Building Database Creation and Biomass Heating Opportunities in Nova Scotia

The primary purpose of this project is to create a database of buildings in Nova Scotia using ArcGIS that will be used as a foundation for driving small scale biomass heat development in the province. Starting with building footprint shapefiles, the intern will ensure the building shapefiles are up to date and complete. Then, with a focus on large buildings (commercial, small industrial, multi unit residential), the intern will work to estimate heat demand for each building (peak and annual) and add as much information as possible on building ownership and existing heating systems. Using this database, the intern will work alongside TorchLight’s Director of Planning to identify promising opportunities for bioheat development that TorchLight can then further pursue. The internship will also include an aspect of ‘on the ground’ research, where the intern will travel to targeted areas to look at the buildings and visually confirm to the extent possible information about heating systems (e.g., fuel types, heat distribution system, presence of heat pumps, etc.). Any travel using personal vehicle will be reimbursed by the partner organization. While the database will be the primary output from the internship, the intern will also learn about the role biomass bioheat and biomass energy more broadly, including bioenergy with carbon capture (BEECS), can play in supporting the forest sector and sustainable forest management and its role in the broader energy system through the transition to increased renewable energy.

Faculty Supervisor:

Michelle Adams

Student:

Partner:

TorchLight Bioresources (NS)

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Dalhousie University

Program: