College’s research project sees campus turning over a new leaf when it comes to food consumption and production
College of the Rockies’ is offering tours of their Living Lab research project on Wednesday, March 8 at 11:00 a.m. at the College’s Cranbrook main campus.
The Living Lab research project at the College began as part of a national research program focused on encouraging post-secondary institutions to become leaders for climate action through innovation. Supported by Colleges & Institutes Canada, the College’s project aims to increase awareness and promote behavioural change to reduce greenhouse gas emissions during the 2022/23 academic year.
“Congratulations College of the Rockies,” said Denise Amyot, President and CEO of College and Institutes Canada. “College and institute campuses are sandboxes for innovation and opportunities. Turning your campus into a living lab means integrating all aspects of campus activities in a way that maximizes the impact of sustainability projects. With nearly 700 college and institute campuses across the country, the impact of our network is unmatched and helps make Canada futureproof.”
“Our Sustainability Committee previously undertook a Composting Project; we built upon this and opened organic waste collection campus wide,” said Sophie Larsen, Primary Investigator, Living Lab Research Project. “Our team has begun using that compost to grow lettuce, right on the College’s Living Wall in the main foyer. That lettuce is now being used in our cafeteria and in our Professional Cook program.”
The Living Lab team will be leading a tour of all the stages of the process: on-campus compost bins, state of the art composter, lab where seedlings are started, and the Living Wall. The event will end with an opportunity to ask questions.
“The goal of this project is to reduce both volume and transportation distance of waste to the landfill,” Larsen said. “Our hope is to encourage circular food production and conscious consumption, actions that will lead to a decrease in the College’s production of greenhouse gases.”
A limited number of spaces will be available for the tour, by RSVP only. Anyone wishing to attend should contact Sophie Larsen at slarsen@cotr.bc.ca or 250-489-2751 ex 3299 to secure your spot.
About College of the Rockies
For more than 45 years, College of the Rockies has provided post-secondary education that meets the needs and aspirations of the people, industry, and businesses of our region. Each year, we welcome more than 10,000 full-time and part-time students into a full range of programs, including: skilled trades, university studies, adult upgrading, early childhood education, health and human services, business, office administration, tourism, hospitality, recreation, fire services, continuing education, and contract training. Through smaller class sizes, highly personalized instruction and dedicated support services, our students are primed to succeed in the job market, or in the next stage of their academic journey.
Media Contact:
Heather Jackson
Manager, Communications and Marketing
College of the Rockies
250-489-8258
jackson@cotr.bc.ca