions.

Working alongside their peers Echo Xie and Guy Brodsky, the team proposed significant upgrades. They suggested a mass retrofit for homes with adequate electrical capacity and a smaller heat pump retrofit for others. Improvements to the building envelope, including better insulation and cellular shades, were also recommended to reduce heating and cooling demands.

In a presentation to the Cornwall city council, the team estimated the project would cost around $2.4 million. However, it was projected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an impressive 80%. “This aligns with our climate action goals,” said Stephen Romano, head of Cornwall’s environmental services. “We’re dedicated to moving forward with this initiative.”

The students collaborated closely with Jesse Good, chair of Cornwall’s Environment and Climate Change Committee. Good, an alumnus of the program, sought out students for their innovative approaches to real-world challenges. “They provide fresh, creative solutions that can actually be implemented,” he stated.

For the students, this hands-on experience was invaluable. Xie expressed satisfaction in addressing real community issues. “We get to see the real challenges faced by our partners and apply what we’ve learned to make a difference,” she said.

This project demonstrates not only the power of education but also how collaboration can lead to meaningful environmental change. As cities like Cornwall strive to reach ambitious climate goals, initiatives like this show that the youth are ready to contribute.

Recent studies indicate that cities focusing on sustainable retrofitting can significantly lower emissions and improve living conditions. According to a report from the International Energy Agency, retrofitting homes can reduce energy consumption by up to 30%. As more communities prioritize eco-friendly solutions, the ripple effect could inspire similar efforts across Canada and beyond.

For more details on sustainable practices and their impacts, you can visit the International Energy Agency.

Source link