Expressions of Intent for IPY 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

CANADA #127:The Northern Living Design Institute  (The Northern Living Design Institute)

Outline
The Institute’s function would be to support all aspects of design for northern living. It would include research and development into design, construction and operation of housing facilities and other buildings. It would support technological innovation in various other aspects of design such a industrial design for cold temperature, clothing, footwear, and outdoor recreation. The Institute would be a clearinghouse for circumpolar communities. Design solutions that inform common concerns in health (seasonal affective disorder, toxic house syndrome, asthma, multiple sclerosis), in urban planning (housing, transportation and other means of human movements), in environmental concerns (energy conservation, recycling, consumption) could be shared. We see the Institute as a network of design research centres in circumpolar countries, with perhaps a larger centre in one location (Whitehorse) for coordination. A significant component of the institute could be virtual. Each regional centre would contribute information and experience garnered from its own area to the network. Centres from the Institute would be design and built based on the principles of energy efficiency and within a northern design and cultural context. The buildings would maximize the use of passive energy solutions, be designed with as much local materials as possible and with conservation in mind. The buildings will offer access to the public (local and internet) for education and demonstration purposes. The structures would be designed to meet or exceed standards set under the Commercial Building Incentive Program (CBIP). We see the Institute working cooperatively with industry, government and the community to establish a new culture of northern living design

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The institute would be a research and education facility housed in a demonstration project for design and construction. The Institute would leave a legacy of improved human, environmental health, and a reduced human footprint. Through continued research and education, a growing body of knowledge and design would enhance northern culture.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
We are planning to use some agency such as the Canadian International Development Agency for housing development in Russia, and technology transfer. Other contacts may emerge from other Polar Year projects. At this early stage we will focus more on the Canadian dimension.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
No field activities proposed

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 03/7-03/09            
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
No significant logistic support/ facilities will be required

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
Yes, The infrastructure of the institute, the community of knowledgeable people, the on-going activities of the institute in developing design and human resources.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
This pre-proposal has been reviewed and is being submitted by the Canadian Steering Committee (CSC). Ongoing discussions will integrate this pre-proposal into a larger network of related national and international initiatives. The CSC has initially sorted this pre-proposal into: Non-virtual infrastructure

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
YES
Several initiatives related to energy and climate change have been advanced, however these initiatives come from offices in buildings that do not demonstrate the idea that is being promoted.

How will the project be organised and managed?
The organisation has not been laid out yet. We plan to convey the interested parties to a meeting and establish a lead for the management of the project ( Energy Solutions Centre, Northern Climate ExChange, Northern Research Institute, Health Canada, YTG Energy, Mines and Resources, YTG Economic Development). The project will be supervised by a building committee that includes some community members. The research aspect will be managed though higher learning /research centres such as Yukon College.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
A detailed education and outreach plan will be developed as part of the next stage of the proposal process.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document)?
Data management will likely be standardized for the local centres to facilitate exchange and coordination of information. The information may be conveyed through public via the Internet and other format. Further details of the data management plan will be developed as part of the next stage of the proposal process.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
No funding sources have been identified at this time. Likely sources are agencies such as Environment Canada, National Research Council – Institute for Research in Construction, Infrastructure Canada, YTG Energy, Mines and Resources, YTG Education, City of Whitehorse, etc. The proposal has not been costed out. However we estimate that the funds required would be around $500K annually for a chair and staff in Northern Living design and about $3 to 3.5M to build a centre in Whitehorse.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Mr  Benoit Godin
Environment Canada
91782 Alaska Highway, Whitehorse, Yukon
Y1A 5B7
Canada

Tel: (867)667-3402
Mobile:
Fax: (867)667-7962
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation

Other Information