ASET Technology Alberta Spring 2018 - 15

iceberg, which includes a range of projects, including leveraging our new residence and the Gary W. Harris Canada
Games Centre. Both will feature solar panels and the res
goes a step further than most in that its panels will be installed on the east, south, and west external walls-it's basically sustainable cladding. That serves two purposes-environmental efficiency and applied research. Obviously, the
kilowatt hours yielded will reduce RDC's dependence on
conventional electricity from the grid. The research element
is also very interesting. Because the arrays will face three
points of the compass, we'll be able to compare results providing additional insight into optimal solar-panel placement
for effective power generation."
What about the Canada Winter Games legacy piece?
"That's just awesome. First, it's going to be a phenomenal addition to the community-actually to all of Alberta.
Did you know it's going to house Hockey Alberta? Plus,
the performance gymnasium provides RDC the opportunity to host international volleyball competitions. But
first and foremost, the facility is a teaching and learning
space with focus on the College's current programming
in health and wellness-related fields, and will have further

advantages for our future as a university, flowing from a
recent provincial announcement granting RDC permission
to move to full degree-granting status." Gingrich pauses to
catch his breath, then continues. "But back to the Alternative Energy Initiative. There's also the solar energy element.
The arena, gymnasium, and fitness centre rooves are all
solar-panelled, as will be the top of the walkway linking the
Harris Centre to the main campus buildings. In total, RDC
will install 3,600 solar panels through the AEI."
And all of this will go through the Alternative Energy
Initiative, providing learning opportunities? "That's right,"
Gingrich nods. "The three pillars supporting the AEI-teaching, demonstration, and applied research-are, themselves,
completely integrated with one another and RDC as a
whole. The Initiative will create 9,340 megawatt hours of
electricity per year. That's like taking 1,100 cars off the
road. This is a game-changer for the whole province, not
just the Red Deer Region."
We second that emotion, Joel. As ever, the energy,
drive, and inventiveness of Alberta's post-secondary institutions amaze us, as does the quality of their graduates. 

TECHNOLOGY ALBERTA | SPRING 2018 | 15

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of ASET Technology Alberta Spring 2018