To support the researchers of tomorrow, Ouranos awards the  Réal-Decoste Scholarhsip each year to two students beginning or pursuing a PhD on climate-related topics. This scholarship, renewable for a maximum of three years, provides essential support, thereby advancing knowledge in climatology and adaptation to climate change.

Marie-Pier Trépanier, a PhD student in mechanical engineering at Laval University under the supervision of Louis Gosselin, is one of the two recipients of the Réal-Decoste Scholarship for 2024-2025. We had the opportunity to speak with her to learn more. Here are some excerpts from our interview.

Please note that the original interview was conducted in French, and the English translation may not fully capture the nuances of the original text.

What is the context and subject of your research project?

Climate change has a tangible impact on energy needs and socio-economic and technological behaviors. Weather variations disrupt the energy demand of buildings and directly affect the standard of living of populations. Unfortunately, vulnerable groups are most affected.

In the context of electricity shortages and climate change, energy justice—ensuring access to energy for everyone—is a crucial issue. For example, many countries have what is called time-of-use electricity pricing, where the price varies depending on the time of day. This practice is often seen as positive because it generally reduces energy consumption. However, lower-income individuals may struggle more to shift their consumption, while wealthier people can afford the higher-priced electricity. In this case, there is energy injustice.

The question that led to the research project was: How do we incorporate the concept of energy justice and the various citizen realities into the context of energy transition and climate change?

As part of my PhD in mechanical engineering, I chose to focus on the energy performance of residential buildings. In a way, this means applying the concept of energy justice to building design—an essential element for making energy activities inclusive and equitable.

Specifically, this involves evaluating the best choices in constructing new residential buildings and the best renovations to adapt to climate change, so that people consume less energy while remaining comfortable. For example, how do we combine solar energy and geothermal energy?

What is the objective of your research project?

The primary objective of this project is to develop a decision-support tool to select the best renovation measures and optimal designs for future buildings by integrating renewable energy sources. This aims to mitigate the effects of climate change and promote energy justice.

What is your background?

I completed my undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering at Laval University. I then continued to a master’s program at Laval University's Energy Laboratory, focusing more on environmental aspects and energy within mechanical engineering. My master’s research project aimed to model energy consumption and performance in greenhouse horticulture, as well as the impact of certain factors, including climate change.

I started my PhD in mechanical engineering in May.

I would also like to express my deep gratitude to Ouranos and the Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ) for their financial support of my doctoral studies. Thanks to their invaluable assistance, I can undertake this extensive project and dedicate all my energy to it. Their support highlights the importance and necessity of this research, which is very encouraging and motivates me to continue this work that can have a real impact on society.