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Sustainability

Red Deer Polytechnic is a leader environmentally, reducing energy consumption on its campuses while enhancing learning, training and applied research related to alternative energy. The Alternative Energy Initiative is part of the organization's larger, future-focused Green Campus Master Plan, which works to incorporate and develop alternative energy systems that will provide learning and innovation opportunities for students, industry, and community partners while also working to reduce Red Deer Polytechnic's overall carbon footprint.

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United Nations SDG Accord

On October 31, 2022, RDP signed the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Accord, demonstrating our commitment to celebrate and advance the Goals.

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Green Campus Master Plan

Through six sustainability pillars, interim goals help track progress and direct efforts that will lead RDP to achieve our overarching goal of becoming a net zero institution.

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Green Campus Working Group

The GCWG aims to inspire, educate, and equip Red Deer Polytechnic and the surrounding community with the knowledge and resources to contribute to a more sustainable future.

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Awards and Recognition

Highly Commended in 2030 Climate Action category of the International Green Gown Awards 

Red Deer Polytechnic received international recognition for its efforts in energy innovation and environmental sustainability at the 2023 Green Gown Awards.

Learn more about this award: Green Gown Awards website | RDP media release 

Solar array on the Garry W. Harris Canada Games Centre

A photo of the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre.

Red Deer Polytechnic recognized with Blue Skies Award

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) is proud to have been awarded a Blue Skies Award from Parkland Airshed Management Zone (PAMZ) for taking exemplary measures to improve the air quality in the region.

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Residence Sustainability Awards 

Red Deer Polytechnic's newest residence building has received six national and international awards and nominations for leadership in sustainability.

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RDP Studio Residences

Energy Generation on Campus

Red Deer Polytechnic has an impressive array of 4,100 photovoltaic solar panels on its main campus buildings, which helps decrease the demand for external energy. More than 2,500 of these solar panels are on the state-of-the-art Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre, which received a gold ranking in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). The newest Residence has 545 panels and the solar walkway holds an additional 276. The main building and Alternative Energy Lab (AEL), a LEED-Silver facility, house the remaining solar panels. 

In addition to energy conservation, the AEL is a key component of alternative energy education and applied research opportunities for students and businesses. Data from the solar energy generation can be gathered and analyzed, providing real-world applications for learners. 

Electricity is also produced at the Polytechnic through a 1 MW combined heat and power (CHP) unit, which was fabricated at Red Deer’s Collicutt Energy. 

Red Deer Polytechnic aims to become a net zero energy institution, producing enough energy on campus to power its infrastructure. While significant strides have been made, the organization is exploring opportunities for further alternative energy growth. 

 

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