Red Deer Polytechnic Alternative Power Initiative and Alternative Energy Lab

The Red Deer Polytechnic Alternative Power Initiative and Alternative Energy Lab included the installation of up to three Mega Watts (MW) of grid-tied alternative power as well as the construction of a new interactive learning lab. The lab is an open, flexible working space with a large mezzanine for storage, and the integrated alternative energy technologies are expected to offset an estimated two-thirds of the institute’s annual electrical consumption.

The Alternative Energy Initiative produces up to three MW of electricity –  one MW is generated from Combined Heat and Power (CHP), and two MW are generated with rooftop and ground-mounted solar cells. The building also features all LED lighting, including an LED lighting retrofit on the building’s exterior.  

Throughout the process, Clark Builders went beyond designing and building the lab with alternative energy sources, and provided consultation and assistance on grant and rebate programs to offset the project costs. With an estimated 5,000 tones in Greenhouse Gas savings—equivalent to eliminating the emissions of about 1,100 vehicles—this project is leading the way in sustainable energy buildings.