NSAC’S TREEhouse lets the sun shine in!

It’s all blue sky and sunshine for NSAC’s TREEhouse which recently underwent a solar analysis to determine the building’s capacity to generate passive solar energy. The analysis was completed as part of an on-campus project to convert an older style split-level dwelling into an energy efficient and eco-friendly office space.

“We are delighted to work with Green Power Labs,” said Dr. Kenny Corscadden, NSAC’s Industry Research Chair in Farm Energy Conservation. “The analysis showed us the impact of adding south facing windows, an estimated reduction of 20 per cent in energy use per year, but also the importance of providing shade in the summer to reduce cooling costs. This analysis has allowed us to make informed decisions about simple placement of windows and structure to provide shade,” he added.

Green Power Labs completed the analysis using building design and energy simulation to determine expected energy use, losses and passive solar capabilities at TREEhouse.

"We are extremely pleased to be involved in the TREEhouse project,” said Dr. Alexandre Pavlovski, President of Green Power Labs. "Our comprehensive knowledge and inter-disciplinary skills support our clients' investment in clean, reliable and affordable energy.”

“Specifically the analysis demonstrated energy gained by locating windows on the east, south and west sides of the building and the importance of managing summertime solar gain. As well, the analysis also demonstrated the energy value of simply turning down the building temperature when unoccupied.”

Pavlovski added that a review of on-site energy generation at TREEhouse is the next logical step.

"Our solar energy generation analysis uses our proprietary mapping technology and reviews site specific factors such as orientation, slope and shading to recommend the best on-site location for installation of solar panels,” he added. “The analysis includes design, cost and expected energy output in relation to energy consumption; this impartial information is needed for TREEhouse to decide if an investment in clean energy technology makes both financial and environmental sense.”

Green Power Labs is a company of world class solar experts working from offices in Halifax, Canada, Adelaide, Australia and Lugano, Switzerland on projects spanning the globe. Green Power Labs utilizes unique and proprietary technologies for mapping, monitoring and forecasting solar radiation and solar power generation to create innovative, financially sound and environmentally friendly energy solutions for communities, utilities and the built environment.

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.

TREEhouse stands for Technology for the Responsible use of Energy and the Environment.