Augustana Campus solar-thermal project, University of Alberta.
On May 25, 2010, Augustana unveiled 10 solar-thermal panels on the roof of our Convocation Centre. The panels will end up relieving 20 to 30 per cent of the Cafeteria and Gym's water-heating requirements that formerly relied exclusively on non-renewable sources.
This project speaks to the triple bottom line of sustainability: environmental, economic and social sustainability. The use of this viable, renewable resource is one of the environmental benefits of such a project. Economic benefits will be seen as soon as the energy savings exceed the capital cost of the project. Finally, as an academic institution there is great potential for learning from this technology and leading by example within our community and beyond. With this project and many others like it, Augustana is demonstrating its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Funds for the project came from a number of sources. These include private donations to the Augustana Sustainability Fund and significant support from Viessmann Solar Systems. Further, the Class of 2010, having spent four years on this campus, wanted to leave a legacy at Augustana and donated to the project as well.