In-person event<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe awards ceremony will be held in-person on June 22nd, 2023. The ceremony will showcase a video airing their achievements. Award recipients will be asked to accept their award either by direct participation at the in-person event or through a pre-recorded message provided in advance. Method of acceptance will be discussed with recipients following award selection and will be coordinated with the support of the PAMZ Communications Committee.<\/p>\n
2023 Award Recipients<\/h2>\n
PACE Canada<\/strong> is developing a utility-scale solar farm in Joffre, Alberta that will generate 47MW of clean, affordable energy. This project is incorporating innovative and sustainable practices into its solar development projects that either involve the co-location of clean energy solar generation and agricultural activities OR land maintenance regimes that promote biodiversity. The Project will result in 46,030 tonnes of carbon emission reductions in year one, and 1,198,197 tonnes over 30 years, the initial lifetime of the Project. The 47MW generated by the Project is enough to power 8,791 Albertan homes with non-polluting, low carbon energy. The project lands will remain in continued agricultural use. The landowner will continue to graze sheep and cattle and have incorporated a farm plan for the property into their overall agricultural activities. With the reduction of carbon emission and development of new sources of renewable energy, the PACE Canada project has created a positive impact on our air quality in the PAMZ region.<\/p>\nIn the fall of 2022, the Richmond Family (Ania & Kit and their 2 boys, Aren, and Theo)<\/strong> was selected as 1 of 5 winning families from across Canada to participate in Canadian Geographic’s inaugural Live Net Zero (LNZ) Challenge. The Richmond Family took on this LNZ Challenge and significant time commitment it required, which has resulted in a significant reduction their household carbon emissions, and a positive impact on the air quality in the PAMZ region. The LNZ Challenge was developed recognizing that Canadian households make a significant contribution to Canada’s greenhouse emissions and that it is critical to engage Canadians to take meaningful actions to reduce their carbon footprint, which has direct impact on the health of our environment and quality of water, soil, and air. The LNZ Challenge consisted of 5 challenges, which were completed over a 10-week period. The 5 challenges were focused on: commuting, electricity usage, the house envelope, heating\/cooling systems, and the holidays. The Richmond’s have been approached by many people who followed their live net zero journey, sharing that thanks to their efforts and creative ideas. Within the Richmond’s have shared that they are replacing their old inefficient furnaces, getting solar panels, considering putting in attic insulation, replacing their gas vehicles with EVs, and biking to school. Their journey brought the possibility of change to Red Deer in a more tangible way and is contributing to the growing momentum in Red Deer regarding reductions in carbon emissions and contributing to improving our air quality.<\/p>\nIn late 2021, the Sunnybrook United Church’s<\/strong> installed a net zero solar power system that has resulted in a net zero impact on the electric power grid. Our church’s efforts have reduced its carbon footprint by reducing its total energy consumption. This recognition may help other faith communities and non-profit organizations understand that these efforts are not only of environmental value but are also cost-effective energy solutions. Sunnybrook Unitec Church believes that if everyone can take small steps to reduce our energy and carbon footprints it can amount to significant change in our world. The church has reduced our internal electrical consumption by 20% and our natural gas consumption by 28%. This has dramatically reduced our energy and carbon footprint. Sunnybrook United Church has an active Environmental working group. This group has been behind many of the building improvements to reduce energy consumption. This group also provides regular educational communication to the congregation and hosts meetings to educate the congregation and community on environmental issues.<\/p>\nRed Deer Polytechnic’s Green Campus Master Plan (GCMP)<\/strong> was developed in 2021 as a formal framework to move Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) forward as a leader in environmental sustainability. GCMP was developed in the context of six sustainability pillars that form the dominant strategies to move RDP forward to achieving net zero. These pillars are emissions reduction, energy generation, energy storage, waste reduction, energy efficiency, and educational opportunities. These projects include the expansion of on-site generation with ground mount solar, improving waste management across campus with recycling and organics processing, alternative transportation, battery storage, operational efficiencies, and integrating environmental sustainability into all campus project’s development and delivery. Red Deer Polytechnic has earned the opportunity to be recognized as a leader in Central Alberta. When the installation of 1.6MW of solar and 1MW CHP came to campus. Reducing air pollution, conserving energy, and protecting environmental health are key benefits of working towards and RDP goal of achieving net zero.<\/p>\nThe 2023 PAMZ Blue Skies Awards – Awards Presentation Ceremony<\/p>\n