YORKTON – Suncrest College’s Applied Research team is working to improve environmental sustainability with a project aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions at the Trades and Technology Centre in Yorkton.
The team initially explored re-purposing waste heat from the Power Engineering Lab’s boilers to boost energy efficiency but eventually opted for a more immediate solution — upgrading the lighting system to energy-efficient LEDs.
Seventy-six outdated metal halide fixtures in the workshop, atrium and Power Engineering Lab were replaced with LED technology, a move expected to cut electricity use by 50 per cent, lower carbon emissions by 35,620 kilograms annually — roughly equivalent to taking six cars off the road — and save the college $8,000 in annual electricity costs.
The lighting retrofit also resulted in improved illumination across campus, with average brightness increasing by 786 lux and some areas now 50 to 400 per cent brighter. These upgrades create a better environment for students and staff, while underscoring the college’s focus on energy efficiency.
“We are excited to move forward with this initiative, which allows us to continue making a meaningful impact in reducing our carbon footprint,” said Dr. Gwen Machnee, chair of applied research at Suncrest College.
“This project not only enhances energy efficiency but also provides a real-world example of sustainable solutions for students and the community," added Machnee.
The initiative was funded through a $70,000 grant from Colleges and Institutes Canada’s Campus Living Labs ImpACT Climate program, as well as Environment and Climate Change Canada. It is intended to serve as a model for other educational institutions, with updates shared via on-campus signage, social media and press releases.
