| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 59.78 |
| Liaison | Joseph Wasylycia-Leis |
| Submission Date | March 1, 2019 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Winnipeg
IN-25: Innovation B
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 1.00 |
Kyle
Macdonald Executive Director of Facilities Facilities |
Name or title of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome that outlines how credit criteria are met and any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation:
UWinnipeg’s new sustainability strategy aims to have five per cent of the energy used on campus come from unconventional renewable resources by 2025. This project fulfills more than half of that target.
The system runs on locally sourced wood pellets that are fed into two 100 kW boilers in the basement of Ashdown Hall. Biomass has been on the University’s radar since 2015 and a partnership with Manitoba Hydro has helped make it a reality through funding and developmental support. The project is not only helping UWinnipeg lower emissions, but it's helping the energy sector test out the supply-chain for biomass in our province.
“We’re very thankful to have that support because without that, it wouldn’t have gotten off the ground,” said Macdonald.
From Hydro’s perspective, biomass is an up-and-coming fuel source that can free up electrical demand, create new jobs, and reduce the province’s carbon footprint.
“We see it as being tremendously valuable,” said Trevor Sims, Hydro’s Senior Renewable Energy Engineer. “This is a showcase project that we can point to for other institutions and economic benefits.”
In addition to keeping classrooms and study spaces warm, the biomass system creates opportunities for research and public engagement. The heating system will likely be a topic of interest for UWinnipeg’s next campus sustainability course and there are plans to create a public art piece explaining the function and benefits of biomass.
Which of the following impact areas does the innovation most closely relate to? (select up to three):
Buildings
Energy
A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise or a press release or publication featuring the innovation :
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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.