| Overall Rating | Bronze - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 35.74 |
| Liaison | Taryn Wilkinson |
| Submission Date | Oct. 3, 2013 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Niagara College Canada
IN-4: Innovation 4
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 1.00 |
Taryn
Wilkinson Sustainability Coordinator Facilities Management Services |
A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
In Spring 2013, Niagara College was accepted into the Demand Response Program (DR3) through the Ontario Power Authority (OPA). In exchange for a commitment to reduce electricity load at the Welland Campus and the Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus, Niagara College will receive an availability payment, and for an actual, measured and verified load reduction Niagara College will also receive a utilization payment. The Sustainability Committee will use this remuneration to fund other energy reduction and sustainability projects at the college.
Ontario Power Authority is able to achieve more control over power generation in Ontario through this program. One major benefit of this program is that when the OPA is approaching their maximum load for energy production, they can call upon Niagara College and other partners to reduce their energy consumption so as to avoid switching over to a less desirable fuel source to meet demand. It also allows the OPA to call in advance to their partners to reduce their demand if they have unexpected or expected maintenance or infrastructure upgrades. When partners like Niagara College are operating within a lower load capacity, the OPA is able to use higher efficiency, and cleaner energy sources. If the load increases, the risk of turning to more undesirable fuel may occur. Having participation in this program can support Ontario's clean energy goals.
As an educational institution with a highly variable electrical load, Niagara College faces many challenges with this program. Niagara College has committed to making this program a success by developing a DR3 plan that includes temperature and HVAC adjustments, lighting reductions and a notification system that lets students and employees know we have received a call to reduce our electricity consumption and ask them to please turn off any unneeded electronics, appliances, and lighting. In July, Niagara College received its first dispatch and successfully met its committed targets.
A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise:
The website URL where information about the innovation is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.