UBC Robotic Program to Improve Energy Efficiency

Published on December 18, 2018

An $8 million investment from Natural Resources Canada was recently announced, to help University Of British Columbia researchers develop an artificial intelligence that will help improve energy efficiency.

The artificial intelligence project is pioneering a new type of robotic platform and is named Ada; the project is funded through Canada’s Energy Innovation Program.

The aim of the artificial intelligence, Ada, is to convert wasteful Carbon Dioxide into fuels or other materials that can replace environmentally-harmful plastic. Carbon Dioxide is also intended to be converted into energy from renewable sources such as solar and wind.

Robotic programs such as Ada, are said by Natural Resources Canada to be able to help in the discovery of clean energy solutions for sectors such as: health, electronics, and pharma.

Also mentioned by Natural Resources Canada, is that the robotic parts that compose Ada are Canadian manufactured - further supporting technological and economic growth in Canada.  

This project is part of the commitment Canada made to Mission Innovation.

Mission Innovation is a global community involving 23 other countries that have pledged to: double their investments in clean energy, encourage private investments in clean energy technologies, and increase collaboration on a domestic and international scale.

The fourth annual Mission Innovation Ministerial is set held in Vancouver, British Columbia, from May 27th to the 29th in 2019.

The tenth annual Clean Energy Ministerial is also set to be held at the same time, so that domestic and international clean energy leaders can share ideas and work together towards more clean energy initiatives.

How to Improve Energy Efficiency at Home

An effective and affordable way for homeowners to improve energy efficiency in their home, is to have a Home Energy Assessment conducted and to follow the path of suggestions that are included in the report. Similarly, an Airtightness Test can also be conducted, which locates and identifies every area where air is able to escape or intrude, so that they can be properly sealed by either the homeowner or a professional insulation installer.

Airtightness and energy efficiency improvements can make a home more affordable, comfortable, have better air quality, and can help contribute towards Canada’s goal of lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

BSG is proud to offer these services to homeowners and business owners in Ontario, and by having one of our Registered Energy Advisors conduct a Home Energy Assessment, you will not only be made aware of how energy efficient your home is, you will also be provided with a list of suggested methods for improving energy efficiency that are specific to your home, and ordered by our advisors in terms of what improvement would net you with the most energy and utility bill savings per dollar spent.

The Home Energy Assessment also shows you the expected financial and energy savings due to each suggested method of improving energy efficiency, allowing you to make an informed decision regarding which method is the best fit for your home, your wallet, and your lifestyle.

Additionally, a Home Energy Assessment can also help your home qualify for up to $5000 of home renovation rebates that both Enbridge and Union Gas are currently offering their customers - making it even easier for you to see a return on your energy efficiency improving investments.