RRC Polytech is proud to recognize Len Wiens, one of the 2024 BRAVO Award winners for Sustainability Leadership. Len’s vision, dedication, and innovative approach have significantly advanced our institution’s commitment to sustainability, particularly in the field of zero-emission vehicle systems. 

Len has been with Red River College Polytech for 15 years and is currently an instructor in the Automotive Technologies program. Over these years, Len has been instrumental in ensuring that RRC Polytech’s courses on zero-emission vehicle systems are accurate and include the most up-to-date resources available. Thanks to his tireless efforts, our students are graduating with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the rapidly evolving automotive industry.  

Pioneering Innovation in Alternative Fuel Technology 

As a pioneer in the field of zero-emission vehicles, Len has led the development of four Alternative Fuel Technology micro-credential courses: Introduction to Electric Vehicle Technology, Electric Vehicle Computing and Communication Systems, Fundamentals of Hydrogen Production, and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles. These courses, the first of their kind at the post-secondary level in Canada, are critical in preparing students for the future of the transportation industry. Without them, technicians would have to travel out of province for specialized training. 

Making an Impact Beyond the Classroom 

Len’s commitment to sustainability extends far beyond his role as an instructor. He has invested countless hours and resources into leading initiatives in alternative fuel technologies. His efforts have resulted in valuable industry partnerships, including collaborations with Manitoba Public Insurance, Diesel Tech Industries, Toromont, New Flyer, Winnipeg Transit, and Mercedes-Benz. 

Len’s influence also extends to the national level through his position on the Canadian Standards Association committee, where he has helped establish safety standards for electric vehicles. This work ensures that Canada is prepared to handle the unique challenges of this rapidly advancing field. 

Research and education: a perfect combination  

Research and education in sustainability at RRC Polytech play a critical role in shaping the future of our community and industry. As Len notes, the integration of research into our courses ensures that students receive the most current and applicable knowledge. “It’s the research that fuels our courses,” he emphasizes, particularly when dealing with cutting-edge technologies like electric and hydrogen vehicles. By staying ahead of the curve and actively engaging with industry partners, RRC Polytech not only prepares students for emerging challenges but also contributes significantly to advancing sustainable practices in the broader community. “We got ahead of the game a little bit for the college, and that’s something I’m pretty proud of,” Len reflects, underscoring the institution’s proactive approach to sustainability education. 

Leading with Humility and Dedication 

When asked about his BRAVO Award, Len is quick to share the credit with his team. “I couldn’t do any of this alone,” emphasizing the importance of teamwork and collaboration with his colleagues. Whether it’s securing the right tools, organizing hands-on training sessions, or simply exchanging ideas, Len acknowledges that everyone plays a role in their success. 

Len Wiens embodies exceptional dedication and leadership in promoting sustainability, both within our institution and beyond. His outstanding contributions have elevated RRC Polytech to a national leader in alternative fuel technology education and training, making a significant impact in combating climate change and advancing clean technologies. 

Thank you very much Len for your leadership and significant contributions to sustainability at RRC Polytech! 

The sustainability office is celebrating waste reduction week with an event, a contest and a giveaway! 

E-Waste Drive from October 21-25: This event allows staff and students to responsibly dispose of unwanted electronics, accessories, and small appliances. Drop-off locations include:

NDC: Library Hallway

EDC: Outside Roblin Centre Shipping and Receiving (W101)

Circular Economy Contest: We are also promoting a battery recycling contest through our partners at Call2Recycle: Enter Now – Circular Economy Contest. They are giving away cash prizes of up to $5000 just for recycling your batteries! Not bad! We’ll have battery recycling boxes and QR codes for entering set up alongside our E-waste bins, located across from the library in the mall at NDC and beside shipping and receiving (W101) in the Roblin Center (EDC).

Chair Giveaway: On Wed, Oct. 23 starting at 10:30 AM the Sustainability team will be giving away a selection of the College’s excess used office chairs.  Chairs will be available in the hallway outside room B105.  One chair per person please. All chairs are pre-loved, but still functional and may be just what you need for your home office upgrade. There will also be a selection of office supplies to be re-homed and free binders in every colour of the rainbow! 

Waste Reduction Week at RRC Polytech: Embracing a Circular Economy Through Waste Diversion

As we celebrate Waste Reduction Week, it’s a perfect time to reflect on how we can minimize our environmental footprint and adopt more sustainable practices. This week offers an opportunity to rethink our consumption habits and explore ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle. At RRC Polytech, we’re committed to fostering a circular economy through robust waste diversion efforts and ensuring that materials are kept in use as long as possible

The concept of a circular economy is built on the idea of extending the lifecycle of products, reducing waste, and regenerating natural systems. Unlike the traditional linear model—where resources are extracted, used, and then discarded—a circular economy focuses on reducing waste at the source, reusing materials, and recycling them into new products. By adopting this approach, RRC Polytech aims to build a more resilient, environmentally friendly future, creating value while minimizing harm to the planet.

Prioritizing Waste Diversion at RRC Polytech

At RRC Polytech, waste diversion is a cornerstone of our sustainability efforts. Our goal is to reduce the amount of waste we generate and divert as much as possible from landfills. This not only helps manage waste more efficiently but also supports conservation efforts, preserves resources, and cultivates a more environmentally conscious campus community.

At the core of our waste management strategy is the “Waste Diversion Pyramid,” a framework that helps us prioritize waste reduction methods with the lowest environmental impact. This hierarchy guides our efforts, focusing on prevention, reuse, recycling, and—only as a last resort—disposal. Here’s how RRC Polytech puts these principles into action:

1. Reduce/Prevent: At the top of the pyramid is the goal of reducing waste at its source. Preventing waste before it is generated can significantly cut down the materials that need management. RRC Polytech supports this through initiatives like Water Bottle Refill Stations, the PaperCut Program, and a Sustainable and Socially Responsible Procurement Policy.

2. Reuse/Repair: Extending the life cycle of products through reuse and repair is another key part of waste diversion. This prevents items from becoming waste prematurely and allows them to serve new purposes. Programs like the Furniture Reuse initiative and NDC Campus Free Shelf exemplify how RRC Polytech is encouraging the reuse of resources, helping to keep materials in circulation longer.

3. Recycle/Compost: While lower on the hierarchy these processes are still essential to our waste management strategy. They convert materials into new products, easing the pressure on landfills and conserving natural resources. Our programs include:

• Hallway Recycling Program: This program ensures that materials like paper, plastics, glass, aluminum cans, and more are sorted and processed at the appropriate facilities. This helps recover valuable materials and reintegrate them into the production cycle.

• Compost Programs: Composting plays a crucial role in RRC Polytech’s organic waste management. At the Notre Dame Campus, we run a pre-consumer compost program, while the Paterson GlobalFoods Institute includes post-consumer waste. The compost produced is used to enrich the soil on our grounds, closing the loop on organic waste.

4. Disposal: When items can’t be reduced, reused, or recycled, we ensure they are disposed of responsibly, especially when dealing with hazardous or chemical waste. By keeping this step as our last resort, we reduce our overall environmental impact.

Recycling 101 at RRC Polytech: Ten Things You Should Know  

1. Coffee cups: Hot coffee & drink cups go in waste bins. Clear-plastic iced coffee cups (#5 plastic) are recyclable. Better yet, put your drink in a re-useable mug!  

2. Recyclables: Plastics #1-5 and #7, glass, aluminum/tin cans, tetrapaks/juice boxes, & milk cartons/jugs go in green hallway recycling bins. No styrofoam, #6 or black plastic!  

3. Paper: Recycle paper, books, magazines, catalogues and flyers in blue hallway bins. 

4. Cardboard: Please flatten ALL boxes and place behind hallway blue bin.  

5. Pens/Batteries/Plastic bags: You can recycle these items in our Re-bins! Located at NDC: outside the Campus Store, Building T (south entrance) & library. At EDC: in Roblin Atrium, 4th fl. PGI residence and second floor at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae. 

6. Staff desk-side recycling & trash bins: Staff are responsible for emptying their own bins into hallway recycling bins. Email the Recycling Team if you need a desk-side bin.  

7. Staff office clean/move-outs: Email the Recycling Team for pickups, or to borrow clean-out bins (textbook recycling, free shelf donations, e-waste, document shredding)  

8. Confidential materials: Use the shredding console in your area. For large shred volumes, contact the Recycling Team for a temporary rolling shred cart. See Confidential Material Guidelines for more info.  

