Office of Sustainability

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2011-2012 University Of Calgary Scope 3 Ghg Inventory
(2013) Lee, David
This research project conducts a Scope 3 GHG Inventory for the University of Calgary for the operating year 2011-12 using the World Resources Institute (WRI) Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Accounting and Reporting Standard in order to identify the Scope 3 GHG footprint from university operations. Emissions from Scope 3 sources are important because they can make up to 75 percent of the total GHG footprint for an organization. Scope 3 is a relatively emerging category of emissions, and currently there is only a small amount of literature and guidance available. The previous inventory conducted in 2008-09 relied heavily on the Clean-Air Cool-Planet carbon calculator and generic calculation tools; however, this year’s inventory attempted to use emissions factors and data that provided a more accurate representation of the operating environment for the University of Calgary. This inventory shows a 45 percent increase from the last inventory with the largest source of emissions coming from student and staff commuting. In addition to calculating Scope 3 emissions for the University of Calgary, the report identifies some of the challenges in applying this type of reporting standard to a higher educational institution and recommends improvements required to continue to advance the quality and accuracy of Scope 3 reporting for the university in the future. This report finds that improvements in data quality and collection, development of improved reporting standards as well as emission factors and methodology that represent the local operating environment of the university will improve reporting in the future.
Open Access
A Case Study on the University of Calgary EEEL Building Large Diameter Earth Tube System
(2012-12-20) Tan, Li Li; Love, Jim
Building heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems use large amounts of energy. Finding ways to lower that could lead to notable energy savings and reduced emissions. Earth tube (ET) systems preheat/precool ambient air by directing it through the ground to exploit the relatively stable subsurface temperatures. The technology has been applied in several countries in North America, Europe and Asia. A 1.2 m inner diameter two-duct ET system at the University of Calgary was studied. The temperature in soil surrounding the ducts was monitored for twenty months. Data were collected and analyzed to evaluate the temperature change of soil surrounding the ducts. It was initially planned to determine if there is a net drawdown of heat in surrounding ground in very cold climates, or if the heat is largely replenished by inflow. However, due to the reverse airflow problem in the south duct, the research was limited to the stabilization of soil remote from the building effect.
Open Access
Beehabilitation on Spaceship Earth
(2018-09-07) McLernon, Dylan; Eiserman, Jennifer; Leblanc, Jean-René; Hardy, Michele
“Spaceship Earth” is an enclosed ecosystem where the survival of all crew members depends on our ability to coexist (Ward). Currently, important life support systems on Spaceship Earth are malfunctioning due to human neglect. One result of this malfunction is the rapid decline of fellow crew members such as bees. Humans rely on bees to help pollinate over one-third of our food supply. Thus, our survival is inevitably linked to bee health. With all crew members of Spaceship Earth in mind: What could an ecological space look like where human beings live harmoniously and productively with bees? Beehabilitation on Spaceship Earth is an eco-art initiative that is focused on engaging citizens as actors towards the study and ecology of Calgary’s urban bumblebee populations. In a collaborative effort with Dr. Ralph Cartar from the department of Bioscience, small ceramic sculptures called Bumblebee Domiciles have been designed and field tested. As part of my graduate exhibit in the Nickle Galleries, Bumblebee Domiciles are being offered to the public for free. People who choose to take a Bumblebee Domicile are expected to take part in a community-based art project, to answer five questions about the sculptures functionality. Beehabilitation utilizes Research Creation as an overarching methodology, underpinned by Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) and Relational Aesthetics. Supporting methods include observation, field testing, and collaboration. My research is contextualized within an eco-art philosophy to minimize negative impacts on the planet, while maximizing positive impacts for bees. Preliminary findings from Dr. Ralph Cartar’s field tests show a forty-percent occupancy rate in Tree Domiciles. The importance of native bee ecology on Spaceship Earth cannot be overstated. Beehabiltation will educate the public about urban bee populations and ways to create mutual spaces for humans and bees.
Open Access
Birds, Buildings and LEED Mitigation Design at the University of Calgary Campus
(2014-05-05) Wood, Jessica Suzanne; Draper, Dianne
This appears to be the first study at the University of Calgary to assess bird collisions with buildings. Through an exploratory approach the intention was to gain an understanding of birds colliding with buildings at the university. Bird collisions were documented at the University of Calgary during the 2013 spring and fall bird migration. Only five birds were found to collide with four building structures. The low sample size posed challenges in undertaking statistical analysis. This research contributes a new vegetation density matrix and additions to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Pilot Credit 55. The information in this study may be built upon in order to conduct confirmatory research that accurately determines the extent of bird-building collisions at the University of Calgary and will, in turn, contribute to conservation of resident and migratory bird populations.
Open Access
Cogeneration in a deregulated environment
(2001) Sporea, Serban Iosif; Rao, Nutakki D.
Open Access
Communicating Sustainable Food: Connecting scientific information to consumer action
(2014-07-03) Godfrey, David Matthew; Feng, Patrick Shiao Tsong
This thesis investigates the consumer behaviour impact of communicating environmental impact data. Using the Theory of Planned Behaviour and communication techniques from the behaviour change literature, I developed a campaign to communicate the water footprint of entrées at a university dining hall. I collected sales and production data and administered attitude surveys before and after the campaign’s implementation. In addition, I conducted qualitative interviews to explore how individuals interpreted, understood, and used the science-based information communicated. Based on available data, the campaign failed to change food purchase decisions and, over the course of the experiment, students’ attitude scores actually grew less positive toward choosing foods with low water footprints. Interview results suggest that the campaign’s effectiveness was hindered by the overpowering nature of convenience and important food attributes such as flavour, as well as a disconnection between abstract water footprint data and students’ own definitions of environmental sustainability.
Open Access
Composting yard and food waste at the University of Calgary: an action plan
(1991) Burnett, K. H. Margaretha; Ross, Grant A.
The purpose of this MOP was to develop a composting program for the yard and kitchen waste generated at The University of Calgary. Recycling has begun to play a larger role in the functioning of the University in general, through paper and pop can collection programs; composting .was seen as a logical next step. Composting complements recycling programs by returning organic matter to the soil where it is reused in the synthesis of new plants for food, feed, clothing, and energy production. It is one of the oldest ways of soil improvement, and one requiring only enthusiasm and low .. levels of technology to produce noticeable improvements in plant growth. A comprehensive discussion of composting processes and systems precedes detailed project descriptions. There are three interactive projects which are designed. to build upon one another, though they can be implemented singly as well. Project Windrow involves waste generated by Grounds staff, food waste from Food Services, and food waste from Family Student Housing units. This waste is collected and processed into compost in a windrow. Project Worm involves waste generated by Family Student Housing gardeners in their garqen plot. This waste is added to a specially-constructed worm bin where vermicomposting occurs over the summer. Project Edu-Compost addresses the larger problem of explaining and promoting the composting process to u•niversity staff, students and faculty.
Open Access
Computational Modelling of the Wind Flow over the University of Calgary Campus
(2015-09-04) Mohamed, Mohamed; Wood, David
This thesis investigates the issues pertaining to computational wind resource in the urban environment. The effect of trees on wind distortions above the roof of a 15-m high building was modelled via sink and source terms in the momentum, k and ɛ equations. The results from the simulations showed mean wind speed above the roof was not a monotonic function of ratio of tree-to-building height. Further, the trees reduced k over the roof via reduced production. Stagnating turbulent flows occur in an urban setting and the over-prediction of k with the standard k-ɛ turbulence model is ameliorated with a formulation of the eddy viscosity that eliminates the dependence of the production term on the components of the mean strain rate. The new turbulence model, MW, improved predictions for k over the roof of a simulated building. Its predictions for mean wind speed and k improved further with blending functions. The MW was tested on flows over a rough 2D ridge and a 3D hill and compared with the SST and k-ɛ . The MW showed good predictions for k relative to experiments at the crest of the 3D hill and also portrayed a feature that does not allow the flow to relax too quickly downstream of the 3D hill unlike the SST and k-ɛ. The behaviour of simple RANS models along a stagnation streamline of a normal at plate in a wind tunnel were compared with experiments. All models over-predicted k and the important terms in the k budget while large changes to k do not affect the mean velocities. The most accurate of the models was the ω-based Reynolds stress model. A simulation of the wind flow over the University of Calgary campus was undertaken to assess the likely regions for siting wind turbines and photovoltaic modules. The effect of the terrain and the many trees on the campus is shown to be significant for the wind resource over the roof of a six-storey building. The choice of turbulence models is not critical if the purpose of the simulations is to identify regions for further exploration via wind speed measurements.
Open Access
Contribution of the University of Calgary Institutional Sustainability Strategy to the Sustainable Development Goals
(2020-08) Gomez Blanco, Andres; Herremans, Irene; Keogh, Áine
This project addresses the following question: to what extent does the University of Calgary Institutional Sustainability Strategy (ISS) contribute the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Recent studies do not report the contribution of the higher education sector to the SDGs. Also, the use of frameworks and guidelines is not clearly stated. This research gap is addressed by applying the SDG Compass steps to the ISS and reviewing the U of C’s materiality matrix. The findings demonstrate that the Compass serves as a tool to identify the ISS contribution. Besides, the materiality matrix is a key driver in determining the material aspects in the ISS scope. Six SDGs, eight targets, and nine indicators comprise the Strategy’s contribution with specific actions regarding education, clean energy, innovation, responsible consumption, and climate change. Finally, 25 indicators were designed to measure the ISS contribution from 2020 to 2021.
