Retrofitting existing buildings is critical to achieving resilience to climate change and other acute shocks (e.g., earthquakes). The opportunity is immense given that the building renewal rate (2-3%) is comparable to new construction. There is a plethora of options for owners to consider and a lack of clarity on the optimal path forward from the perspectives of technical performance, economic effectiveness, occupant well-being, and building durability.
The Greater Victoria 2030 District consists of 37 buildings, 3.6 million square feet of space, includes major property managers in the region and is committed to signficant climate change action. The district is seeking a method to support streamlined assessment and decision making to enhance resilience of buildings in the district with the aim of also using this work as a springboard for other regions.
The position will be supervised by Dr. David Bristow in the Cities and Infrastructure Systems Lab (CISL). The work will be carried out in the stimulating multi-disciplinary environment of the green Civil Engineering department at the University of Victoria on Vancouver Island in beautiful British Columbia, Canada.
About the position
The position requires a Master’s degree in engineering (or comparable). This project will identify and demonstrate solutions for deep resilience retrofits of commercial buildings. Tasks: Data and literature review; methodology development for a repeatable localized resilience assessment method; collaboration and communication with engineering consultants and property owners; development of low carbon resilience retrofit options; solutions analysis and evaluation and recommendations for province-wide expansion of the methodology.
Partner: Building Owners and Managers Association of British Columbia (BOMA BC)
How to apply
General requirements
- Mastering the English language
- Start date of May 2022 is preferred. Positions are funded at a level comparable with NSERC scholarships. Holders of these or similar awards are eligible for significant top-up funding.
- CISL encourages applications from persons with disabilities, visible minorities, Aboriginal Peoples, people of all sexual orientations and genders, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the University.
- Experience in property condition assessment, facilities management and/or operations research/decision analysis a plus
Submit your application using the form at https://www.surveymonkey.ca/r/KSJYKW3.Review of applicants will begin soon, but applications are welcomed until the intended start date