Supporting future energy use reduction opportunities through Manitoba-made innovations
Efficiency Manitoba announces applications are now open for year two of Innovation Fund
Today, Efficiency Manitoba unveiled the seven projects that received funding through the inaugural year of the organization’s Innovation Fund and announced that applications are welcomed under year two of the Fund.
Colleen Kuruluk, CEO of Efficiency Manitoba, was joined by Minister of Environment, Climate and Parks and Minister responsible for Efficiency Manitoba Jeff Wharton today at the site of a new commercial building partnership between Winnipeg-based Quik-Therm Insulation Solutions Inc. and Brandon’s Behlen Industries. Quik-Therm, one of the Efficiency Manitoba Innovation Fund recipients, has developed the Matrix all-in-one composite roofing insulation system that goes up quickly and achieves an R-52 rating without additional insulation, vapour barrier, or exterior sheathing. The effective R-value, the number used to determine insulation efficiency, is expected to be three to four times better than conventional pre-engineered systems. The system offers cost savings compared to conventional steel-framed designs.
“An innovative product that reduces the need for electricity and natural gas energy is being proven through funding from Efficiency Manitoba,” said Minister Wharton. “We’re already talking about jobs and exports in addition to the energy savings and environmental benefits. This is a definition of a win-win.”
“We’re excited about the early results from this project. The Matrix system offers superior energy saving performance, speeds construction, and is environmentally responsible,” said Quik-Therm President Ted Cullen, adding that the company is already planning on building a manufacturing plant to support future construction projects and technology usage. Behlen Industries manufactures pre-engineered steel buildings that ship worldwide.
Several of the other Innovation Fund recipients featured also focused on making buildings greener. Bannerman Green Housing Not-for-Profit Co-op received funds to build green community housing; Shared Health Manitoba’s project expects to save energy by ensuring steam trap systems are continuously monitored and issues identified in real time; Summerhill is working with QEAtech and RRC Polytech in using drones and infrared technology to inspect local buildings for heat loss; GEOptimize is working with the Manitoba Métis Federation on embedding heat exchangers into foundation piles; PolySense Solutions Inc. has developed a novel technology to monitor power consumption in industrial settings, laboratories, and hospitals; and the University of Manitoba, Department of Biosystems Engineering is testing a smart vertical farming system that could help deliver fresh foods grown here at home throughout the year.
“These projects give us a first-hand look at the ingenuity in finding new ways to reduce our electricity and natural gas usage,” said Colleen Kuruluk, CEO of Efficiency Manitoba. “By showcasing these projects, we want to inspire others to submit funding applications this fall to support the future of energy efficiency in Manitoba.”
The Innovation Fund is now accepting expressions of interest for its second year until November 4. For more information about Efficiency Manitoba’s Innovation Fund, please visit efficiencyMB.ca/innovationfund.
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About Efficiency Manitoba
Efficiency Manitoba is Manitoba’s newest Crown corporation dedicated to energy efficiency. With legislated long-term energy savings targets to achieve, the organization has over 40 programs and offers available to help Manitobans save energy, money, and the environment.
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