Sustainability and self-sufficiency for isolated populations. September 6, 2012

Transcription

1 Sustainability and self-sufficiency for isolated populations September 6, 2012

2 Aims and anticipated outcomes Aim: to help address the gap in living conditions between the North and the rest of Canada, and to enable sustainability and self-sufficiency in Northern populations through a technology-based, multifaceted platform. The anticipated outcome of this project is the development of the framework for improved housing, telecommunications, medical care and community support and networking for Northern populations. Overarching approach: enable self-sufficiency, and to respect traditional ways of life while integrating cutting-edge technologies designed to radically improve basic living conditions.

3 Interdisciplinary approach Social science Natural science Health science Image of Kangiqsujuaq cc licensed by flickr user Our Manitoulin!

4 Science and Technology Affordable, reliable, renewable energy systems Optimizing solar cells for the Arctic sun Improved energy storage at low temperature Integrated thermoelectrics Highly energy-efficient modular buildings Improved building materials solid insulation Improved building materials insulating coatings Improved heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems New routes for waste reduction and recycling Biogas generation from composting/sewage Biodegradable packaging

5 Hybrid energy systems: ubiquitous energy harvesting Wind power Solar Active management of integrated energy systems Continuously monitor energy consumption and available resources «Smart» management Optimized batteries Optimized energy collection from wind, solar and thermoelectric sources Thermoelectrics

6 High-efficiency buildings Nanotechnology-based insulation Exceptional insulating properties (very high R-value) Lightweight and thin Aerogels: can be used in structural integrated panels (SIPs) Phase change materials (PCMs) for maintaining temperature «setpoints» Integrated PCMs Aerogel-based insulation

7 Intelligent heating/ventilation/air conditioning systems Nanotechnology-based sensors for continual monitoring of air quality in highly recycled air Real-time response to ambient CO/CO 2 /H 2 O levels Smoke detection Airborne pathogen monitoring Low power-consumption monitors integrated with HVAC system

8 Health Sciences Systems for remote monitoring of patients at-home, patient-administered medical tests monitors that wirelessly relay information for real-time diagnostics and monitoring Rapid identification and management of infectious diseases establishment of field tests rapid-response protocols Understanding and preventing the most common health problems in individual isolated populations evidence-based approach, genetic epidemiology systematic prevention- and monitoring-based programs cultural adaptation of the preventative approaches

9 Humanities and Social Sciences Development of social economies community health or building cooperatives Fostering traditional arts apprenticeship programs Encouraging social networking and modern storytelling virtual community-building support network between geographically isolated individuals

10 INRS: uniquely positioned INRS-UCS: home of the DIALOG network whose mission is to understand the historical, social, cultural, economic and political North, to guide and increase the impact of scientific and social research on indigenous peoples. INRS-ETE:houses research teams working on mineral exploration and gas, sewerage and waste treatment and industrial and municipal effluents, sustainable energy and natural resource management. Image cc licensed by flickr user leogoguen