Open Access
Creating a hybrid landscape: the re-design of Bamfield Marine Station
(2002) De Jong, Jeffrey; Brown, John L.
Open Access
Demand Controlled Ventilation: Use in Calgary and Impact of Sensor Location
(2012-09-06) Lachapelle, Annie-Claude; Love, James A.
Demand controlled ventilation (DCV) is used to reduce the amount of energy required to condition outdoor air introduced into a building based by monitoring occupancy. This thesis reports the hours DCV is used in an existing building in Calgary. Results showed DCV was used approximately 20% of annual fan operating hours when paired with an air-side economizer and just over 60% when a heat recovery wheel was part of the system. A Simulink model was built to compare the performance of two currently used DCV approaches based on carbon dioxide readings (CO2-DCV). The model showed positioning a sensor in the supply air duct (SACO2-DCV) to serve multiple zones of a re-circulating system maintained lower CO2 levels when occupancy varied between rooms than if the sensor were in the return-air duct (RACO2-DCV). The model showed these lower CO2 levels were due to SACO2-DCV over-ventilating spaces relative to typical requirements.
Open Access
Energy conservation and human behaviours: the professional faculties building in the University of Calgary
(1997) Wong, Sheila S. M.; Ross, William A.
Open Access
Environmental Policy, indicators, and reporting: the University of Calgary experience
(2001) Adair, Leah N.; Herremans, Irene
Open Access
Evaluation Of The University Of Calgary Cogeneration Plant
(2015) Lessoway, Steve
With greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity of electrical power in Alberta being among the highest in Canada, facilities are adopting cogeneration technology to achieve reductions in GHG emissions while also benefiting from decreased energy costs. In 2011 the University of Calgary (U of C) completed construction of a $48 million cogeneration plant to work in conjunction with the campus district energy system with expectations of cutting emissions and reducing energy costs. The objective of this evaluation is to provide a high level review of the operation of: cogeneration technology, the U of C cogeneration plant, and energy consumption on the U of C Campus. Data reviewed and analyzed is from a sample operating year from November 2012 to October 2013. This evaluation will identify potential opportunities for system optimization that offer economic or environmental benefits as well as provide a detailed understanding of performance achievements and shortfalls.
Embargo
Harmonizing Energy Supply And Demand Through Energy Storage Mechanisms A Feasibility Study For The University Of Calgary
(2010) Gowland, David
Today’s energy thirsty society relies heavily upon the energy supply and infrastructure that has evolved over the course of many decades. During this time electricity has emerged as a favoured medium to deliver energy to a wide variety of uses. Energy in electric form is easily transportable and efficiently converted into other forms of energy such as mechanical, light, and heat energy. However, electric energy is by its very nature a perishable good. Once generated it must be consumed or else it goes to waste. Compounding this issue is society’s variable energy demand pattern which causes periods of peak and off-peak demand during the day and night respectively. These peaks force energy producers to have available capacity to satisfy the peak demand level even though it lasts for only a few hours each day. This inefficient system requires a generation capacity that is significantly higher than the average demand level. Together, the perishable nature of electricity and our variable consumption pattern, present a overwhelming challenge to energy providers and system operators. However, through the employment of energy storage mechanisms system operators can effectively store electricity produced in off-peak periods to be use in peak periods. This practice, sometimes referred to as time-shifting or demand-shifting, can have a measured impact in balancing the energy demand pattern to reduce peak consumption levels. At the same time, energy storage systems make better use of base-load electricity generation resources like nuclear and hydro-electric plants which must operate at a consistent rate. This paper examines the issues mentioned above in detail and explores the various energy storage mechanisms available as solutions. Each mechanism is discussed and evaluated based on its; storage efficiency, storage capacity, cost, environmental impact, and adaptability. Later, a case study is presented to explore the implementation of energy storage systems to improve energy use. The University of Calgary was selected as a hypothetical field trial for this case study, in which a battery storage system is proposed as the most suitable means of energy storage based on the metrics listed above in relation to the energy demands of the University. Finally, the results of the case study are extrapolated to ponder energy storage implementation on a larger scale.
Open Access
Indoor air quality: Office health, saftey and well-being
(1998) Ha, Mona M.; Lee, Tang G.
Open Access
Introduction of environmental auditing as an environmental management tool for the University of Calgary
(1994) van Bakel, Serena; Thompson, Dixon A. R.
