Carleton University’s goal of reducing energy consumption while expanding research on green technologies and smart environments got a $26.4-million boost today from the federal and provincial governments.
The infrastructure funding will lower energy use on campus by up to eight per cent through a major retrofit and modernization program that includes an upgrade to Carleton’s Sustainability Energy Research Facility and a new Research Observatory Centre in its central heating plant.
Over the long term, the project will enable Canada to be a world leader in building performance and engineering.
As well, Carleton is renovating to create the Institute for Advanced Research and Innovation in Smart Environments (ARISE) focusing on applied research in clean technology, health technology, and information and communication technology.
The collaborative research and training at ARISE, supported by industry, will facilitate startups and contribute to economic growth. Researchers will train students to conduct research in smart environments embedded seamlessly with sensors, intelligent systems and computers, and connected through continuous communication networks.
The announcement was made at Carleton today by Catherine McKenna, minister of Environment and Climate Change, and Ontario Attorney General Yasir Naqvi. Of the total funding, $22.5 million is coming from the federal Strategic Investment Fund, while Ontario is providing $3.9 million. Carleton is contributing an additional $23.5 million for a total investment of $49.9 million.
QuickFacts:
About the Energy Retrofit and Facility Modernization Project:
- Six Carleton buildings will get upgrades, with LED lighting installed across campus.
- Impact is the equivalent of taking 772 cars off the road for a year or eliminating the emissions from 383 homes for one year.
- Work finished by April 2018.
About ARISE:
- Renovating about 23,000 square feet of the Life Sciences Research Building and adding 34,500 square feet.
- Involves researchers from five faculties – Science, Engineering and Design, Business, Public Affairs and Arts and Social Sciences.
- Initial Information and communications technology programs will focus on 5G wireless, smart cities, data analytics.
Quotes:
“This strategic investment furthers Carleton’s leadership in green technology, digital communications, Big Data and cybersecurity research. We have made great strides in these fields and we are committed to leading the way in the future, both in Canada and abroad.” Carleton President Roseann O’Reilly Runte.
“I am pleased to be here at Carleton today to announce the Government of Canada’s contributions to new facilities on campus. I am delighted to see that these new buildings will be energy efficient and provide research opportunities in environmental and climate science—a key field of research as Canada continues to take real action and find practical solutions to tackle climate change.” Catherine McKenna
“Our government is proud to support this important modernization project, which will make Carleton University more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. We know that providing access to high-quality education and modern training facilities is critical to building the highly-skilled workforce we need to support good jobs and economic growth.” Yasir Naqvi
About Carleton University:
Carleton University is a dynamic, research-intensive institution with a creative international approach to research that has led to many significant discoveries and creative works in science and engineering, business, public policy and the arts. Home to many award-winning researchers, Carleton is uniquely committed to discovery, knowledge, and understanding of the world around us.
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Monday, November 7, 2016 in News Releases
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