Left to right: Rob Spewak (Building Envelope Technology Access Centre Manager), Jose Delos Reyes (Research Manager), Neil Cooke (Dean, Teaching Excellence, Innovation and Research), Ray Hoemsen (Executive Director, Research Partnerships & Innovation), Cathy Cox (Manitoba Minister for Sustainable Development), Mark Hoddenbagh (Red River College VP Strategic Development).

Red River College today received a Manitoba Excellence in Sustainability Award at the provincial Legislature during an event hosted by provincial Sustainable Development Minister Cathy Cox.
 The College received an award in the Innovation and Research for Sustainability category.
“It’s very encouraging to see so many individuals, organizations and communities helping to make small changes that have a big impact,” said Cox.  “I’d like to congratulate these award winners for their insight and their dedication to making a difference.”

Manitoba Sustainable Development Minister Cathy Cox speaking with Red River College Vice-President Strategic Development, Mark Hoddenbagh.

The College received the award for conducting innovative research and applying knowledge to reduce energy consumption, increase sustainability and generate high-quality graduates and jobs in Manitoba.
Recent project included research related to energy efficient buildings, sustainable transportation, clean water innovation and training students in the area of sustainable technologies.
Some of the projects the College has worked on recently include:
Parabolic solar trough project: a multi-year collaborative research project to investigate performance and durability of parabolic solar troughs under Manitoba’s climatic extremes;
Large building air leakage testing: tested over 20 commercial and industrial buildings in Manitoba for their air-tightness over a one year period, filling a critical gap in regional research, and addressing concerns around large building energy usage, building durability, and occupant health and comfort;
Red River Raycer Solar Car, which was built to compete in the 2005 and 2008 North American Solar Challenges;
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Transit Bus Demonstration: the College operated a bus and refueling station as part of testing the 40-foot zero pollution emitting New Flyer Industries vehicle;
The College has formed a number of partnerships with local companies and organizations to innovate and develop major research advancements that contribute to sustainability by testing and implementing new sustainable technologies in Manitoba.

The minister noted that this year’s award winners demonstrate that private and public-sector organizations are actively promoting sustainability in Manitoba.
Provincial government press release here.

All award recipients join together for a group photo.