Department of Civil & Mineral Engineering Marianne Touchie Page 5

Associate Professor

Background

Marianne Touchie joined the University of Toronto as an Assistant Professor in July 2016 and and received tenure in 2022. She is jointly appointed in the Departments of Civil & Mineral Engineering, and Mechanical & Industrial Engineering. She completed her BASc (2009) and PhD (2014) in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Toronto. Upon completion of her PhD, Marianne became the Building Research Manager at the Toronto Atmospheric Fund and was also a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Toronto.

Dr. Touchie’s research focuses on improving the energy performance and indoor environmental quality of existing buildings to make them more comfortable, healthy and sustainable through comprehensive retrofits. This work includes monitoring and characterizing building energy performance, environmental parameters and occupant perceptions to determine the influence of potential retrofit approaches, both active and passive. Much of her research has been in the multi-unit residential sector and particularly social housing buildings.

Dr. Touchie is also President of the Building Science Specialist Board of Canada and former Chair of ASHRAE Technical Committee 2.1 Physiology and Human Environment. She teaches courses in Building Science, HVAC Fundamentals and Building Performance Assessment.

My Research Website

http://beie.mie.utoronto.ca

Education and Designations

PhD Civil Engineering (2014) University of Toronto
BASc Civil Engineering (2009) University of Toronto

Research Interests

Building science

Building energy use

Indoor environmental quality

Thermal comfort

Energy modelling

Building environmental monitoring

Building retrofits

Occupant behavior

Heat pump technology

Low-energy buildings

Publications

Journals

1. Andargie, M.S., Touchie, M.F., O’Brien, W. “A review of factors affecting occupant comfort in multi-unit residential buildings,” Building and Environment, 160 (2019) pp.106182. doi:1016/j.buildenv.2019.106182
1. Carlsson, M., Touchie, M.F., Richman, R.C. “Assessing the impact of a compartmentalization and ventilation system retrofit strategy on energy use in high-rise residential buildings,” Energy and Buildings, 199 (2019) pp.20-28. doi:1016/j.enbuild.2019.06.035
1. Vera Zambrano, M., Dutta, B., Mercer, D., Touchie, M.F., MacLean, H.L. “Assessment of moisture content measurement methods of dried food products in small-scale operations in developing countries: A review,” Trends in Food Science & Technology, 88 (2019) pp.484-496. doi:10.1016/j.tifs.2019.04.006
1. Vakalis, D., Touchie, M., Tzekova, E., H.L. MacLean, Siegel, J.A. “Indoor environmental quality perceptions of social housing residents” Building and Environment, 150 (2019) pp.135-143. doi:10.1016/j.buildenv.2018.12.062
1. Coleman, S., Touchie, M.F., Robinson, J.B., Peters, T. “Rethinking Performance Gaps: A Regenerative Sustainability Approach to Built Environment Performance Assessment,” Sustainability, 10(12) (2018) 4829 doi:10.3390/su10124829
1. Touchie, M.F., Siegel, J.A. “Residential HVAC Runtime from Smart Thermostats: Characterization, Comparison and Impacts,” Indoor Air, 28(6) (2018) pp. 905-915. doi:10.1111/ina.12496
1. Diaz Lozano, E., Vakalis, D., Touchie, M.F., Tzekova, E., Siegel, J.A. “Thermal comfort in multi-unit social housing buildings,” Building and Environment, 144 (2018) pp. 230-237. doi: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2018.08.024
1. Lozinsky, C., Touchie, M.F. “Improving energy model calibration of multi-unit residential buildings through component air infiltration testing,” Building and Environment 134 (2018) pp. 218-229 doi: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2018.02.040
1. Ismailos, C., Touchie, M.F. “Achieving a low carbon housing stock: An analysis of low-rise residential carbon reduction measures for new construction in Ontario,” Building and Environment 126 (2017) pp. 176-183. doi:10.1016/j.buildenv.2017.09.034
1. Carlsson, M.R., Touchie, M.F., Richman, R. "A Compartmentalization & Ventilation System Retrofit Strategy for High-Rise Residential Buildings in Cold Climates," Energy Procedia 132 (2017) pp. 867-872. doi:10.1016/j.egypro.2017.09.682
1. Touchie, M.F., Pressnail, K.D. “Evaluating a proposed retrofit measure for a multi-unit residential building which uses an air-source heat pump operating in an enclosed balcony space,” Energy and Buildings 85 (2014) pp. 107-114. doi:10.1016/j.enbuild.2014.08.048
1. Touchie, M.F., Pressnail, K.D. “Using Suite Energy-Use and Interior Condition Data to Improve Energy Modeling of a 1960’s Multi-Unit Residential Building,” Energy and Buildings 80 (2014) pp. 184-194. doi:10.1016/j.enbuild.2014.05.014
1. Touchie, M.F., Pressnail, K.D. “Testing and Simulation of a Low-Temperature Air-Source Heat Pump in a Thermal Buffer Zone,” Energy and Buildings 75 (2014) pp. 146-159. doi:10.1016/j.enbuild.2014.02.015
1. Di Placido, A.M., Pressnail, K.D., Touchie, M.F. “Exceeding the Ontario Building Code for low-rise residential buildings: Economic and environmental implications,” Building and Environment 77 (2014) pp. 40-49. doi:10.1016/j.buildenv.2014.03.015
1. Touchie, M.F., Binkley, C, Pressnail, K.D. “Correlating Energy Consumption with Multi-Unit Residential Building Characteristics in the City of Toronto,” Energy and Buildings 66 (2013) pp.648-656. doi:10.1016/j.enbuild.2013.07.068
1. Touchie, M.F., Pressnail, K.D., Beheshti, A. and Tzekova, E. “A Promise to Future Generations,” Engineering Leadership Review, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 7-13. May, 2010.

