August 11, 2010

Partnership will facilitate knowledge and technology related to renewable energy while advancing sustainable building agenda

Oshawa, Ont. – Thanks to a new partnership between Durham College and three other leading Canadian colleges -Lethbridge College in Lethbridge, Alta.; Nova Scotia Community College in Halifax, N.S.; and Okanagan College in Kelowna, B.C. – a commitment to the rapidly evolving fields of sustainable buildings and renewable energy and infrastructure has been launched in order to advance the national and international sustainability agenda.

“This is a great example of co-operation between colleges from across Canada that are focused on training and innovation that is vital to the national sustainability agenda,” said James Knight, president of the Association of Canadian Community Colleges. “Each college is demonstrating leadership in its own region and province. Co-operating and working together with industry and other partners will just add value to their achievements.”

The agreement links together training and projects related to sustainable buildings and renewable energy including program planning and delivery, curriculum development and data sharing.

“A strategic partnership of this calibre is not only beneficial to the sustainability initiatives of our institutes, but to all our students across Canada,” said Tracy Edwards, chief executive officer and president of Lethbridge College.”We’re working towards having a nation of socially responsible citizens and couldn’t be more excited at the possibilities.”

The consortium will also see the colleges work together to plan and co-ordinate applied innovation projects and utilize connections with various industry and federal and provincial agencies.

For example, Durham College is working hard to address the growing need for skilled professionals in the renewable energy field through a more than $30 million three-phase expansion of its Whitby campus. Phase 1, already completed, includes a partnership with the Durham Strategic Energy Alliance (DSEA); new energy programs, classrooms and labs; a research incubation centre developed in partnership with the DSEA and UOIT; and a living laboratory approach that includes solar water heating and solar cell systems, geothermal technology, wind turbines and electrical and energy auditing.

“Durham College is committed to a vision that will see new opportunities for students in areas that are critical to the local, provincial and national economies with renewable and sustainable energy established as a clear priority,” said Don Lovisa, president of Durham College. “This partnership will provide an excellent platform for us to share our commitment to these sectors with other like-minded institutions and will allow us to work together on joint curriculum, new transfer opportunities, knowledge sharing and more.”

Phase 2 is increasing the shop area by 20,000 square feet to accommodate new programs and includes the addition of an older home designed to offer students access to dated technology and wiring and the construction of a new home with the latest in energy efficient and environmentally friendly technology. The combination will give students a sense of the changes occurring in the construction and building trades and how to utilize them effectively.

Phase 3 will be a Food and Hospitality Centre that will offer greenhouse gardens; culinary expertise; and agriculture and science laboratories.

“At NSCC we value innovative ideas and actions that engage our students and our communities,” said Don Bureaux, acting president, Nova Scotia Community College. “We are committed to the development of advanced skills training and applied research that create sustainable building and energy solutions; a commitment that is strengthened through partnerships with respected institutions that share our passion.”

In B.C., Okanagan College and the Okanagan Science and Technology Council are partnering on a $1 million project that is receiving 50 per cent of its funding from Environment Canada. The project is focused on reducing greenhouse gases produced through building construction. A federal contribution to the project is also coming from the Asia Pacific Partnership.

“We’re working closely together with each other and with industry in this area,” said Okanagan College President Jim Hamilton. “In many instances, we’re at the leading edge of new sustainable facilities and want to ensure everyone benefits from what the others are learning and teaching.”

The agreement was formed to enable the colleges to work together to meet learner, industry and community needs; share knowledge and resources; expand individual and collective capacities; and test new products and technologies in a variety of settings that reflect Canada’s diverse geography, ecology and climate.

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About Durham College 
At Durham College, the student experience comes first, an approach it has taken for more than 40 years. Through a vast range of market-driven programs that are taught by exceptional professors with real-world experience, students develop the skills required to meet the ever-changing needs of employers and the job market. Moving forward, Durham College’s expansion plans will see its Whitby campus grow by 40,000 square feet. Phase 1 of the construction features an energy-neutral living laboratory for new technologies and education that will serve the growing needs of the emerging energy sector. Phase 2 of the expansion will create additional classroom and laboratory space to support new program development, and Phase 3 will be a food centre designed to house culinary arts programs; a food and agricultural component; a food processing centre and agriculture and science laboratories. Durham College has more than 7,000 full-time students, thousands of part-time students and more than 1,400 apprentices. For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

Media contact for Durham College: 
Michelle Roebuck
Communications, Marketing and External Relations
Durham College
905.721.2000 ext. 2197
michelle.roebuck@durhamcollege.ca

 

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