9. Office battery bins: Are located in most office spaces, email the Recycling Team for battery bin pickup. Email Safety & Health Services for damaged or industrial sized batteries. Email Sustainability if you need a battery bin.  

10. E-waste: Email Materials Management to collect any College asset (look for RRC tag and ID number). Email the Recycling Team for pickup of personal & non-asset tagged e-waste.  

Join us in celebrating Waste Reduction Week by taking steps towards a circular economy. Together, we can make a difference—one small action at a time. Let’s use this week to reflect, take action, and work towards a more sustainable future for our community!

Congratulations to Kristi Dorian, one of the deserving winners of the 2024 BRAVO Awards for Sustainability Leadership! The BRAVO Awards are the highest form of recognition for employees who put our College’s core values and leadership into action. Among these awards, the Sustainability Leadership Award celebrates those making a meaningful impact on environmental, social, or economic sustainability.

Kristi has been a part of Red River College Polytech for 15 years, and in October, 2022 stepped into the role of Recreation and Wellness Coordinator. In this position, Kristi has supported sustainability through introducing new programs and initiatives that take a holistic view of wellness. According to Kristi, this means considering the well-being of individuals, groups, and the planet. “Campus well-being is a holistic approach primarily for students, but also staff, and we want to promote connection, belonging, well-being — physical, mental, and social” says Kristi.

Here’s a closer look at the sustainability-related programs and initiatives that led to Kristi’s nomination for the BRAVO Award:

Homeowners and Renters Workshop Series: This series offered practical, hands-on workshops covering topics like plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, and electrical work. The aim is to help students and staff learn how to maintain their homes, promote energy efficiency, and reduce waste — all key principles of sustainability. The workshops have been a hit, with strong participation and great feedback. Kristi also pointed out that collaboration across College departments was key to the program’s success, most significantly a partnership with the School of Skilled Trades and Transportation.

Enhancing Understanding and Appreciation of Our Ecosystem: Launched in 2023, the Kindness Month program focuses on spreading kindness in many forms — to the planet, animals, others, and oneself. Activities include presentations on topics including nature, pollinators, and nutrition. The goal is to boost social well-being and build community, which ties into the social aspect of sustainability. Krist shared that support from the School of Indigenous Education was key to the series’ success: “For the kindness to the planet theme, I approached the School of Indigenous Education, and Elder Paul led a presentation about the sun and Mother Earth, sharing traditions, stories, and learning from an Indigenous perspective.”

Promoting Outdoor Recreation: These programs encourage outdoor, nature-based activities that boost health, well-being, and conservation awareness. The bike share program allows students and staff to borrow bikes for errands or leisure. Snowshoes have also been added to the lending library, giving folks more options for outdoor winter activities. Organized group trips to Birds Hill Park offer nature walks, promote physical activity, and reduce the need for personal vehicles.

Notre Dame Campus Community Garden: A collaborative effort between the Grounds Department, Student Association, and Campus Well-being, this initiative allows students and staff to garden their own plots, fostering a connection to nature and food security. As Kristi puts it, “Seeing how people’s plants are growing, even with the abundance of weeds this year, I encourage everyone to get their hands dirty, plant something, watch it grow, and experience the fulfillment of harvesting your own food. It’s a huge sustainability activity.”

When asked what inspired her to bring sustainability into her work and programs, Kristi reflected, “I’m more inspired now, and my future planning has sustainability more at the forefront of my thinking as a result of receiving this award and having my manager nominate me for it. Before, the inspiration was more natural, but now it’s much more intentional.” Looking ahead, Kristi is focused on integrating sustainability into all aspects of her future programming. She sees it as a challenge to help others recognize how their activities impact the environment, social connections, and the economic aspects of sustainability.

If you’re a staff member and reading about Kristi’s work has you thinking about the links between your own role and sustainability, or if you know someone who should be nominated for next year’s Sustainability Leadership BRAVO Awards, please reach out! We’re always interested in connecting with staff and faculty across the College on sustainability issues.

Thank you very much Kristi for your contributions to sustainability at RRC Polytech!

As the summer sun starts to warm the city, it’s the perfect time to think about how we get around. Why not make your commute a bit more exciting and eco-friendly? Here at RRC Polytech, we are excited to invite you to participate in three fantastic events this June: The Commuter Challenge, Bike to Work Day and Bike Week Winnipeg. Participating is a great opportunity to embrace active and sustainable transportation, enjoy some friendly competition, and have fun along the way! 

