Energy and climate action
NSCC is helping Nova Scotians both prepare for climate change-related careers and corresponding sector disruptions, as well as helping our communities respond to emerging climate opportunities and threats.
Energy use and greenhouse gas emissions
Much of NSCC’s infrastructure originates from the 1960s and 1970s. This presents a prime opportunity for innovation within NSCC’s built environment. As we modernize our facilities, we must move forward with technologies that both reduce our energy consumption and change the type of energy we use.
Strategies such as energy efficiency, fuel switching, support for sustainable transportation, and production of green electricity are all vital components of net-zero facility operations. Through aligning future projects with our climate change goals, NSCC can meet its emissions reduction targets while also meeting operational requirements and future proofing our services.
This year, our greenhouse gas emissions were down 46% from our 2008 baseline year, putting us on track to meet our goal of a 60% reduction by 2030.
Climate resilience planning
As part of the College’s Climate Change Action Plan, the Sustainability team is conducting climate resilience assessments at all of our campuses. Comprehensive background studies have been completed for each campus, providing valuable insights into their geographical locations and climate projections for those areas. During the assessments, the Sustainability team conducts on-site inspections to identify any vulnerabilities and engages in discussions with campus Facilities Managers and staff. This proactive approach allows us to better anticipate and adapt to climate-related challenges across the College and increases our overall resilience to climate change. Climate resiliency plans will be completed for all campuses and shared with campus Facilities Managers and Principals.
Goals for 2024/25
- Install new renewable energy generation infrastructure.
- Increase the number of zero emission vehicles in NSCC’s company fleet.
- Increase the number of campus as a living lab opportunities on NSCC campuses.
Recap of 2023/24
- Installed 75 kW of solar power at Lunenburg Campus and 80 kW at Akerley Campus.
- Enrolled 78 learners into NSCC Climate Literacy for Construction Trades.
- Performed Climate Resilience Assessments at each campus across the province.
Climate Change Action Plan
For over 15 years, sustainability has been a driving force for NSCC. It is a core value of the College and is one of the many areas in which we strive to lead by example. In 2022, NSCC released our new Strategic Plan, Our Time is Now, which highlights climate change as one of NSCC’s priority areas of impact – a key challenge for our province for which we can develop solutions.
In 2023, The College published our Climate Change Action Plan which outlines a pathway for our institution to make a significant impact in addressing climate change and preparing for the future. The Plan builds upon the foundation of already established College plans, policies and procedures and was formed after consultation with the NSCC community and participation in provincial and municipal climate planning initiatives.
The content of the Action Plan focuses on three key themes: Mitigation, Adaptation, and Education. Each theme contains several strategies tailored to the unique nature of our institution. Together, these themes and strategies complement each other and have the potential to build upon existing NSCC capacity to create a culture of innovation and continuous improvement that will inspire the workforce of tomorrow.
Mitigation
Climate change mitigation means addressing the cause of climate change by reducing the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere. This year construction finished on NSCC’s Sydney Waterfront Campus, this geothermally heated and cooled building is twice as efficient as a standard building and will use no fossil fuels on-site. This campus will replace the Marconi Campus, which was heated with fuel oil, reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. The College has also added on-site renewable energy at our Akerley Campus.
Further, the College’s new student housing sites will reduce transportation to campuses supporting a reduction in scope three emissions.
Adaptation
Climate change adaptation means acting to reduce risks and taking advantage of opportunities from the effects of climate change that we are already experiencing and those we will face in the future. This year to support climate adaptation the College performed climate resilience assessments at all campuses. These assessments examined local climate projections, infrastructure susceptibility and community vulnerabilities.
The College has also embraced the use of native vegetation and low impact development to make campuses more resilient. As part of the Akerley Campus housing project, all rainwater was designed to be managed onsite, with rainwater retention ponds, dispersion channels and gardens fed by rainspouts. Meanwhile, the Sydney Waterfront Campus is planting all native species in the landscaping of the campus with a priority for Indigenously significant species.
Education
NSCC was built on a simple but powerful foundation: learning ignites the potential of individuals, industries, and communities. NSCC is committed to helping Nova Scotians prepare for climate change-related careers and corresponding sector disruptions, as well as helping our communities respond to emerging climate opportunities and threats.
This year NSCC offered a number of climate, clean technology and natural resource specific microcredentials to support Nova Scotia and Canada’s learners in developing green skills in their industry. NSCC offers over 10 microcredentials related to advancing sustainable development including Climate Literacy for Construction Trades, Electric Vehicle Safe Service and Maintenance and Introduction to Solar Photovoltaic Systems Design.
Additionally, NSCC hosted in partnership with College and Institutes Canada, a Reaching Net-Zero Campuses workshop for higher education institutes in Atlantic Canada which focused on sharing knowledge and exploring opportunities for joint action.
Renewable energy
NSCC operates solar panel installations at Ivany, Strait Area, Shelburne, Annapolis Valley, and Lunenburg Campuses. These installations generate 339 kilowatts of renewable energy for Nova Scotia's power grid.
This year we installed 80 kilowatts of solar panels on Akerley Campus’ student housing building that will be used to directly power the building, reducing the emissions associated with expanding our operations.
Research support for wildfire emergency planning
Our partnership with 3D Wave Design highlights the power of combining academic and industry expertise to address environmental challenges. As climate change accelerates, innovative solutions like 3D lidar wildfire modeling become increasingly important.
In collaboration with our Applied Geomatics Research Group (AGRG), 3D Wave Design is advancing 3D lidar technology to enhance wildfire modelling and emergency planning. This technology transforms wildfire modelling from 2D capabilities to detailed 3D simulations by providing precise data on tree types and heights. This improvement allows for more accurate fire spread simulations, helping responders and communities prepare more effectively.
Mamadou Coulibaly, a student involved in this project, plays a key role by comparing 3D Wave Design's new software with existing models and running simulations. His feedback is essential for refining and improving these tools, providing him with valuable experience and equipping him with skills critical for tackling climate issues.
Our research teams remain committed to advancing technologies and projects that mitigate the impact of climate change on our province.