UVIC CONSIDERS RENEWABLE ENERGY OPTION FOR CAMPUS

 

The University of Victoria is conducting a feasibility study to build a biomass thermal energy plant to provide a more sustainable energy source for campus buildings, and to lower greenhouse gas emissions.

In its commitment to sustainable stewardship of resources, UVic recently completed an Integrated Energy Master Plan, which recommended a biomass fuel plant to maximize energy savings and carbon reduction.

“This study will consider the technical and economic viability of a biomass energy plant as well as the opportunities for research and academic opportunities,” says Tom Smith, executive director of Facilities Management. “We are starting the process with an open house to talk with people about this opportunity.”

The March 27 open house will explain the engagement process for the study and how people can provide input, explain why UVic is considering a renewable energy option, and familiarize people with biomass technology. It is being held from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Student Union Building, upper lounge, and is the first step in an eight-month exploratory process. The university is working with the energy-services company Dalkia Canada on the study.

UVic currently heats the majority of its buildings with hot water generated by natural-gas-fueled boilers. These boilers account for more than 70 per cent of UVic’s greenhouse gas emissions.

See: http://communications.uvic.ca/releases/tip.php?date=20032013#1447

March 2013 Update

Community Recognition. On February 25 at the annual Victoria Leadership Awards, 21 local heroes were honoured including Drs. Ana Maria Peredo and David Chuenyan Lai, recipients of the 2013 University of Victoria Community Leadership Awards. See http://ring.uvic.ca/news/peredo-lai-win-community-leadership-awards

What can a single university do in 50 years? The answer is in our story, told by some great people committed to making the world a better place.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRqpmssgD48&feature=youtu.be

The Colour Your Palate competition happens Apr. 10 at UVic’s University Club, with all proceeds going to the ArtsREACH program which provides visual arts opportunities to students in local schools.  http://www.octacollective.com/colouryourpalate/

Society Suffering From Leisure Deficit: Canadians have access to more free time than ever and yet as a society we face a serious leisure deficit. This 50th Anniversary Deans’ Lecture Series talk by John Meldrum will address our individual and collective leisure deficit and will discuss current leisure research that impacts health, happiness and community engagement.

What: “Reducing Our Leisure Deficit” with John Meldrum

When: Friday, March 22 from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m.

Where: Greater Victoria Public Library, Broughton St., Victoria

Admission is free and everyone is welcome, but pre-registration is recommended to ensure seating is available by calling 250-472-4747.

For a calendar of more free community events see http://events.uvic.ca/

Recruiting over 100 short-term workers for the 2013 Congress at UVic (June 1 to 8).

The Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences is recruiting over 100 short-term contract workers for the 2013 Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Victoria (June 1 to 8).

Timeline:

• Applications will be accepted until March 15th, 2013.
• Interviews will be held during the week of April 15 to 19, 2013 and formal offers of contract employment issued at that time.
• Successful candidates are required to attend a (paid) orientation session on May 30.

Qualifications:

Who is the ideal candidate?

• An individual with flexible availability (from May 28 to June 9).
• Outgoing, personable, motivated and organized.
• Able and willing to work a number of positions if needed.
• Ability to speak in both official languages (English and French) an asset.

Salary:

$11.00 / hr.

Applications are submitted at http://www.congress2013.ca/about-congress/recruitment/form

Information is at http://www.congress2013.ca/about-congress/recruitment

Don't miss IdeaFest- free events until March 15th

See http://www.uvic.ca/ideafest/ for two weeks of activities open to the community!

Whether you're a science lover, a linguist, a gamer, an art history fan (or something else entirely) this festival is a brilliant opportunity to have your curiosity piqued by researchers, scholars and artists that help make the world a bit more interesting - and a little bit better tomorrow - for everyone.

With over 50 free events in the schedule, the hardest part will be figuring out which great idea to start with.