Transforming Built and Urban Microclimates: Advancing Resilience Science for Vulnerable Populations in a Decarbonized and Electrified Canada
Summary
As extreme weather grows more frequent and intense, Canadian communities need faster, smarter ways to adapt. This project brings together experts in engineering, AI, climate science, psychology, and Indigenous housing to reimagine how cities prepare for and withstand climate shocks—while cutting emissions and advancing equity.
The research spans five key areas: high-resolution data collection on heat and health impacts, predictive tools using AI and quantum computing, real-world testing of green retrofits and wildfire prevention, knowledge mobilization through AI-based learning tools, and policy recommendations to strengthen codes and climate resilience guidelines.
The project closes major data and policy gaps, especially for seniors and Indigenous communities. It supports retrofits, permafrost assessments, and climate-smart housing, while influencing national strategies through partnerships with NRC, ECCC, and NRCan. By fusing deep science with scalable applications, it sets the foundation for electrified, low-carbon, climate-ready communities across Canada.
Key details
| Principal investigator | Liangzhu Leon Wang, Concordia University |
| Co-principal investigators | Ted Strathopoulos, Concordia University Biao Li, Concordia University Carly Ziter, Concordia University Honghao Fu, Concordia University Hua Ge, Concordia University Jinqiu Yang, Concordia University Marius Paraschivoiu, Concordia University Muthu Packirisamy, Concordia University Nathalie Phillips, Concordia University |
| Areas of Research | Modelling and Design Technologies, Monitoring Technologies, Control, Systems, and Access Technologies, Construction-related Technologies, Building and Building Envelope Technologies, Infrastructure/Utility Technologies, Equity and Accessibility to Renewable Energy or Renewable Energy Technologies, Public Policy and Governance of Energy or Energy-related Technologies, Knowledge Mobilization of Decarbonization and Electrification Processes |
| Non-academic partners | Earthrise Building Services Inc, SFTec Inc, Origin Geomechanics Inc, Geotherma Solutions Inc, Rowan Williams Davies & Irwin Inc, NRC, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Institute national de la recherce scientifique, NRCan, TU Bergakademie Freiberg, IEA EBC Annex 97/IEA CITIES Task 5, Alzheimer Society of Canada, Frauhofer Institute for Building Physics, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory |
