The Wilden Living Lab is based on the collaboration of five partners. The objective: Collect and analyze enough data to make an impartial comparison between the two homes, summarize and publish this information and enable homebuilding customers to make informed decisions from both an energy consumption and financial perspective.
“Our goal in Wilden has always been to take a leadership role in sustainability and push the envelope in terms of energy efficient building measures and ideas. That said we realized what was really lacking was good balanced information on specific products and practice, information that͛s easy for everyone to understand and very importantly, specific to the Okanagan.”
Russ Foster, Wilden Project Manager and President of Blenk Development Corp.
“Many of our clients who want to build a home in Wilden are ready to do what they can to reduce their environmental footprint. But they need to know which components are really efficient and within their financial possibilities. We want to make green technologies accessible, show how they work and what they cost. It’s with this goal in mind that we approached the provinces most prestigious research university with the idea of turning homes into guinea pigs.”
Karin Eger-Blenk, Director Blenk Development Corp.
“͞Sustainable energy is an important issue in our community and our country. UBC Okanagan is pleased to lend its research expertise to a project that promises to benefit homebuilders and homebuyers across Canada and beyond.”
Deborah Buszard, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Principal at UBC’s Okanagan Campus.
“Our school is at the cutting-edge of engineering research and this project offers a wonderful opportunity for faculty and students to apply their research expertise to a real-world situation. More than this, industry and community partnerships represent a big part of our research and teaching activities. And to top it off, it’s fundamentally a collaborative endeavour that benefits the entire community. Everyone gains something.”
Rehan Sadiq, Associate Dean and Professor of UBC Okanagan’s School of Engineering.
“Our company is excited to be involved in a project that will truly show the real life comparisons of some of the energy efficient technology that is available to today͛s homebuyers. We͛re not aware of any other project of this kind and we look forward to the results.”
Scott Tyerman, President of AuthenTech Homes
“With a province-wide skills gap on the horizon, we deeply appreciate the way Wilden and AuthenTech Homes have stepped up in support of the next wave of tradespeople. The Wilden Living Lab presents a tremendous opportunity for our students to receive hands-on training and work with local industry leaders.”
Jim Hamilton, President Okanagan College
“FortisBC appreciates the leadership that UBC, Okanagan College and their industry partners have shown in this initiative. Utility costs are an important consideration for families; projects like this help move the market towards more energy-efficient homes which will help families reduce energy costs.͟”
Danielle Wensink, Director Conservation and Energy Management, FortisBC.
