(Photo courtesy of Red Deer Polytechnic)
Red Deer’s Energy Innovation Fair kicked off with an inaugural Energy Innovation Fair Green Awards Gala, honouring energy innovation across Alberta.
The awards were in partnership between Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) and ReThink Red Deer on Oct. 18.
“Recognizing energy innovation in Alberta is crucial, as it highlights the region’s leadership in sustainable practices and technological advancements,” said Dr. Tonya Wolfe, Associate Vice President, Applied Research at Red Deer Polytechnic. “By promoting energy innovation, RDP contributes to the local economy, addresses global sustainability challenges, and establishes itself as a leader in preparing the next generation of skilled professionals for Alberta’s workforce.”
The awards recognized entrepreneurs, small-medium enterprises, and community organizations.
The Entrepreneur Award was presented to Savick, which is working to bridge gaps between farmers’ fields and straw-insulated homes.
(Photo courtesy of Red Deer Polytechnic)
The company is addressing technical and operational challenges to make energy-efficient, carbon-storing, and healthy homes easily accessible, an RDP news release said.
The Community Award was presented to EcoVision, a student-led environmental club at the Lacombe Composite High School (LCHS).
The club highlights leadership through projects designed to improve the environment and inspire community collaboration, the release said.
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Club projects include a 6.0 kW solar system, a two-acre garden with 200 fruit trees, and a beekeeping program.
Kirk Zembal, co-founder of Blindman Brewing, received the Small-Medium Enterprise Award for the organization’s work in implementing a new technology that captures and utilizes carbon dioxide from beer fermentation.
(Photo courtesy of Red Deer Polytechnic)
Here are the nominees for the Energy Innovation Fair Green Awards:
Entrepreneur
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Savick (winner)
Community:
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LCHS EcoVision (winner)
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Alberta Ecotrust
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Eryn Beddoes - Red Deer Polytechnic
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Ron Henderson - Otipemisiwak Metis Government of the Metis Nation within Alberta
Small-Medium Enterprise
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Kirk Zembal – Blindman Brewing (winner)
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Enhance Energy Inc.
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Garrett Scott – Scott Subaru
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Jeff Kwok – AI Shading
The awards presented were produced using a laser engraver by members of RDP’s Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing-Technology Access Centre.
The Energy Innovation Fair welcomed industry leaders and community members to RDP’s main campus on Oct. 19 to showcase the advancements in clean technology, energy efficiency, renewable and alternative energy, and innovative oil and gas technologies.
**With information provided by Red Deer Polytechnic
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