The Wood Innovation Research Laboratory has proved to be an ultra-energy efficient industrial-type building.

This certified Passive House is the first building of its type in North America to exceed the exacting international standard.

Photo Credit: UNBC

“We pulled off something really amazing here,” says UNBC Associate Professor of Engineering Dr. Guido Wimmers.

“This building has caught the attention of Passive House researchers around the world because it demonstrates how an industrial structure, constructed with wood, in Northern British Columbia’s cold climate can be a global leader in energy efficiency.”

Certified Passive Housing uses up to 90% less energy for heating and cooling when compared to standard buildings. They also use 70% less energy overall.

In order to ensure the building met Passive House requirements, the Master of Engineering in Integrated Wood Design program worked closely with contractors through the design and construction process.

“At UNBC, we have a lot of expertise in building science, the materials the go into Passive House buildings and how we operate our buildings,” says UNBC Assistant Director of Facilities Dr. David Claus.

“We’ve been able to put that all into practice on this project.”

The building needs to be both airtight and breathable to ensure that moisture does not get trapped inside.

To further reduce the carbon footprint, the university has signed a biogas contract. By using gas recovered from agricultural facilities and landfills, UNBC is able to lessen its reliance on fossil fuels.

The Passive House design combined with the biogas contract means that his building will produce one per cent of greenhouse gas emissions compared to a conventional building.