Cambrian College's Sustainable Energy Centre's received a big boost from a community partner Tuesday morning as Xstrata Nickel announced it would be investing $2 million into the project.
It's a $6 million project so $2 million is a tremendous recognition of the vision we're trying to achieve and also a tremendous contribution toward getting us to our goal," said Cambrian College president Sylvia Barnard.
"I thank Xstrata Nickel for sharing our vision, for caring about our planet, and for investing so generously in future generations and the future of Greater Sudbury and communities around the world."
The Sustainable Energy Centre is an innovative and applied research facility, that will provide entrepreneurs and energy sector industries the opportunity to prototype, test and demonstrate sustainable energy systems and green building technologies.
"In addition to the applied research pods, the centre will house one of the first Living Buildings in North America, drawing energy industry partners from around the world and helping Canada become a leader in the sustainable energy sector," Barnard said.
"The Living Building will demonstrate cutting-edge sustainable energy technologies and practices as well as provide educational experiences and displays available to the general public."
And knowing the world is watching what Cambrian is doing in the area of energy sustainability, Barnard admitted that is "very exciting and a great challenge.
"Our media abounds with reports and stories of the negative impact our human activity is having on our planet now and into the future," she said. "We need to start acting now if we are to preserve our planet for our children and our grandchildren."
Mike Romaniuk, vice-president, Sudbury operations, Xstrata Nickel, explained why it was so important for the company to get on board with the project.
"I think it has to do with sustainable energy," he said. "We're in a business that consumes a lot of energy but we're also in a community. As part of that community responsibility, I think we have to pick up our part.
"We want to help create sustainable communities that are full of activity and vigor," he added."
"It is a natural fit for two organizations that help drive the economy of Sudbury, two organizations that share a vision for sustainable energy, to come together in a new venture that will diversify our local economy and respond to the new global challenges," Barnard said.
Construction of the Sustainable Energy Centre is set to begin in Spring 2008 with the first phase being completed in Fall 2008.
