BCIT

Building Science Graduate Program

Sustainability + Innovation

Our Team

Fitsum Tariku, PhD

  • Graduate Program Director
    Canada Research Chair in Whole-Building Performance
    Building Science Centre of Excellence, Director

    B.Sc. (Mechanical Engineering);
    M.Sc.Eng. (Mechanical Engineering);
    Ph.D. (Building Engineering)

Dr. Fitsum Tariku’s experimental and computer modeling research program spans from materials and building envelope systems right through to whole-building performance analysis. Currently, he is working on material property measurements and characterizations; hygrothermal modeling and measurements of building envelope systems; and integrated analysis of whole-building performance. Research focus is on energy efficiency, durability and indoor environmental quality of buildings. He aims to develop a comprehensive building optimization and decision-making tool that integrates whole-building simulation, risk assessment and cost-benefit analysis. The objective of his research is to develop tools that support the design of buildings that are energy efficient, durable, economical, environmentally friendly, and provide comfortable and healthy indoor air quality to occupants.

Selected publications (2005 – )

Research Interests:

  • Advanced and sustainable building materials
  • High-performance building envelope systems
  • Whole-building performance optimization and decision-making
  • Building integrated solar technology
  • Net-zero building design and operation

Rodrigo Mora, PhD, P.Eng.

  • Faculty
  • Graduate Program Coordinator

Bachelor’s Degree (Civil/Building Services Engineering);
Master’s Degree (Building Engineering);
Ph.D. (Building Engineering)

Throughout my professional and academic career my work has focused on investigating tools and methods to improve the integration of building systems to optimize performance. My research leverages on the inherently integrative principles of building physics and systems engineering to support the design of sustainable buildings. My research area of interest is Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) and Climate. I am investigating climate and occupant responsive indoor climate systems and technologies that deliver healthy and comfortable indoor environments, in harmony with the surrounding environment. Central to this problem is the understanding of the physics of heat, air, and moisture transport and contaminant emission and dispersal in buildings; and how these affect occupants. A main driver of my work is the need to minimize the reliance on mechanical systems in buildings; as such I am investigating innovative low-exergy indoor climate systems and thermal-fluid technologies to support bioclimatic architecture.

Selected publications

Research Interests:

  • Integrated building systems
  • Indoor environmental quality
  • Occupant responsive sustainable buildings

Rodrigo teaches:

Maureen Connelly, PhD, MAIC

Combining a science background with a professional affiliation as an architect, Maureen Connelly developed the vision, oversaw the construction and instrumentation, and continues to direct the strategic research planning process at the Centre for Architectural Ecology at BCIT. Maureen’s initial research focused on the architectural and planning impact of green roofs, which led to the Phase 1 research program [PDF 2.5MB]. Maureen developed the first credited course on green roofs in Canada. She is currently quantifying the acoustical capacity for green roofs to reduce sound transmission into buildings and reduce noise build up in urban areas. Maureen received the BCIT Earth Apple Award for outstanding effort and commitment to our environment, and the BCIT Applied Research Award for outstanding contribution to the advancement of knowledge, and of economic and societal well-being through the application and implementation of new technology.

Selected publications

Research Interests:

    • Architectural acoustics
    • Indoor environmental quality
    • Vegetated roofs and walls
    • Soundscapes

Maureen teaches:

Bo Li, PhD, MASc, P.Eng., BESATM, CEM®

  • Faculty 

B.Eng. (Power Engineering);
M.A.Sc. (Mechanical Engineering);
Ph.D. (Mechanical Engineering)

Bo has a strong academic background and in industry. Before he joined the BCIT Building Science Graduate Program as a faculty member, he worked as a senior mechanical system designer and building performance analyst. During his 16 years of professional experience in industry in China and Canada, Bo developed expertise in the design of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems and the analysis of building energy performance for high-rise mixed use buildings. Bo is planning to engage in the study of high performance high-rise residential building design strategies and other applied building science research topics that would ultimately provide solutions to the practical engineering problems in the industry.

Bo Li is an active professional engineer registered in British Columbia. He is an AEE Certified Building Energy Simulation Analyst (BESATM) and an AEE Certified Energy Manager (CEM®). He is also a BC Hydro certified building energy modeler.

Bo teaches:

Emishaw Iffa, PhD

  • Faculty and Researcher
  • Bachelor’s Degree (Mechanical Engineering)
    Master’s Degree (Mechanical Engineering)
    Ph.D. (Mechanical Engineering)

Emishaw Iffa’s research interest comprises modelling, experimental and field investigation of building performance from energy efficiency, durability and sustainability perspectives. He has been involved in several research works that involve material property characterization, building envelope and whole building performance investigations. His current research interests include, but are not limited to, sustainable building materials, high performance/smart building enclosures, and development of interactive visualization tools for building engineering.

Emishaw teaches:

Hamid Heidarali, P.Eng, M.Eng, LEED AP

  • Instructor

Bachelor of Science (Civil Engineering);
Master of Engineering (Building Science and Construction Management)

Hamid has been providing building science consultation and construction management services for diverse construction projects in Canada since 2003. He has a strong passion for the sustainable design and construction of buildings and neighborhoods and has collaborated on several green developments including the Center for Interactive Research in Sustainability (CIRS).

Hamid is a professional engineer in British Columbia and Ontario, and a LEED accredited professional with the Canada Green Building Council. He is the president of Hamid Design Build Ltd., and is currently involved in building science consultation with a focus on improving Energy Efficiency, Moisture Management, Durability, and Thermal Comfort.

Research Interests:

• Hygrothermal modelling of building envelope assemblies
• Field measurements (moisture and heat flow) of building envelope assemblies
• Optimization of thermal performance of the building envelope
• Building envelope investigation/rehabilitation of heritage buildings

Hamid teaches:

Wendy Ying Simpson, M.A.Sc.

Research Analyst

Diploma (Architectural and Building Technology);
Bachelor’s Degree (Urban Planning);
Master’s Degree (Building Engineering)

Wendy’s diverse background of urban planning, experimental research of building science and experience in construction industry developed her wide building science interests. These interests lead to designs for durable, healthy, energy efficient, and sustainable buildings in an extensive range of considering from macro scale (influence of weather, neighbourhood plan and orientation of buildings) to micro scale (conceptual and integrated building design, building envelope details and indoor climate conditions). Currently, she is involved in hygrothermal property measurements, field experimental study of building envelope component performances and indoor environmental condition monitoring in a residential apartment building.

 

Doug Horn, AScT, SEMAC

Research Analyst

Doug transitioned from a career in Information Technology to Building Science, as it provided opportunities for him to pursue work that aligned with his passion for energy conservation, sustainability, and a low carbon lifestyle. Working on projects that advance the building construction industry’s ability to build more durable, efficient, and healthier buildings fulfills Doug’s strong environmental ethic. He has worked on a number of green building projects, focusing on building energy management. This direction has enhanced his analytical skills, which are crucial for successfully completing projects at the Building Science Centre of Excellence. Currently he is involved in research projects involving high performance wall systems, moisture buffering, and rain penetration.