Known as a world leader in environmental remediation and sustainability, Greater Sudbury is now home to Cambrian’s Xstrata Nickel Sustainable Energy Centre, a new site for cutting-edge applied research and education in these areas and beyond, according to a news release from Cambrian College.
The innovative teaching and research facility was officially opened Jan. 31 and is already a hive of activity with a number of applied research projects underway alongside classes and labs for students in Cambrian’s Energy Systems Technology and Environmental Monitoring and Impact Assessment programs. At the official opening, special guests got a first-hand look at what takes place inside the Centre, its future potential, and its sustainable design features.
“With this new Centre, we’re expanding our capacity for applied research and making room for growth,” Cambrian president Sylvia Barnard said in the press release. “We’re focused on applied research, because it gives students in various programs real-life experience working with prototypes and entrepreneurs; it supports small- and medium-sized enterprises; and it diversifies our local economy. The Centre also supports two advanced programs that support the green economy.
“Our success so far is proof that corporations and local, provincial, and federal governments are prioritizing projects that embrace innovation, energy efficiency, and environmental stewardship like never before. Today is our opportunity to thank all those who have helped us achieve our goals.”
Xstrata Nickel, Cambrian’s partner in the project, contributed $2 million to the project. The College also received support from FedNor and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to build the Centre.
“It’s a privilege to have partnered with Cambrian since 2007 in this worthwhile project,” Marc Boissonneault, vice-president, Xstrata Nickel, Sudbury Operations, stated. “Today marks the result of our collaborative efforts, and it showcases our shared values and commitment towards post-secondary education and research. We are certain the Centre will support sustainable growth within the community.”
Mayor Marianne Matichuk, from left, vice-president, Xstrata Nickel, Sudbury Operations, Marc Boissonnealt, Cambrian College president Sylvia Barnard, and Minister of Northern Development and Mines and MPP for Sudbury Rick Bartolucci, cut a ribbon to mark the official opening of the Xstrata Nickel Sustainable Energy Centre. Supplied photo.
“Our government’s support for this state-of-the-art facility, through NSERC and FedNor, will generate positive economic results for the people and businesses of Greater Sudbury and all of northern Ontario,” Tony Clement, Minister for FedNor, said. “I wish to congratulate Cambrian College and all of the community partners who contributed to making this project a reality.”
Sudbury is leading the way in environmental sustainability technology, thanks to initiatives such as the Sustainable Energy Centre, Sudbury MPP Rick Bartolucci, Minister of Northern Development and Mines, said. “I am pleased that the NOHFC’s $1-million investment in this project will help students, faculty, and the community develop the skills and experience necessary to remain on the cutting edge of the green economy.”
Mayor Marianne Matichuk called the Centre a “pioneer teaching and research facility” that will allow students, educators and members of the local community to gain valuable skills and practical knowledge, allowing them to become leaders in an ever-growing green job market.
The Xstrata Nickel Sustainable Energy Centre will also provide space for new research equipment, which will arrive this year.
“Cambrian has a strong record in applied research, which attracts expert faculty and dedicated students,” Sherrill McCall, director of planning and research, said.
In August, Cambrian received two federal grants totalling nearly $165,000 from the prestigious National Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) for two new pieces of equipment, which will be used for research projects and training students, she said.
One project could involve testing a unique chemical filtration process to see if it can remove contaminants from industrial waste water.
“It’s exciting because we’re creating ground-breaking solutions to real-world problems,” McCall said. “In 2010, Cambrian was one of 12 colleges in Canada to receive an NSERC grant worth $200,000 for applied research projects in the areas of environmental monitoring and impact assessment and energy systems technologies.”
Students will also have a chance to see principles of sustainable design put into practise as they learn about the green building that contains their classrooms and labs. Built to meet or exceed the Canada Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold standards, the Centre will be tested to ensure it meets national benchmarks in energy efficiency and sustainable design.
Posted by Arron Pickard
