Grantee Research Project Results

Neighborhood Building Envelop Energy Conservation and Outreach

EPA Grant Number: SU836029
Title: Neighborhood Building Envelop Energy Conservation and Outreach
Investigators: Lin, L. Yu , Indeglia, Paul
Current Investigators: Lin, L. Yu , Blair, Dederick , Tamayo, Ivan , Norris, Kenderick , Dunning, LeAndreaonia , Tribo, Martin , Indeglia, Paul
Institution: Christian Brothers University
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Phase: I
Project Period: August 15, 2011 through August 14, 2012
Project Amount: $15,000
RFA: P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition for Sustainability Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet (2011) RFA Text |  Recipients Lists
Research Category: P3 Challenge Area - Sustainable and Healthy Communities , P3 Challenge Area - Air Quality , Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development , P3 Awards , Sustainable and Healthy Communities

Objective:

The School of Engineering at Christian Brothers University proposes to investigate, develop, and implement technologies that improve energy efficiency in the building envelop of existing residential structures in the low-income communities of Memphis, Tennessee, focusing on the thermal properties of materials and issues related to implementation including fire safety, material stability, and cost.

Approach:

The initial project phase will be to research methods that reduce energy consumption, survey a select number of existing homes for energy deficiencies, develop and implement strategies to improve energy efficiency, and evaluate the effectiveness of the approach. Team members will participate in supervised interaction with the people of the community, gaining valuable exposure by working with those in need who stand to benefit through improved health, reduced energy costs, and an enhanced sense of self-worth. Low income families spend as much as 10% of their income on energy. Eliminating avoidable inefficiencies can reduce energy consumption by 30% and may create carbon credits for pollution reduction, modestly increasing prosperity. Team members will learn through experience about building rehabilitation with an emphasis on the materials used in building envelop improvements and the concepts of sustainability that lessen the impact on the planet.

Expected Results:

The project team will directly measure the thermal transfer and energy consumption during experiments, both in the laboratory and in the field. Evaluation of the data will be based on historical energy use, literature available on previous investigation of insulation materials, and consultation with professional partners.

Supplemental Keywords:

monitoring resource consumption, green building, sustainable construction materials;

Progress and Final Reports:

Final Report