Goal 7 - Institutional Stewardship Initiatives
Learning Opportunities
Resources for Learning
Future Energy Systems offers a range of resources for learning about innovation in clean and renewable energy systems. Those interested in learning can submit questions to be answered by an energy expert, read about energy systems research in bit sized portions, explore our existing energy systems, and more.
Energy Talks
Energy Talks is a public speaker series event featuring groundbreaking research presented by experts from the University of Alberta’s Future Energy Systems research initiative and Energy Systems Signature Area. Energy Talks are delivered across Canada, in partnership with local host organizations. Organizations can request an Energy Talk that reflects their topic of interest.
Teacher and Classroom Resources
Teachers have access to resources to help them deliver class material on clean and renewable energy systems. Future Energy Systems have developed classroom lessons, activities, videos, and books that assist teachers with delivering this content and ensuring students are engaged. Schools can also request that Future Energy Systems deliver outreach sessions to thor classes that give students the opportunity to learn from energy experts.
University Strategies and Policies
District Energy System
A district energy system centrally generates and distributes heating, cooling, electricity and chilled water to the University of Alberta and associated hospitals. Operating a central thermal energy plant brings efficiencies and avoids 60,000 tons of CO2 emissions each year. This system produces cleaner energy at a less costly price with more flexibility than what the University would otherwise operate at.
Energy Reduction Master Plan
The University of Alberta’s energy management program dates back to the 1970s. $80 million invested over the last four decades has avoided $380 million in utility costs and mitigated 2.3 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. Responding to significant growth in the use and scale of the university’s facilities, the Energy Reduction Master Plan is the current strategy to keep energy bills low and minimize environmental impacts. Tactics include retrofitting buildings, encouraging behaviour changes and increasing the supply of renewable energy generated on campus.
University Funds Investment Policy
The purpose of the University Funds Investment Policy is to set risk tolerances and asset allocation for each of the university funds according to the individual fund’s spending obligations, objectives and liquidity requirements. The policy outlines how the university will collaborate with its investment managers on environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks and opportunities.
Other University Initiatives
Energy & Clean Technology Sector Spinoffs and Startups
The University of Alberta provides assistance for start-ups in the Energy and Clean Technologies sector, including assistance for low-carbon innovation projects. An example of University of Alberta spinoffs and start-ups include AdvEn Industries which transforms carbon-rich residues and wastes into carbon-based high-tech products using low-carbon manufacturing processes. More examples can be found on the Spinoffs and Startups website.