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UNBC’s Dome Greenhouse. Students and Food Security in the North. SCC. Presented by Cameron Bell . December 9 th , 2010. www.treehugger.com. Food Security in the North. Restrictive growing conditions Unfavourable economic climate. Unsustainable dependence on imported food - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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Students and Food Security in the North
SCC
UNBC’s Dome Greenhouse
Presented by Cameron Bell
December 9th, 2010...
www.treehugger.com
Food Security in the North• Restrictive growing conditions• Unfavourable economic climate
• Unsustainable dependence on imported food• Lack of a culture of seasonality
What role can the university play in working towards food security?
Our Branding: • Trademarked 2007• Environmental focus in teaching and research• Natural setting• New projects include biomass and UFM• AASHE Sustainability Project Award 2010•Creation of Green Fund (Monday, 2:50, Room 514)• Motivation and justification• Can instigate criticism
Biomass Heat Distribution System
• Heating/Cooling• Electrical Distribution• Cogeneration ready
• 8 buildings• 93,000 m2
PEC
GUPC
BOG
Admin
GUC
Students for a Green University• Est. 2007 – Re Est. 2008/2009• Educate, motivate, and inspire
environmental changes• Bike blended smoothies• Stringing disposable cups • Annual Car Count
Let’s build a greenhouse!
• December 2010 - Cam Bell and Mike Stanyer• Jan 2011 – 1st application to Green Fund• Unsuccessful, but feedback given• May 2011 – 2nd application• Conditional Approval• UNBC Development Office Donation• Integris Credit Union and PICS contributions
Budget and Funding
Funding Source Amount
UNBC Green Fund $8,000
Development Office $6,500
PICS $1,500
SGU (Fundraisers) $1000
Total $17,000
Budget Item Cost
Greenhouse Kit $10,550
Building Supplies $2,388
Regulatory Costs $790
Transportation $2,500
Total $16,228
The Growing Dome ™
• 15 - 42 feet in diameter• Geodesic dome shape• Passive solar heating• Extends growing season• Appropriate technology
for northern climate• Sustainability of
components?
Key Features in the Growing Dome
Approximately 300 sq ft of growing space in raised beds
Water tank is a thermal mass (“power pack”), passive solar heat collection, opportunities for hydro/aquapnics?
Unexpected Considerations: Institutional/Administrative/Bureaucratic
• Unaccepted proposals• Consultation with stakeholders• Building code requirements• Insurance and ownership• Management plan and Operating Practices• Greenhouse Advisory Committee
Stakeholders• Greenhouse Advisory Committee– Students for a Green University– Northern Undergraduate Students Society– Thirsty Moose Pub– Green University Centre– Prince George Public Interest Research Group– Enhanced Forestry Lab (and curators)– Purchasing and Risk Management Department– Facilities Management Department– Environmental Engineering Student Association– Faculty
• Need for a foundation • Unexpected construction costs• Construction delays, • Working with contractors (donated services)• Water supply• Food Safety and Agricultural Practices
Unexpected Considerations: Project Logistics
Changing plans and new opportunities
• Location• Beetlecrete beds• Partnerships
with Commerce students
The Fun Stuff!• Volunteer Operated (plus Greenhouse Admin.)• Research opportunities• Academic engagement • Community involvement• The Thirsty Moose• Seed saving • Getting people involved and excited about local food production!
Conclusion: Never Give Up!
Related Research: Undergraduate Thesis
• Developing evaluation criteria for on-campus food production systems
• Aim to help UNBC plan for long-term expansions in food production (campus farm?)
• Suggestions, resources, questions, interested in the outcome?