Conference Papers

1. Lozinsky, C., Touchie, M.F., "The Limitations of Multi-Zone Infiltration Algorithms in Whole Building Energy Simulation Engines," in eSim 2018 Building Simulation Conference Proceedings, pp.367-374, Montreal, Quebec, 9-10 May 2018 (Note: Also listed under Conference Presentations)
1. Lozinsky, C., Touchie, M.F., "Improving the Characterization of Infiltration Parameters in Whole-Building Energy Models Using Component Infiltration Rate Testing," in eSim 2018 Building Simulation Conference Proceedings, pp.357-366, Montreal, Quebec, 9-10 May 2018 (Note: Also listed under Conference Presentations)
1. Chang, C., Touchie, M.F., "Investigating Wintertime Thermal Comfort of Post-War Multi-Unit Residential Buildings using Surveys and In-suite Monitoring," in 15th Canadian Conference on Building Science and Technology, CCBST, Vancouver, British Columbia, 6-8 November 2017 (Note: Also listed under Conference Presentations)
1. Huang, W., Touchie, M.F., "Investigating Wind Catchers and Solar Chimneys to improve Thermal Comfort for Multi-Unit Residential Buildings in India," in 15th Canadian Conference on Building Science and Technology, CCBST, Vancouver, British Columbia, 6-8 November 2017 (Note: Also listed under Conference Presentations)
1. Stopps, H., Touchie, M.F., "Characterization of Space Heating Boiler Operation in Post-War Multi-Unit Residential Buildings," in 15th Canadian Conference on Building Science and Technology, CCBST, Vancouver, British Columbia, 6-8 November 2017 (Note: Also listed under Conference Presentations)
1. Carlsson, M.R., Touchie, M.F., Richman, R.C., "A Compartmentalization and Ventilation Retrofit Strategy for High-Rise Residential Buildings in Cold Climates," in 15th Canadian Conference on Building Science and Technology, CCBST, Vancouver, British Columbia, 6-8 November 2017 (Note: Also listed under Conference Presentations)
1. Carlsson, M.R., Touchie, M.F., Richman, R.C., "A Compartmentalization & Ventilation System Retrofit Strategy for High-Rise Residential Buildings in Cold Climates," in 11th Nordic Symposium on Building Physics Proceedings, pp.867-872, NSB2017, Trondheim, Norway, 11-14 June 2017 (Note: Also listed under Conference Presentations)
1. Touchie, M.F., Tzekova, E.S., Siegel, J.A., Purcell, B., Morier, J. “Evaluating Summertime Overheating in Multi-Unit Residential Buildings using Surveys and In-Suite Monitoring," accepted for 13^th international conference on Thermal Performance of the Exterior Envelopes of Whole Buildings XIII Proceedings, pp. 135-151, Clearwater, Florida, December 5–8, 2016. (Note: Also listed under Conference Presentations
1. Touchie, M.F., Siegel, J.A. “Operation of Residential HVAC Systems: Implications for Healthy Buildings," in Proc. 4^th Healthy Buildings 2015 Conference, pp.5-5, Boulder, CO, 2015. (Note: Also listed under Conference Presentations
1. Touchie, M.F., Pressnail, K.D. “Detailed Monitoring and Energy Model Development of an Existing Multi-Unit Residential Building in Toronto, Canada," in Proc. 4^th Building Enclosure Science and Technology (BEST4) Conference, Kansas City, MO, 2015. (Note: Also listed under Conference Presentations
1. Touchie, M.F., Pressnail, K.D., Tzekova, E.S. “Energy Retrofitting Toronto Multi-Unit Residential Buildings: Air-Source Heat Pumps Operating in Enclosed Balconies," in Proc. 14^th Canadian Conf. on Building Science and Technology, pp.25-36, Toronto, ON, 2014. (Note: Also listed under Conference Presentations
1. Touchie, M.F., Pressnail, K.D., Tzekova, E.S. “Assessing Potential Energy Retrofits of Multi-Unit Residential Buildings in the Greater Toronto Area," in Proc. 14^th Canadian Conf. on Building Science and Technology, Toronto, ON, 2014. (Note: Also listed under Conference Presentations)
1. Tzekova, E.S., Pressnail, K.D., Touchie, M.F., Richman, R.C., DiPlacido, A.M., Rumeo, M.E. “Improving the Energy Performance of an Historic Single-Family Home: The Gemini House," in Proc. 14^th Canadian Conf. on Building Science and Technology, pp.499-509, Toronto, ON, 2014. (Note: Also listed under Conference Presentations)
