June 27, 2019

Medicine Hat College’s (MHC) Brooks Campus was recently selected as the only Canadian institution to receive a $100,000 grant from EBSCO Information Services, which will go towards installing solar panels and a solar ‘garden’.

The grant was open to libraries across North America and aimed at supporting projects that reduce electricity expenditures and promote growth of the renewables sector.

For Cindy Slenders, director of Brooks Campus and regional stewardship, this investment is a step in the right direction.

“The EBSCO grant allows our campus a means to reduce our environmental footprint while maintaining our commitment to post-secondary pathways for learners in our region. Renewable energies are a growing component of regional economic development.”

MHC has recently embarked on a number of innovation projects in renewables with the intent of providing students, faculty and the community an opportunity to learn about emerging technologies. 

Currently, the post-secondary institution has a micro grid at its Medicine Hat campus that includes an EV charging station, solar panels and wind turbines.

Jason Openo, director of teaching and learning, is excited for the opportunity this grant provides in terms of research and as a model of how to effectively implement the use of alternative resources.

“This project provides us an opportunity to showcase a creative and functional way to install solar panels. To have students in the trades area and from our built environment and engineering technology program be part of designing and constructing the panels is a great way to provide our learners a chance to broaden their skills and showcase what they are learning in the classroom.”

For more information on renewable energy projects happening at MHC, visit: www.mhc.ab.ca.