Red Deer Polytechnic, Canada

Green Campus Master Plan – Red Deer Polytechnic’s journey to net zero

Red Deer Polytechnic’s (RDP) Green Campus Master Plan (GCMP) was developed in 2021 as a formal framework to move RDP forward as a leader in environmental sustainability. Evolving from a 2017 Green Energy Master Plan, the GCMP recognises previous efforts, including two LEED buildings, exterior street lighting upgrades, the installation of 1.6 MW of rooftop solar, and a 1 MW CHP unit, while providing a comprehensive and holistic approach to becoming Canada’s first net zero post-secondary institution.

The main goals set out in the GCMP are to become a net zero energy institution by 2031 and a net zero carbon institution by 2041. Through six sustainability pillars, interim goals are also set to help track progress and direct efforts in a variety of potential projects that will lead RDP to achieve net zero.

Annual carbon savings: 

• CO2t savings 2021/2022: 4,531 - Actual reductions from fiscal year 2022 compared to 2018.  
• CO2t savings 2022/2023: 2,000 - Estimated savings compared to 2019 baseline.   
• CO2t savings over the life cycle of the project: 328,000 Estimated – Value equal to GHG savings in 2018 multiplied by 20 years.

What the Judges Thought

This was a great application especially for a 'smaller' institution and brought some elements of a true whole institution approach. The new strategy sets out some excellent foundations for the future - a good approach that will be interesting to watch. Keep up the good work!

What it Means to Win

“Red Deer Polytechnic is honoured to receive an International Green Gown Award delivered in partnership with Allianz Global Investors and supported by the UN Environment Programme. Our Green Campus Master Plan is a commitment that we have made to our students, communities and partners to advance sustainability practices.”

Stuart Cullum, President

Top 3 Learnings

1. The importance of clear, concise goals.
2. The importance of attaining stakeholder and senior leadership buy-in.
3. Having a non-prescriptive project plan better allows for the implementation of new technology.