MTRI - Field Station
The Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute (MTRI) is a non-profit co-operative with a mandate to advance collaborative research, monitoring, and management that promotes sustainable use of natural resources in southwestern Nova Scotia.
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Field Station
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MTRI then (top) and now (above).
MTRI operates a field station in Kempt, Queens County which provides office work space and basic accommodations for researchers carrying out studies in the area. The field station includes bunkbeds and a full kitchen, two indoor bathrooms and a shower, wireless internet, a specimen freezer, and parking.
Fundraising is underway to improve the facilites to include laboratory space and certified animal care facilities, a computer laboratory with large format map plotter, and an additional shower. We are also hoping to make MTRI go completely carbon neutral with the addition of solar hot air and hot water panels, wind power, and geothermal heat. Check out the 3D models we created to show the current, and proposed field station layouts. We need your help, consider making a donation!
MTRI in the Past
MTRI Now
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New addition (on the right) and solar panels
floor plan downstairs floor plan upstairs
Description of the Proposed Project
The Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute (MTRI) proposes to improve its field station facility and demonstrate a carbon neutral building in rural Queens County, within the Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve. The expansion will consist of a two-story 16x28 foot addition to the southeast side of the main building. The upper level will house MTRI’s new Community Room, which will provide a dedicated space for public presentations, training workshops, and meetings. This will allow the existing multi-purpose room on the northwest side of the building to be developed for proper office space and public displays. The lower level of the new addition will consist of a laboratory, animal care room, and an additional bathroom, improving MTRI as a research facility.
Maximum energy efficiency throughout the entire building will be achieved through the use of several green technologies and efforts to reduce heat loss. While the current carbon footprint of the field station is relatively small, the opportunity to show people and private enterprises living/operating in rural communities how to renovate and reduce greenhouse gases is great. Few, if any, other public buildings in Nova Scotia have demonstrated how to be carbon neutral at the scale of a private home. Geothermal energy, wind power, and solar panels will be combined with basement insulation, appliance upgrades, and draft-proofing to efficiently heat and power the field station. The station will be inter-tied to the power grid, which will allow us to feed back excess power to the grid when demand at the station is low. MTRI will use its well-established model of community involvement to demonstrate innovative and underutilized technologies and to inform local residents and visitors about the benefits of energy conservation. MTRI will inform the public and businesses about green technologies through public presentations, materials and displays at community events, newsletters and website materials.
MTRI is also pursuing LEED certification for the field station in conjunction with the construction of the addition. LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification advocates green building design and sustainable energy practices. To have the building certified, MTRI is in consultation with a 3rd party LEED representative from Thermalwise, a LEED for Homes Canada provider. The process involves planning and implementation in several key areas including:
- Innovation and Design Process
- Location and Linkages
- Sustainable Sites
- Water Efficiency
- Energy and Atmosphere
- Materials and Resources
- Indoor Environmental Quality
- Awareness and Education
For more information regarding LEED or certifying your home, visit the Canada Green Building Council website at:
http://www.cagbc.org/leed/what/index.php
This project will bring many benefits to the local non-profit and business community. The Community Room will be available for use by community members. Lab space and updated equipment will increase MTRI’s capacity for collaboration with local landowners and businesses on research initiatives. The additional space will increase MTRI’s capacity for hosting training workshops, university and school groups, and other public events, thus bringing people and dollars into the community. The carbon neutral demonstration site will also attract additional visitors to the area. Work done during the expansion will employ local contractors and suppliers. The green technology demonstration site is expected to create interest from local homeowners and businesses, ultimately generating additional jobs for local contractors and green technology suppliers.