Goal 7 - Institutional Stewardship Initiatives
Institutional Stewardship Initiatives
Ask An Energy Expert
Anyone can submit a question to Future Energy Systems, and an energy expert will respond in this YouTube video series. Answered questions include: How do hybrid cars work? How is wind turned into energy? Can we create new sources of energy? What happens when an oil well runs out of oil?
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.
Future Energy Systems Interactive Energy
Future Energy Systems organize outreach visits to classrooms in the Edmonton area to teach local students about energy. Interactive Energy outreach visits include hands-on activities and can vary on a range of topics relating to energy.
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.
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.
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.