The Sustainability Grant Fund was created with the goal to advance sustainability at Thompson Rivers University. Grants are awarded to improve the university’s operational environmental performance, foster sustainability literacy and campus community engagement, advance applied research, and demonstrate the viability of sustainability technologies.
Details regarding the fund and these four projects can be found here.
A Bright Idea – faculty members Travis Hatt and Robin Nichol
New LED Par lighting instruments for TRU’s Performing Arts Department’s Actor’s Workshop Theatre use a fraction of the electricity of older lights, and also don’t require expensive bulbs or colour sheets that the old lights burn through. Students will also benefit by learning about the newest technology in theatrical lighting.
Watch the YouTube video submission: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RwDUibXdJ0
Solar Compass – faculty member Dr. Michael Mehta
A solar photovoltaic path/road in front of the Arts and Education Building will be embedded into the existing decorative compass and will showcase, in a highly visible location, a new and innovative technology. The main benefit is to promote educational opportunities that showcase novel and transformative solar energy options. It will be a first of its kind in Canada and use existing infrastructure for environmental benefit, and advance applied research through strategic partnerships.
Watch the YouTube video submission: https://youtu.be/OrqHS01hSK8
Solar Street Lamps – students Chace Barber, Tavis Knox, Eric Little
This project will see solar panels installed on walkway lamp posts in high traffic areas around campus. The energy produced during daylight hours will offset the energy required by the lights; with the anticipated surplus feeding the grid as opposed to using batteries for storage.
Watch the YouTube video submission: https://youtu.be/E2Sf2bkoG1w
Sweat Lodge – student Jordan Robinson
The sweat lodge will be built on the campus. According to Secwepemc culture, it is to connect younger and older generations spiritually and culturally through teaching, prayer and purification, as well as helping to implement familial, social cohesion and sustainable practices. These techniques have been used traditionally by many Aboriginal communities in Canada for thousands of years.
For media enquiries or images, please contact James Gordon, Programs and Research Coordinator in the TRU Sustainability Office (250) 852-7153, jgordon@tru.ca.