Why participate?  

There are several compelling reasons to participate in these events and to adopt a sustainable mode of transportation:

• Environmental Impact: Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Manitoba, contributing to climate change and air pollution. By choosing sustainable modes of transportation, we can reduce our environmental footprint. 
• Health Benefits: Less than half of Manitobans get enough physical activity. Opting for sustainable transportation allows people to incorporate exercise into their daily routines, promoting better health. 
• Financial Considerations: Owning and operating a vehicle can be expensive, costing on average between $8,500 and $11,500 annually. Choosing alternative transportation methods can lead to significant savings.
• You could win great prizes! 

Commuter Challenge: June 2nd – 8th

The Commuter Challenge is a friendly competition between workplaces across the country, encouraging everyone to choose active and sustainable transportation. In Manitoba, Green Action Centre is the organization in charge of coordinating the Commuter Challenge in our province. RRC Polytech is participating in this competition as part of our commitment to sustainability and the well-being of our staff and students. We encourage you to register under the RRC Polytech team and count your kilometres traveled using sustainable transportation which will enter you for the prizes that Green Action Centre and RRC Polytech are giving away:

• Gold Grand Prize: Annual bus pass sponsored by Winnipeg Transit + two day passes sponsored by the WAG-Qaumajug. 
• Silver Grand Prize: Two any-day vouchers sponsored by Winnipeg Folk Fest + two day passes sponsored by the WAG-Qaumajug. 
• One $100 gift certificate to Janes’ Restaurant and two $50 Jane’s gift certificates for RRC Polytech participants only.
• And many more prizes! Click here to see them all. 

How to Participate:  

Register here to be part of the RRC Polytech Team and count your kilometres traveled via a sustainable transportation method for all activities you do during the week. All modes of sustainable transportation qualify, including walking, running, wheeling, cycling, skating, public transportation, carpooling, or telecommuting.  The more kilometres you register, the more chances you have to win prizes. 

Bike Week Winnipeg: June 9th to 15th

Bike Week Winnipeg is an inclusive event for everyone who likes to ride, whether for recreation, fitness, transportation, sport, or simply for fun. This week is packed with group rides, workshops, events, and more, making it a perfect time to get out and enjoy everything that biking has to offer. 

Bike to Work Day – June 11th

One of the highlights of Bike Week is Bike to Work Day. On June 11th, come visit us at our pit stop from 6:30 AM to 9:00 AM at the train bridge at Omand’s Creek. Here’s what you can look forward to: 

• Free Coffee and Snacks: Start your day right with some complimentary refreshments. 
• Quick Bike Tune-Up: Get your bike checked and ready to ride. 
• Meet Other Cyclists: Connect with fellow RRC Polytech cyclists and share your biking stories and tips. 

This is a great opportunity to integrate cycling into your daily routine, discover new routes, and maybe even inspire a friend or coworker to join you. Plus, the sense of community and shared enthusiasm at these events is truly motivating. 

Click here to learn more about Bike Week Winnipeg  

We look forward to seeing you out there!

Wednesday, May 22^nd, is International Day for Biodiversity, commemorating the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity which Canada has been a member of since 1992. This day is a call to action for all stakeholders to halt and reverse the loss of biodiversity.   

What is biodiversity? 

Biodiversity is the variation among living organisms from all sources, including terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems; This includes within-species, between-species and ecosystem diversity. In other words, biodiversity refers to all living things, microorganisms, bacteria, plants, fungi, and animals, including humans. 

Why is biodiversity so important? 

Biodiversity supports healthy ecosystems which includes humans. Humans are in relationship with all aspects of the living world, and we depend upon healthy ecosystems for our food, freshwater, clean air, medicines and more. However, much of the Earth’s biodiversity is at risk due to overconsumption and the misuse of natural resources that have altered healthy ecosystems.

Pollution, climate change and habitat loss are threats that have caused a sharp increase in the rate of species extinction, resulting in a worldwide biodiversity crisis. Some scientists estimate that half of all species could face extinction by the end of this century. 

