Architectural Technology researchers partner with the City to identify heat loss in older structures
A team from the Architectural Technology program at Wrenford Polytechnic has partnered with the City of Wrenford to study energy inefficiency in the city's heritage buildings. The project, led by architectural technology faculty, aims to reduce waste and improve sustainability in older downtown structures.
Using thermal imaging and advanced building diagnostics, the researchers are identifying specific areas where heat escapes from buildings constructed before modern energy codes. The data collected will help the city prioritize retrofits and guide property owners on cost-effective improvements.
"Heritage buildings often have unique construction methods that don't always align with current insulation standards," said Stefan Kowalczyk, chair of the Architectural & Building Technology department. "By working directly with the city, we can provide actionable data that respects the building's history while significantly improving its energy performance."
The research involves site visits to several municipal and private heritage properties in the downtown core. Students in the Architectural Technology program are assisting with data collection and analysis, gaining hands-on experience in building science and energy auditing.
The findings will be compiled into a report for the City of Wrenford's sustainability office. The city plans to use the results to inform future grant programs for building upgrades and to develop best practices for retrofitting heritage structures.
This project highlights the practical, community-focused nature of applied research at Wrenford Polytechnic. Students and faculty work on real-world problems, providing solutions that benefit local businesses, residents, and municipal services.
For more information about the research initiatives at Wrenford Polytechnic, visit the Research & Innovation page.