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Issues in barrier-free design: a case study of accessibility for the physically disabled at the University of Calgary
(1978) Finger, Gerald Jay; Waugh, James P. M.
This document summarizes the results of a study of accessibility for the physically disabled at the University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada, focussing primarily on the needs of wheelchair users, while considering the needs of other disabled persons as well. A review of the literature on designing for the disabled, a survey of campus facilities, and interviews with disabled persons were used to identify barriers to facility use by the disabled. Interviews, a review of the literature, and field trips to the University of Illinois (Champaign-Urbana, Illinois) and Wright State University (Dayton, Ohio) provided the basis for proposed problem solutions. The study indicated that although the climate-controlled enclosed building complexes at the university benefitted persons in wheelchairs in terms of protection from the climate, they created other problems insofar as elevators and accessible facilities such as washrooms and lowered telephones (available on a limited basis) were not easily located. It was determined that persons in wheelchairs would have difficulty in moving throughout the campus without the assistance of others, particularly in gaining entry to facilities such as the university library, bookstore, and health and counselling services. The probability of success of any programme of accessibility modifications on the campus was found to be dependent upon a variety of policy decisions by the provincial government and the university administration. An introductory section discusses the nature of barrier-free design and its significance, physical disabilities and their design implications, reasons why barriers exist, psychological factors in barrier-free design, and an emerging attitude which views handicaps as a function of environmental design rather than one of limitations of disabled persons. An extensive list of recent sources of information on barrier-free design is also included.
Open Access
Minimizing Demand Transmission Service Charges in Optimal Sizing and Scheduling Of Campus Microgrids
(2019-01-25) Karami, Mahboobeh; Trifkovic, Milana; Knight, A. M.; Shor, Roman J.; Nowicki, Edwin Peter; Macnab, Chris J. B.
Microgrids have paved the way through the exploitation of distributed generation resources and eliminating the requisite of high-duty transmission infrastructure. The study presented in this thesis develops a two-stage optimization problem for the optimal sizing and operation of campus/institutional microgrids considering delivery charges. At the first stage, a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) is implemented to determine the optimal configuration of microgrid which consists of solar Photo-Voltaics (PVs), batteries and microturbines (MTs). The incorporation of delivery charges leads to a significant reduction in transmission charges without sacrificing the power exchange limit. Resulted savings on electricity bill grants the capital investment in microgrid components. In the second stage, a mixed integer non-linear programming (MINLP) on a rolling horizon basis is formulated for the optimal operation of the microgrid under sizing results obtained in the first stage. Moreover, an efficient Peak Load (PL) hour forecast framework is established to minimize the coincident PL charges. Both volatile and flat electricity price scenarios are studied to investigate the impact of electricity prices on microgrid optimal sizing and operation. In order to test the proposed methodology, University of Calgary main campus is selected as the case study and historical hourly load data are used.
Open Access
Modeling of the Water-based Heating System of the Mechanical Engineering Building at the University of Calgary
(2019-12) Ahmed, Saeed; Li, Simon; Li, Leping; Ramirez Serrano, Alejandro; Nezhad, Amir Sanati; Hu, Jinguang
In this research, the model of the water-based heating system of Mechanical Engineering Building (MEB) is developed. This project is conducted in collaboration with “Office of Sustainability” of University of Calgary (UofC), because one of their goals is to reduce the energy consumption of UofC’s buildings. The water-based heating system has one of the major share in total energy consumption of a building. It highlights the importance of building this model, which can help to understand some important aspects and variables (related to energy consumption) of the water-based heating system. The model has four major component models, namely boiler, Air Handling Unit (AHU), Reheat Coil (RHC) and radiator (RAD). A component model aggregately represents the similar type of equipment in MEB. For example, a single boiler model is used to represent two boilers of the water-based heating system of MEB. The component models of AHU and RHC are based on energy balance equations, and these are gray-box models. However, the models of boiler and RAD are black-box models, because some required data is not available for developing their gray-box models. The empirical data for developing component models is collected through Building Management System (BMS) software, with the help of Office of Sustainability. The model is developed in Simulink. An individual model for each component is developed and then parameters are estimated for each component model. The parameters of gray-box models are estimated in Simulink, whereas the coefficient parameters for black-box models are estimated in MS-Excel. The output of each component model is then compared with the measured data to ascertain the error. The integrated model of the water-based heating system is developed by connecting the component models. Being a pilot project, the worked helped all involved to understand the opportunities available and the difficulties present, to undertake a project related to UofC building heating system. The Simulink model developed can help the facility management of UofC to look into energy consumption of the water-based heating system of MEB.