Concordia researcher receives $540,000 from NSERC to help cities adapt to climate change

A Concordia researcher whose work focuses on methods to combat and adapt to climate change will receive $540,000 in funding via the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC).

Liangzhu Wang, associate professor in the department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science, will use the funds to develop means of assessing summertime overheating risks during heat waves in buildings housing vulnerable populations.

"Science clearly shows us the causes of climate change, and our government is supporting the scientists that we know will show us the solutions,” says Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

“Working with scientists and academics will help us keep pushing forward in the fight against climate change. By coming together and working collaboratively we can ensure a safer, healthier, more prosperous future for our children and grandchildren.”

Wang’s methods include field measurements under the current climate, and providing mitigation solutions using validated computer models under predicted future climates.

“We are thrilled to be able to continue our research on this project for the next three years,” he says.

“As heat waves become more common, there's an urgent need to study both their impact on building heating as well as strategies to mitigate their impact.”

'Concordia is committed to the fight against climate change'

Overheating of building interior spaces may be caused by climate change, and extreme heat events have been identified as major concerns to Canadians, including the elderly and children, as well as the physically challenged and those living with an illness. In Montreal alone, 66 people died during a heat wave that struck in the summer of 2018.

“Climate change research provides a greater understanding of environmental variables and extreme weather events, and informs our efforts to mitigate its harmful effects with new technologies,” says Amir Asif, dean of the Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science.

“Concordia is committed to forging ahead in the fight against climate change, and our partnership with NSERC is a cornerstone of our innovative research into the creation of effective solutions.” 

Christophe Guy, vice-president of Research and Graduate Studies at Concordia, adds, “I want to congratulate Dr. Wang on receiving this grant, as his research outcomes will certainly have a meaningful impact on climate action and protecting the well-being of future generations.”

The project is being funded through the Advancing Climate Change Science in Canada initiative. This joint collaboration among the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and Health Canada (HC) will increase the scientific information available to support government decision-making on climate action.

Wang wishes to acknowledge the support and encouragement his team received, especially through the Concordia University Research Chair – New Scholar Program; from his department; from Amir Asif, dean of the Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science; and from Christophe Guy, vice-president of Research and Graduate studies.

Find out more about the Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science.