With the plant-wall bio filter as a vibrant backdrop, ministers from the Ontario government recently visited the University of Guelph-Humber to announce a new funding plan to improve energy efficiency on university and college campuses.
Mitzie Hunter, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development, and Chris Ballard, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, announced an investment in post-secondary institutions that includes funding for installing energy-efficient windows and high-efficiency boiler replacements, as well as larger retrofits and new construction for projects that reduce emissions or greenhouse gas pollution or increase campus sustainability.
“I’m very excited to be here today speaking to you in front of this amazing four-storey living wall,” Hunter said during an announcement in UofGH’s atrium.
“Ontario’s colleges and universities are some of the best places in the world to study. By investing in repairs and retrofits on campuses across the province that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency, we can extend the life of valuable infrastructure and provide students with the best possible learning environment to pursue their goals and achieve their potential.”
University of Guelph-Humber Vice-Provost Dr. John Walsh also detailed several exciting environmental initiatives currently being carried out on the UofGH campus, including a lighting retrofit project that will eventually see the entire building converted to LED lighting.
Those sustainability initiatives are forecast to together reduce energy consumption at the University of Guelph-Humber by approximately 35 per cent.
“We are proud to be continuously evaluating ways in which to conserve energy and reduce emissions, because sustainability is a top priority for us all,” Dr. Walsh said.
In 2017-18, the government of Ontario is investing more than $214 million in grants and making up to $300 million available in interest-free loans to retrofit college and university facilities through the Greenhouse Gas Campus Retrofit Program.
University of Guelph President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Franco Vaccarino and Humber College President and CEO Dr. Chris Whitaker were also on-hand to illustrate the ways in which their institutions are working to implement sustainability.
“The University of Guelph is committed to improving life through environmental, economic and social sustainability,” Dr. Vaccarino said. “This extends beyond teaching and research to the administration and operation of our campuses. The government's investment, through this important fund, will allow us to continue to take steps to reduce our collective carbon footprint while also addressing maintenance issues and showcasing new technologies."
“As one of Canada's Greenest employers, Humber is committed to promoting and implementing sustainability across our campuses,” said Dr. Whitaker. “Through our progressive Integrated Energy Master Plan, we are on track to reduce energy and water use by 50 per cent by 2034. This new funding will help us continue to improve the energy efficiency of our buildings and foster a strong culture of sustainability with our students and employees.”