Biodiversity Conservation Actions  

One action RRC Polytech is taking to address biodiversity loss is to increase the use of native plants in our landscaping. Native plants are adapted to local environmental conditions, making them better suited to thrive. By using native species, we can create landscapes that require less maintenance, conserve water, and contribute to the overall health and stability of the ecosystem. An example of this is the ‘bioswale’ in front of the Skilled Trades and Technology Centre building. A bioswale is green infrastructure that mimics natural features once common in the prairie landscape. Bioswales provide many benefits including reduced need for mowing and irrigation, stormwater management, and increased habitat for native pollinators and wildlife. Many of the species found in the bioswale are tall grass prairie species, one of the most endangered ecosystems on the planet. While some fragments of tall grass prairie can be found in Manitoba, only 1% of original tall grass prairie remains in the world.

What can we do? 

One thing many people can do to support biodiversity is to introduce more native plants to their home garden. By enhancing and restoring the natural elements of your garden, you will make the urban landscape more friendly to wildlife such as birds and pollinators. For more tips and ideas on where to start, visit the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s website, Native Gardening 101. 

If you are interested in learning more about biodiversity and the tall grass prairie, you can also visit Winnipeg’s Living Prairie Museum at 2795 Ness Avenue. The Living Prairie Museum is a 30-hectare urban nature reserve that preserves tall grass prairie and promotes awareness and conservation of natural areas through environmental education. Visit their website for information on walking trails, hours, upcoming workshops, and spring native plant sale dates. 

From May 5^th to 11^th, communities and organizations around the world will come together to raise awareness about the importance and benefits of composting for the environment and for local communities. This year’s theme, “COMPOST…Nature’s Climate Champion,” highlights the fact that composting plays a key role in mitigating climate change.

Understanding Composting

Composting is a natural process in which organic materials decompose and are transformed into a nutrient-rich product. These organic materials are usually items such as food scraps, yard trimmings, and untreated paper and cardboard. Through the actions of bacteria and fungi and sometimes worms, these waste materials are broken down and converted into a valuable resource that can be used to enrich and conserve healthy soil and promote the health of our plants and gardens.

Composting and Climate Change

But how does this serve to mitigate climate change? One of the things we need to know is that when organic waste breaks down in the absence of oxygen (such as when it’s buried in a landfill) it generates methane. Methane is the second most abundant greenhouse gas (GHG) in the atmosphere, after carbon dioxide (CO2), but it has a much more detrimental impact; Methane traps 80 times more heat from the sun than CO2!

Through the composting of organic waste, methane emissions from landfills are reduced, as well as returning compost to our soils, which reduces or eliminates the need for synthetic fertilizers and increases the amount of carbon sequestered in the soil.

RRC Polytech’s Composting Initiatives

RRC Polytech is committed to diverting organic waste at both our Notre Dame Campus and the Paterson GlobalFoods Institute (PGI), part of the Exchange District Campus.

The Notre Dame Campus has a pre-consumer composting program, which diverts the kitchen food prep organic waste as well as unserved leftovers which are collected by both Culinary Arts students and Food Services staff. This waste is transported to a compost pile managed by the Grounds Department and is used to fertilize the College grounds.

The PGI program involves composting pre-and post-consumer organic waste. We encourage staff, students, residents, and customers to contribute to our composting efforts. Public compost bins at this location accept a variety of items, including food scraps, napkins, wooden sticks, and compostable takeout containers. These organic wastes are then removed by Compost Winnipeg, a local social enterprise, which handles the composting for us off-site.

Improving Sustainability

To enhance our sustainability efforts, we can take two key actions. First, learn about and utilize the College’s composting programs. If you’re at PGI, use the specialized containers for organic waste. Student residents can request a compost tote and participate in on-site composting. For staff and students who don’t live on campus, we can also take the personal initiative by composting food waste at home. This not only reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills, but also produces nutrient-rich compost for your home garden or yard. If you are interested in learning more about composting and how to get started, we encourage you to visit Green Action Centre’s website. They offer valuable resources and guidance on composting techniques and best practices, whether your live in a house or an apartment.

Another key thing for all of us to remember is that prevention of organic waste is still the best strategy. Actions such as planning food purchases, buying fresh foods in adequate quantities, storing food properly, and prioritizing the consumption of leftovers serves to minimize the generation of food waste while also saving money.

Together, by adopting food waste prevention strategies, as well as composting at both an institutional and individual level, we can contribute to a healthier environment and a more sustainable future.

On Monday, April 22nd, RRC Polytech staff and students came together for a celebration of Earth Day and the winners of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Student Competition.  

