Niagara College was recognized May 30 with the Niagara Sustainability Initiative (NSI) “Greatest Progress” award to acknowledge the steps NC has taken to reduce its carbon footprint.
NSI, a Niagara Research partner, recognized NC initiatives such as the installation of streamed waste receptacles; the hiring of an energy manager who will focus on energy reduction projects; the introduction of a aqueous ozone water system that is used for cleaning, replacing chemicals; and launching the Wine Visitor + Education as the first carbon neutral building of its kind in Canada.
Launched by Evan DiValentino, NC graduate, faculty member, and former Niagara Research associate, the NSI focuses on bringing economic strength back to the Niagara Region through greening of local businesses and municipalities – a vision that is shared by local government, the St. Catharines-Thorold Chamber of Commerce and multiple Economic Development departments.
Besides being a partner in applied research projects, NSI recently hired one of NR’s research associates, Katrina Kroeze, as program manager. While with Niagara Research, Kroeze worked on a project to develop and deliver sustainability-related training modules and increasing the external communication of the organizational benefits of sustainability and NSI services.
NSI is a not-for-profit organization that facilitates carbon and energy management in the business community. Through the Carbon Project, businesses have access to carbon management software, informative events and aggregated public reporting. Niagara College has been a partner in the NSI since 2011.
Above, from left: Evan DiValentino; Katrina Kroeze; Al Unwin, chair, school of environment; Teresa Quinlin, NC vice-president, corporate services.
