Integrating environmental impacts related to resilience requirements in the Building sector
- usherbrooke
- Jan 19
- 3 min read
Presentation of Xavier Tanguay’s research project
PhD candidate
“Through my work, I want to send a message to building design teams that it is possible to simultaneously meet both the specific needs of their clients and those of the planet and its communities. To achieve this, I believe it is essential for all parties involved developing a more comprehensive vision of the building sector.”
Toward increasingly resilient cities
The emerging concepts of resilient cities, involving the capacity to withstand and adapt to natural hazards, including those exacerbated by climate change, are attracting considerable attention. The urban resilience of cities to natural hazards undeniably depends on the contribution of residents and their built environment.
Current building design standards prioritize the safety of occupants during extreme events, rather than the structural integrity of buildings. This results in what could be considered “disposable” buildings. However, the frequency and intensity of certain climate-related disasters are increasing, resulting in significant losses.
While pursuing his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at the Université de Sherbrooke, Xavier quickly realized that he particularly enjoyed design and that the environmental aspect could be emphasized more.
Driven by a desire to provide a more comprehensive vision of structural engineering that goes beyond material selection, he contributed to the development of the Sustainable Buildings course for undergraduates. He also worked as a teaching assistant and then as a lecturer. Xavier is currently a teaching assistant for the courses GBA435-Sustainable Buildings and GCI736-Life Cycle Assessment and Eco-design. |
|---|
A New Approach
Assessing the resilience of buildings to natural disasters makes it possible to anticipate potential damage, but it should also allow for the evaluation of the associated environmental impacts. This integrated approach identifies concrete solutions for optimizing both resilience and sustainability in the built environment.
Instead of repairing or rebuilding existing buildings afterward, they could be adapted in advance of a changing climate. Likewise, regulatory requirements for new buildings could be revised to encourage resilient and sustainable designs.
A Major Project
Interested in an emerging and highly promising field, Xavier decided to pursue doctoral studies at LIRIDE. His ambitious project involves synthesizing existing research, identifying current gaps, developing a methodological framework for modelling environmental losses, integrating climate change into these models, and ultimately proposing a list of concrete solutions for adapting to and combating climate change.
At LIRIDE, he found the openness, flexibility, and trust needed to propose innovative research methods.
Xavier is one of the few researchers who have taken on the challenge of exploring the intersection greenhouse gas reduction and climate change adaptation simultaneously. |
|---|
Discover the articles and publications of Xavier Tanguay :
Journal of Cleaner Production
Agence Science-Presse
About LIRIDE
Founded in 2013 under the direction of Professor Ben Amor, the Interdisciplinary Research Laboratory in Life Cycle Assessment and Circular Economy (LIRIDE), attached to the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Sherbrooke, stands out for its cutting-edge expertise in life cycle assessment, eco-design and circular economy, mainly in the field of materials, energy and construction. LIRIDE's expertise focuses on modeling and assessing the life-cycle impacts of a product or service. LIRIDE is internationally recognized for its scientific research.