At the College, we understand that today’s actions impact the well-being of our communities and the environment of tomorrow. That is why last year we proudly signed the SDG Accord, and this year we celebrated SDG Week in Canada for the first time. 

As part of our commitment, we organized the SDG Student Competition, inviting students to tell us about how they are integrating the SDGs into their studies.  The many responses were inspiring, with projects demonstrating innovative solutions to pressing environmental and social challenges. We thank all the students who submitted their work for their dedication and innovative contributions to promoting the Sustainable Development Goals. Your efforts are essential to creating a more sustainable and equitable future. 

The competition winners are as follows: 

Best Overall Submission: Busayo Ososanwo, Aisha Gbadamosi-Opoola, and Sheyi Omagene for their project on “Predicting the Health of Freshwater Bodies.

Special Prize for Top Applied Research Entry: Jerome Geronimo, Alex Juma, Gagandeep Singh, and Guan-Lun Zeng for their project “Water Quality Dashboard Builder”.

Special Prize for Top Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Entry: Diana Correa for her project “Formulating the Action Plan of the Immigrant Advisory Council”.

Towards the end of the celebration, the audience was treated to a special performance by Diana Correa, winner of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion prize and her husband Alfonso Segura. They performed a traditional Colombian dance that had the audience clapping along. It was a fantastic closing of the Earth Day celebration. 

We left the event feeling inspired and motivated by the work of instructors and students across the College and are already looking forward to planning next year’s competition! 

Happy Earth Day Everyone! 

RRC Polytech is pleased to announce its participation in SDG Week Canada 2024, a national collaboration taking place March 4-8, 2024. This week will feature a wide range of activities to increase awareness and engagement with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on college and university campuses across Canada. 

This year marks an important milestone for RRC Polytech as we celebrate our first SDG Week following our signing of the SDG Accord last year. We are delighted to join this national initiative and further our commitment to promoting a sustainable future for all. 

United for Zero Hunger: Join the RRCSA Break-FAST Program for SDG Week

As part of SDG Week at the College, the Sustainability Office will be partnering with the Red River College Student Association (RRCSA) for a special breakfast for students at the Exchange District Campus on Wednesday, March 6th from 8:30-9:30am, while supplies last. The RRCSA Break-FAST Program is a tangible action in support of Goal 2: Zero Hunger. This program aims to ease the financial stress on students while encouraging a sense of community and support amidst the student body, ensuring that no student embarks on a day of learning with an empty stomach. 

17 Sustainable Development Goals, 94 Calls to Action – Online Lunch & Learn with Ginger Arnold 

On Friday, March 8th from 12:10-12:55pm, join Ginger Arnold, Instructor in the School of Indigenous Education, and Stephanie Fulford, Sustainability Specialist for an online, 45 minute discussion on the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Learn how the SDGs support Truth and Reconciliation, the College’s commitment to advancing the SDGs, and how Ginger has used the SDGs as a learning tool in the classroom. To register, email: sustainability@rrc.ca

Open for Submissions: Sustainable Development Goal Student Competition

Tell us about a project you’re working on that supports sustainability, along with one or more of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Projects completed as part of coursework are eligible, with a top award of $1000. Deadline for applications is Thursday, March 21st. Whether you apply individually or as a team, this is your chance to showcase your work supporting sustainability. For more details on guidelines and submissions, please visit Sustainable Development Goals Student Competition.

The RRC Polytech Sustainability Office is pleased to announce the first annual Sustainable Development Goals Student Competition! The competition will provide an opportunity to celebrate the valuable work that students, instructors, and researchers are undertaking in support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) here at RRC Polytech.

Learn more about the Sustainable Development Goals, their targets and indicators here. To learn more about RRC Polytech’s commitment to the SDGs, read about our recent signing of the SDG Accord.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the eligibility requirements?

Do we have to use the award money towards implementing a project? 

No, the prize money may be used by you/your team however you wish.

Can I submit a project that was part of a course assignment?

Yes. Course-related projects are eligible for the award.

Does my submission need to include applied research?

No. Although there is a prize specifically to recognize the top applied research project, we are interested in all sustainability-related projects, research, studies and learning happening here at RRC Polytech! Eligible submissions include, but are not limited to innovative designs, business plans, capstone projects, demonstrations, case studies and more.

What is the evaluation criteria?

