Niagara Research is helping businesses go green with a number of projects aimed at education and awareness, reducing carbon footprint, improving green roof initiatives and maximizing the growing capabilities in a greenhouse setting.
Representatives of the Agriculture and Environment division of Niagara Research, housed at the Niagara-on-the-Lake campus, recently presented current projects as part of the Niagara Research Speakers’ Series.
Team members presented their current work, explaining the role they play interacting with an industry partner, and in collaboration with faculty leads and research associates from Niagara Research. Presenters included Katrina Kroeze, research associate; and student research assistants Trevor Bentley, Karl Dockstader, Leanna Kozak, and Maxine Murphy.
The projects included a net zero solar design for three Chippawa buildings, in which the researchers have done energy audits and are making recommendations for greener energy which will result in the buildings producing as much energy as they use; a lunch and learn series in which businesses were able to learn about sustainability issues in the workplace, such as a paperless office or green procurement in the supply chain; exploring the best media for green roof projects; and developing lighting solutions that maximize growing space in a greenhouse.
At different times during the year, paid student positions become available, as projects arise, so researchers encouraged those in attendance to watch Blackboard for future postings.
Niagara Research, Niagara College’s Research and Innovation Division, works closely with business, industry and community partners to identify challenges that are in need of real-time solutions.
Through applied research projects, skilled student and faculty teams help local businesses and community organizations become more innovative, overcome challenges, and develop, test or simulate new products or processes.
Working on applied research projects provides students with the opportunity to bring the skills and knowledge they have learned in the classroom to a new level, presenting fresh and innovative ideas to industry partners.
The next instalment of the Speakers’ Series will feature students working on research projects in the areas of Business and Commercialization, on Monday, March 25. The event is scheduled from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the NOTL campus, in W212.
To learn more about Niagara Research, contact [email protected] or visit www.NiagaraCollege.ca/Research.
