Investigation of sustainable building practices for historic structures

The student is currently performing a study in Canada investigating the usability of thermostat interfaces with a focus on the differences between old and new devices. Working abroad enables the comparison of Canadian findings with German buildings/climate/interfaces. The student will work with the Fraunhofer Institute to develop state of the art approaches for the use of digital technologies to improve the energy performance of historic buildings. This includes, but is not limited to, the investigation and development of energy saving measures specific to different types of historic buildings, the application of user interfaces based on comparative analysis between German/Canadian contexts and a feasibility study for technology adaption in Canada. Germany provides the unique opportunity to investigate older buildings/interfaces, as well as explore the impacts of natural ventilation (not available in Canadian buildings due to cooler climate). Studying abroad will provide the student access to critical data that supports her comparative research.

Faculty Supervisor:

Liam O'Brien;Mario Santana

Student:

Partner:

Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Energy and Utilities; Technology; Sustainability & the Environment

University:

Carleton University

Program: