Energy Efficiency of Building Technique Proven by Cambrian College Professor

Research recently published by Kameal Mina, Professor and Program Coordinator for the Energy Systems Technology program at Cambrian College, proves a building’s conductive heat loss can be reduced by using an alternative construction technique.

Traditionally, buildings have been constructed with wooden frames that are supported by parallel studs. Using applied research labs at Cambrian College, Mina compared this technique to an alternative framing method that uses staggered studs. The science behind the concept is that heat escapes more quickly through wood studs than insulation, so by reducing the number of studs and increasing the amount of insulation used, more heat can be retained by a building.

This technique has been used by builders before, but Mina is the first to develop a mathematical formula that objectively proves staggered studs retain more heat than parallel studs.

Specifically, his research produced three main findings:

• Staggered studs enhanced the thermal resistance (R-value) of the walls. The increase in R-value reached over 16% in the case study considered in his paper.
• Staggered studs reduced the amount of lumber required for framing, thereby reducing construction costs. A 41% reduction was achieved in the case study considered in his paper.
• The weight load on the floor below the staggered stud frame was significantly reduced, thereby increasing the long-term stability of the building.

Although results will vary with each application of this framing technique, Mina’s research demonstrates positive implications for projects of all sizes. He has recommended this framing technique be included in the section of the Ontario Building Code that defines acceptable stud sizes and spacing.

This research project was inspired by Energy Systems Technology (ESTY) students in Mina’s energy modeling class who questioned whether staggering the studs in a wall would improve overall building insulation. Future ESTY students will have the opportunity to explore this concept on their own as part of the program’s curriculum.

Mina’s next two projects are supported by a grant from the Natural Sciences and Research Council (NSERC) and will be focused on wind-to-hydrogen design and development of a prototype heat battery for the optimal storage of solar energy.

“Kameal’s research is contributing to the economic development of our region as well as the sustainable energy industry as a whole,” said Sherrill McCall, Director of Planning and Research at Cambrian College. “By working in collaboration with industry partners and students, his projects are helping contribute to local research and development that will generate business and job opportunities in Northern Ontario.”

Mina presented his findings at the 2010 International Conference on Building Envelope Systems and Technologies (ICBEST) organized by National Research Council of Canada and held June 27-30 in Vancouver. The complete research paper has been published in ICBEST 2010 Vancouver Proceedings, Volume 1, now available at Cambrian College’s Library and Learning Commons.