1. Parker, C.A., Pressnail, K.D., Touchie, M.F., DeRose, D., Dedesko, S. “A Study of Cross Contamination of In-Suite Ventilation Systems used in Multi-Unit Residential Buildings," in Proc. 14^th Canadian Conf. on Building Science and Technology, Toronto, ON, 2014. (Note: Also listed under Conference Presentations)
1. Touchie, M.F., Pressnail, K.D., and Tzekova, E. “Energy Savings by Retrofitting Multi-Unit Residential Buildings: Case Studies," in Proc. 3^rd Building Enclosure Science and Technology (BEST3) Conference, Atlanta, GA, 2012, paper 105. (Note: Also listed under Conference Presentations)
1. Touchie, M.F., Pressnail, K.D., Richman, R.C. and Dixon, E. “An Innovative Approach to Retrofitting Multi-Unit Residential Buildings Using a Nested Thermal Envelope Design," in Proc. 9^th Nordic Symp. on Building Physics, Tampere, Finland, 2011, pp. 289-296. (Note: Also listed under Conference Presentations)
1. Touchie, M.F., Pressnail, K.D., Dixon, E. and Richman, R.C. “Energy Retrofitting an Historic 1870’s Solid Masonry Home Using Nested Thermal Envelope Design," in Proc. 13^th Canadian Conf. on Building Science and Technology, Winnipeg, MB, 2011. (Note: Also listed under Conference Presentations)
1. Tzekova, E.S., Pressnail, K.D., Touchie, M.F. and Pearson, N. “Evaluating Wetting and Drying of a Vented Air Space in a Spray-Foam Insulated Solid Masonry Historic Building,” in Proc. Heritage 2012: 3^rd International Conference on Heritage and Sustainable Development, Porto, Portugal, 2012. (Note: Also listed under Conference Presentations)
1. Dixon, E., Richman, R., Pressnail, K.D. and Touchie, M.F. “NTED^TM: Applicability of an Innovative Low-Energy Home Design to Northern Climates,” in Proc. 13^th Canadian Conf. on Building Science and Technology, Winnipeg, MB, 2011. (Note: Also listed under Conference Presentations)
1. Dixon, E., Richman, R., Pressnail, K.D. and Touchie, M.F. “NTED^TM: An Innovative Design Using Nested Thermal Envelopes to Achieve Significant Reductions in Energy Use,” in Proc. Thermal Performance of Exterior Envelopes of Whole Buildings XI International Conference, Clearwater Beach, FL, 2010. (Note: Also listed under Conference Presentations)
1. Kennedy, C., Byer, P., Pressnail, K.D., Touchie, M.F., Bentz, E., Roorda, M. and Vanderburg, W. “Enhancing the Sustainability Content of a Civil Engineering Undergraduate Curriculum,” in Proc. CDEN/C2E2 2009 Conference, Hamilton, ON, 2009. (Note: Also listed under Conference Presentations)

Teaching

Course Code	Title & Description	Session	Day(s)
CIV375H	Building Science Building Science The fundamentals of the science of heat transfer, moisture diffusion, and air movement are presented. Using these fundamentals, the principles of more sustainable building enclosure design, including the design of walls and roofs are examined. Selected case studies together with laboratory investigations are used to illustrate how the required indoor temperature and moisture conditions can be maintained using more durable and more sustainable designs. View full course description in the Engineering Undergrad Academic Calendar.	Fall	Scheduled by the Office of the Faculty Registrar.
CIV575H	Studies In Building Science	Fall 2022	Scheduled by the Office of the Faculty Registrar.
MIE507H	HVAC Fundamentals HVAC Fundamentals Introduction to the fundamentals of HVAC system operation and the relationship between these systems, building occupants and the building envelope. Fundamentals of psychrometrics, heat transfer and refrigeration; determination of heating and cooling loads driven by occupant requirements and the building envelope; heating and cooling equipment types and HVAC system configurations; controls and maintenance issues that influence performance; evaluation of various HVAC systems with respect to energy and indoor environmental quality performance. More Info		Scheduled by the Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering

News Mentions

Two new faculty members join Civil and, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Collaboration is the key to success and the driving factor behind the hiring of two new professors that are cross-appointed with the Departments of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, and Civil Engineering. Professors Marianne Touchie (CivE, MIE) and Fae Azhari (MIE, CivE) joined the Faculty at the beginning of July. Professor Touchie completed a BASc and PhD in Civil Engineering at the University of Toronto. Her research focuses on improving the energy performance and indoor environmental quality of existing buildings to make them more comfortable, healthy and sustainable through comprehensive retrofits. Professor Azhari holds degrees in Civil Engineering from Isfahan University of Technology and University of British Columbia, Industrial Engineering from UC Berkeley, and Structural Engineering and Mechanics from UC Davis. She specializes in structural health monitoring (SHM) of engineering systems. U of T Engineering spoke with the new professors to find out more about their research and what they’re looking forward to at U of T: Fae Azhari Could you explain the focus of your research? My work focuses on SHM of engineering systems. Similar to the way a doctor would point out when an organ is malfunctioning in a patient’s body during regular check-ups, SHM is able to diagnose and locate any anomalies in an engineering system. Since this diagnosis happens at a very early stage, the remedial procedure will usually be timely and cost effective. My goal is to address some of the gaps in the succession of tasks from sensor development to implementation and decision making. Why did you choose U of T? Long before pursuing academia, I visited Toronto and the campus here. The historical feel and the intellectual vibe stayed in my mind. I’m so happy to be working here now. My research field is multidisciplinary, and having access to the many great resources, facilities, colleagues and mentors at U of T will be extremely valuable in advancing my research and career. What are you most looking forward to in your new position? I like the sense of collegiality at U of T and look forward to effective collaborations with other researchers. As a new professor, what one piece of advice would you give to new students? At university you are often your own teacher so expect to be treated that way. Try to be proactive and do not be afraid to ask questions. What do you hope to accomplish in your new position/during your time at U of T Engineering? I hope to one day truly ‘profess’ my subject.; to understand the old and new bodies of knowledge in such a way that I can properly judge their significance and place in the grand scheme of things. Marianne Touchie Could you explain the focus of your research? My research focuses on the question of how do we improve the quality of our indoor environment as we strive for greater energy efficiency? Making buildings more comfortable and healthy often come at an energy cost. Why did you choose U of T? U of T is my alma mater so I am well aware of the significance and impact of the research done here and I am looking forward to collaborating with so many talented colleagues and students in both the lab and the classroom. What are you most looking forward to in your new position? With a cross appointment between Civil Engineering and Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, I’m excited to bring together students from across disciplines. As a new professor, what one piece of advice would you give to new students? Allow yourself to wrestle with a problem before asking for help. It is effortless to use Google or message someone to find an answer. But this process doesn’t improve your own ability to problem solve, think critically or take your own position on an issue. During your time at U of T you will gain plenty of technical knowledge but transferable skills like problem solving will be of the most valuable after graduation. What do you hope to accomplish in your new position/during your time at U of T Engineering? Within Civil Engineering, I would like to continue growing the Canadian Centre for Building Excellence (CCBE) with Professors Kim Pressnail and Jeffrey Siegel into a world-renowned research centre for healthy, energy efficient buildings. I would also like to create stronger links through multidisciplinary design courses which will give students an opportunity to tackle today’s important problems with colleagues from a variety of technical backgrounds.

Two new faculty are cross appointed with CivE and MIE

Collaboration is the key to success and the driving factor behind the hiring of two new professors that are cross-appointed with the Departments of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, and Civil Engineering. Professors Marianne Touchie (CivE, MIE) and Fae Azhari (MIE, CivE) joined the Faculty at the beginning of July. Professor Touchie completed a BASc and… Read more »

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Contact

Marianne Touchie
Department of Civil & Mineral Engineering
University of Toronto
35 St. George St.
Toronto, Ontario
Canada, M5S 1A4

Office: GB314B

Tel: 416-978-5919
Fax: 416-978-6813

marianne.touchie@utoronto.ca

beie.mie.utoronto.ca