Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
PAE-2: Strategic Plan

A Key Direction is "Advance Institutional Sustainability". An Expected Outcome that aligns with this Key Direction is, "NAIT's relationships with partners are strategic, symbiotic, synergistic, and sustainable". An accompanying strategy is, "Embrace economic, environmental, and social responsibility". Specific initiatives include the creation of an alternative energy program; use of biodegradable plates, clear packaging, and cutlery in our cafeterias; use of a green line of cleaning products and Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper for publications. Capstone Applied Research projects (such as the BTech STARS Capstone) by students within the degree programs integrate a sustainable triple bottom-line approach in real-world projects with corporate partners when possible. NAIT works with organizations on the development of green roof technology. The novaNAIT Center for Applied Research accommodates applied research and innovation in renewable energy and the environment and sustainable infrastructure technology. These are examples of strategies relating to environmental sustainability.

See notes above. An initiative called NAIT in Motion takes NAIT training on the road delivering trade-related programs such as electrical, pipe trades, and welding anywhere in western and northern Canada. It has been particularly successful in remote areas and Aboriginal communities thorough programs such as NAIT's 20-week introduction to Trades, with job-ready skills training. Each September, NAIT hosts its Aboriginal Awareness Week, highlighting its Aboriginal role model program with the participation of its Aboriginal alumni association. NAIT promotes women's entry into traditionally male-dominated trades and technologies as an active partner with the Women Building Futures organization and through its Women in Technology program. For the past twelve years, NAIT has helped train Cubans in nickel refinery best practices and currently offers training at an mini-NAIT-like center in Cuba. NAIT encourages staff and students to engage in volunteerism. United Way contributions always meet set targets; programs assist with Habitat for Humanity builds; Culinary students create and serve dinners to those in need.

A performance indicator of the related Expected Outcome is NAIT's Economic Impact. Our target is $500 million within the Edmonton region. NAIT's Comprehensive Institutional Plan includes strategies that focus on the reduction of deferred maintenance as well as the optimization of all processes.