New lab focuses on indoor air research

Ottawa, ON – The National Research Council (NRC)’s Institute for Research in Construction has opened a new Indoor Air Research Laboratory. The lab includes a state-of-the-art testing facility for ventilation systems.

Researchers will measure and evaluate the impact of various ventilation systems by configuring the laboratory’s flexible modules to duplicate specific room sizes and home designs, as well as simulate models of heating and air-conditioning systems and heat-recovery ventilators.

The NRC says its indoor air initiative has been funded with $8 million over four years by the federal government, and of that, $2 million is dedicated to this research facility.

“This investment in the new NRC Indoor Air Research Laboratory will help the Canadian construction industry and consumers choose innovative, energy-efficient and affordable products that will improve air quality at home and at work,” said Dr Pierre Coulombe, NRC president. “Through government, industry and university partnerships, NRC is helping innovative Canadian businesses grow stronger, faster, and bigger.”