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Phase I of NSAC's TREEhouse reaches completion
Bible Hill, NS - NSAC continues to be a leader in alternative energies and environmental sustainability issues with the completion of the first phase of its TREEhouse - an on-campus project to convert an older style split-level dwelling into an energy efficient and eco-friendly office space.
TREEhouse stands for Technology for the Responsible use of Energy and the Environment. The building now benefits from passive solar, recycled insulation, energy efficient lighting, recycled flooring and paint, recycled roofing materials and exterior siding produced from locally sourced wood products. Phase I of the three-phased project focused on the initial renovation to produce a useable space.
“The TREEhouse is on schedule with Phase I complete, Phase II to be completed by summer 2011 and Phase III to be completed by this time next year. It is turning out even better than expected. It demonstrates the potential that sustainably designed buildings can have,” said Dr. Kenny Corscadden, NSAC’s Industry Research Chair in Farm Energy Conservation and the project’s leader.
The house has been broken down into three zones separated by lighting type, insulation type and wall thickness. Researchers will have the ability to monitor each zone in real time to measure light use, airflow, as well as heating and cooling requirements. The individually controlled electrical circuits will allow comparison of the performance of a range of different materials and products.
Recycled roofing material, called “EnviroShake” has been selected. These shingles are made from recycled rubber products. The siding chosen for the house is a 100 per cent wood product sourced locally through Marwood. This product is a natural, sustainable product.
New wiring was installed with more efficient lighting and the ability to monitor and control temperature, humidity, light levels and control energy use in different rooms of the house. Different types of lights were installed to allow comparison between compact fluorescent bulbs, LED bulbs and fluorescent tube lights.
“For future experiments and construction this opens the door to the different models and materials that can be used to increase efficiency,” added Corscadden.
The house was wrapped and insulated with two different types of insulation. The east side of the house has walls that are six inches think and are insulated with insulation batts made from recycled pop bottles. The west side of the house has eight-inch thick walls and is insulated with traditional fiberglass batts.
Sensors have been installed in the walls of each zone to provide the ability to evaluate the insulation properties and performance of the different insulation types. The paper portion of the board is made from recycled paper.
“This project started because we needed more student space and wanted to use this house as a tool for teaching and experiment in the possibilities of sustainable designs. It is well on its way to becoming a great accomplishment and success for both NSAC and its research teams,” said Corscadden.
NSAC is a specialized university that cultivates learning and research, focusing on improving and sustaining our environment for the health and well-being of society.
For more information visit nsac.ca/treehouse
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