Organization

BC Housing manages more than 40 new buildings across the province, working with both private non-profits, provincial health authorities and ministries, as well as other community groups and levels of government. BC Housing is governed by a Board of Commissioners who are overseen by BC’s Minister Responsible for Housing. The partnership between different organizations allows for a range of expertise in implementing housing services that results in appropriate and successful tenancies. The objective of the organization is to obtain a minimum of 4 Energy and Atmosphere LEED credits, and a maximum 10% overall direct fossil fuel usage as a portion of total energy used.

Project

Our team is expected to compile energy and weather data for our specific site. In addition, we must process the data and confirm the buildings are performing as expected. During this process, we are also asked to identify possible causes for excess energy use and report them to our client. The goal is to learn and apply the Measurement and Verification Plan (M&V Plan) to our specific sites, making sure that the building attains and maintains its status quo in energy efficiency as required by its LEED goals.

Community

Our CBEL project involves two particular communities that are a part of BC Housing’s social housing structure, one in the Downtown Eastside to South East False Creek.  The direct benefits of measurement and verification (M&V) of efficient energy use to these communities are difficult to quantify, though the benefits of a healthy energy ecosystem are part of a long-term sustainable community. The aggregate monitoring of the energy savings over the course of the project will also help determine the long-term economic benefits, in addition to ensuring that building performance is continually optimized.

Team Profile

David: Team Coordinator

Daniel: Co – Leader

Michael: Co – Leader

Eliot: Research Team Member

Will: Research Team Member

Katie: Lead Designer

Daniel Tan is a second year student studying in Civil Engineering at UBC. He has worked as a construction assistant and a piano and math instructor. He enjoys spreading his knowledge to others when they are in need of help. Aside from his studies, he loves to play all kinds of sports, but he specifically excels in badminton as he competes at a provincial level.

David Tran is a student of learning. He chose civil engineering because he finds it rewarding to design and to construct. He has worked in structural engineering firms for a number of years, and decided to return to school and get an engineering degree. David is optimistic and determined to achieve his goal.

Tzu-heng Eliot Huang is a 2nd year Civil Engineering Student at UBC. He set foot on campus grounds in an effort to become an Architect. Eliot has a knack for hands-on projects, and also enjoys playing ultimate frisbee and billiards as a hobby.

Xing hui Li is a  second year student in Civil Engineering of UBC.  His english name is Will. He is really interested in the structure of buildings, and aspires to become a great civil engineer like his uncle. Will is keen to travel for architecture, and new views. He also like playing billiards and table tennis.

Michael Louws is an civil engineer in training at the University of British Columbia, currently completing his second year. Running is something he enjoys; in fact, getting places quickly is something he’s passionate about. When not rushing around, to slow down he enjoys improvising on piano and climbing trees.

Katie Luo is a second year Civil Engineering student at UBC with a strong passion to pursue a career in the Environmental option.  Her ambition to succeed in this field is shown through her school work. She enjoys travelling, and takes time to admire mother-nature in her spare time.

From left to right: Eliot, David, Michael, Daniel, Katie, Will.