Net Zero

Fanshawe students from nearly 20 programs will play a role in reducing Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions.

It is becoming increasingly evident that climate change is one of the most serious issues affecting all of humankind. Fanshawe recognizes this and has made a commitment to not only decrease the College’s impact on the environment, but also tap into the talent and creativity of staff and students to develop innovative tools and techniques that can be shared with the world.

While many people think of industrial plants and transportation as contributors to climate change, the buildings in which we live and work are also significant contributors, producing approximately 40 per cent of the carbon emissions that we must eliminate to halt the devastating effects of climate change.

An exciting opportunity exists to engage industry partners and students to implement a strategy that will retrofit housing, like Fanshawe’s 66-unit Kestrel Court townhome residences, to achieve Net Zero Energy Ready performance—reducing energy use by up to 70 per cent. The houses will also undergo an aesthetic makeover, updating the look of the buildings with a modern design.

The goal is ultimately to both retrofit Kestrel Court and provide the industry with a locally made turnkey solution for retrofitting existing buildings. It also incorporates Fanshawe’s Signature Innovative Learning Experience (SILEx), the College’s commitment that every student participates in at least one rich, experiential learning opportunity.

This ticks every box for priority skills for success as identified by SILEx,” says Tom Davis, professor in the Donald J. Smith School of Building Technology and principal investigator on this project. “Students will learn novel and adaptive thinking, resilience, social intelligence, self-directed learning, global citizenship, complex problem solving and implementation skills.

The SILEx opportunities through this project will continue for years to come as nearly 8,000 homes for low-income families in London will be renovated following this model. Students from up to 20 programs across Fanshawe will be involved, reinforcing the fact that everyone has a role to play in combating climate change.