The adjudication committee will look for clear descriptions of:
• The “where, why, what, when and how” of your project.
• How your project supports sustainability and one or more of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
• How your project may contribute to ongoing momentum towards sustainability.

How do I apply?

To apply please fill out the application form below. If you would prefer a downloadable application form or have any questions regarding your submission, please email: sustainability@rrc.ca. Applications must be received by March 21st, 2024.

Winnipeg winters can be tough and the commute to work or school can be a huge part of the challenge. While scraping off your car’s windshield or shivering at the bus stop, you may not be thinking that winter cycling could be a better alternative, but more and more people are embracing the option each year. While cycling through a winter isn’t always a cake-walk either, the extra time and money spent on layers of clothing pay for themselves quickly in warmth and savings on gas or bus fare. Us folks in the sustainability office are firm believers in the joys of winter and strongly encourage you to learn to love the season by spending time outdoors in it.   Getting out for a tromp down a snowy trail, a skate on the river, a ski in the forest or a bike down a path can go a long way towards appreciating the sparkle of the snowflakes, the quiet of the woods or the thrill of slicing through the crisp night air.  Go sledding at Garbage Hill!  Build a snowman!  Feed the birds! With Winter Bike to Work Day (Feb 9), the Jack Frost Challenge (Feb 11-17) and Festival Du Voyageur (Feb 16-25), coming up there are ample opportunities and events encouraging you to embrace the outdoors. 

To help inspire you to hop on your bike, regardless of the season, Geoff Heath our College Environmental Initiatives Coordinator is hosting a Winter Biking Workshop.  He’ll cover road hazards, route choices, cold weather riding gear, how to make your bike a winter bike, and skills for riding on snow and ice. If you needed an added incentive there will be prize draws for workshop attendees of studded winter bike tires and sets of high-quality bike lights!

Winter Biking Workshop Wed, Jan 31 – 4:15-5:45 PM – P107 meeting room (Roblin Centre)

Please email Gheath@rrc.ca to register

If you can’t attend the workshop, here’s Geoff’s top 5 winter cycling tips for beginners:

1. Dress in layers and use zippers to adjust your temperature.  Sweaty socks, gloves and gear can be a real winter hazard.  Changing into fresh dry socks before going out can be a toe-saver.  Having glove liners that can easily be removed and dried keeps your hands much warmer on the ride home.  Jackets with armpit zips allow you to stay cool even when working hard.  Synthetic or wool base layers that wick sweat will keep you warmer and drier than cotton, which tends to hold moisture.

• Any bike can be a winter bike!  But keep in mind that the salty roads can corrode bike frames & parts so you may want to have a bike dedicated to winter riding only.  You don’t need fat tires to ride safely on ice and snow.  In fact, adding a studded tire or two to your current bike will provide superior traction on ice and studs made of carbide can be ridden for years on pavement, ice and snow before they wear out. 

• You might have to try a few different routes in the winter to find your preferred way to school or work.  Not all bike trails and paths get cleared consistently in winter, so be prepared to take detours.  Winnipeg roads generally get cleared and sanded quickly and thoroughly, so even after most major snowfalls you’ll still be able ride soon after on major routes.   Smaller residential streets and back lanes can get tricky to ride as the snow builds up over the season.  But other options open up too; try riding the snowpacked paths along the frozen rivers!

• There are a few skills worth reminding yourself to use once the roads get slick; modulating your braking to avoid locking up your wheels (especially your front wheel!) can help keep you upright.  You want to avoid spinning your rear wheel when accelerating, so keeping a light, even cadence is important when getting going.  Lastly, staying seated when pushing hard on the pedals keeps your center of balance low and weight over your rear wheel.  It can be tempting to stand up and lean forward as one does to accelerate in the summer, but this can lead to your rear wheel sliding out from under you.  And if you do wipe out, and eventually we all do, the bonus of winter wipe-outs is that your many layers are between your skin and the pavement!

•  Lastly, ease into winter riding and know your limits.  Winter biking takes some trial & error to dial in your gear, your bike, your fitness and your route.  Some days it’s not worth braving the -35 and some days the roads just aren’t passable.  So take it slow & enjoy the scenery. 

If the sustainability office can do anything to help improve your commute by bike, foot, bus or carpool, please don’t hesitate to drop us a line!  Sustainability@RRC.ca