Sustainability

Alternative Energy Initiative 

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) is a leader in Environmental Sustainability.

We are committed to:

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• reducing energy consumption on our campuses
• enhancing learning, training and applied research related to alternative energy

The Red Deer Polytechnic Alternative Energy Initiative promotes environmental stewardship by using sustainable and energy efficient technologies to reduce energy consumption. 

The components to Red Deer Polytechnic's Alternative Energy Initiative include:

Generation of Alternative Energy: Several facilities on our main campus have solar (photovoltaic) panels installed, including the newest Residence, the Alternative Energy Lab and the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre. By early 2019, 4,096 panels were installed across our main campus in a range of conventional and non-conventional configurations, supporting learning about energy production and efficiency. In addition, a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) was installed which generates electricity and utilizes the heat generated from this process that would otherwise be wasted. This heat supplements our main boiler system which dramatically increases their efficiency.

Alternative Energy Lab: officially opened in February 2019, serves as a teaching, research and data hub to increase knowledge and awareness about alternative energy technologies for students, industry and researchers.

Continuing Conservation: Red Deer Polytechnic has converted significant portions of the campus to LED lighting and continues to upgrade the remaining portions of campus.

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. We inform our faculty, staff, students and visitors about subjects such as energy and water conservation, as well as other environmentally friendly areas. For example, we encourage people to walk, bike or use transit as they travel to the College's campuses. Additionally, recycle bins are placed throughout our campuses, to collect paper, coffee cups and bottles. Did you know proceeds from recycled bottles help fund student scholarships? Thanks for doing your part to help our students and our environment!   

Generating Energy on Campus

At RDP, we think big picture and long-term when it comes to environmental stewardship. By generating alternative energy and reducing energy consumption, we create a big impact. 

RDP's sustainability efforts include an impressive array of 4,100 photovoltaic solar panels on buildings throughout our main campus.