Energy and climate change

NSCC is committed to doing our part in addressing climate change. Over the years, the College has pursued strategies to reduce energy consumption, decrease greenhouse gas emissions and implement water saving initiatives. Some of these initiatives include lighting upgrades, building envelope improvements and retrofits with water-saving fixtures. Changes we've seen as a result of these activities include:

A graph showing NSCC's greenhouse gad emissions.

This graph depicts the decrease in greenhouse gas emissions by 37% since 2008. It also depicts the goal of an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2050.

A graph showing NSCC's average energy use.

This graph depicts the reduction of energy consumption at NSCC by 23% since 2008. It also depicts the goal of a 50 % reduction at NSCC for the year 2050.

This graph depicts a reduction of water consumption at NSCC by 52% since 2008. It also depicts the goal of a 55% percent reduction in water consumption at NSCC for the year 2050.

Making a difference beyond our own doors

NSCC is invested in both using and producing energy from renewable sources. To help Nova Scotia continue its clean energy transition, NSCC is participating in the Province’s Solar Electricity for Community Buildings pilot program, which allows community groups and organizations to produce solar power on their property and feed it into Nova Scotia’s energy grid. Ivany Campus has a 39-kilowatt solar array on the roof of the Centre for the Built Environment, and 75 kilowatt solar arrays will soon be online at Shelburne, Strait Area and Annapolis Valley Campuses. Lunenburg Campus will also install a 75-kilowatt array on their roof in 2021.

Solar panels at Shelburne Campus.