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The Sustainable Northern Shelter team works with rural communities to develop energy-efficient, affordable, and culturally-appropriate homes that can withstand Alaska climate extremes.

The REMOTE Wall System, designed for extreme cold climates, features an air and/or vapor retarder and rigid foam insulation over the sheathing on the exterior of the house. It is used in both new and retrofit construction.

The CCHRC Mobile Test Lab is fitted with nine wall sections, each constructed differently, to determine how retrofit insulation methods are susceptible to interior moisture

The CCHRC Product Testing Lab studies concepts and products for the building envelope in circumpolar Arctic climatic conditions. Current projects include moveable exterior window insulation and ground source heat pumps.

In this pilot program, CCHRC staff are monitoring ground source systems installed at a military base, a public elementary school and a private residence. This is part of an overall feasibility study for Alaska.