Steve Schultz (middle), EcoVision Teacher Facilitator with École Secondaire Lacombe Composite High School (LCHS), and two student members of EcoVision. (Supplied)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

THREE CATEGORY WINNERS

Energy Innovation Fair’s Green Gala Awards recognize industry and community energy innovation

Oct 21, 2024 | 2:18 PM

As an opening to the Energy Innovation Fair that took place last weekend, Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) hosted the Green Awards Gala to recognize energy innovation across Alberta on October 18.

The Energy Innovation Fair’s Green Awards recognized innovators in three categories: entrepreneurs, small-medium enterprises, and community organizations. The awards themselves were created using a laser engraver by members in RDP’s Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing-Technology Access Centre (CIM-TAC).

“Recognizing energy innovation in Alberta is crucial, as it highlights the region’s leadership in sustainable practices and technological advancements,” said Dr. Tonya Wolfe, associate vice-president of Applied Research at RDP. “By promoting energy innovation, RDP contributes to the local economy, addresses global sustainability challenges and establishes itself as a leader in preparing the next generation of skilled professionals for Alberta’s workforce.”

The Entrepreneur award was earned by Savick, a company striving to bridge the gap between farmers’ fields and straw-insulated homes. In the past two years, Savick has developed a prefabricated straw panel product that is manufactured near Edmonton. It aims to address various technical and operational challenges to make energy-efficient, carbon-storing and healthy homes more accessible to Albertans.

L-R: Samuel Kondratski (Founder, Savick) and Matthew Wear (vice-president, board of directors, Red Deer & District Chamber of Commerce). (Supplied)

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The Small-Medium Enterprise Award went to Blindman Brewing for its innovative work in carbon capture and utilization, circular economy initiatives, and green energy generation. RDP officials say it is the first brewery in Canada, and among the first in the world, to implement new technology that captures and utilizes carbon dioxide from beer fermentation.

L-R: Caden DenOudsten (Blindman Brewing representative) and Matthew Wear (vice-president, board of directors, Red Deer & District Chamber of Commerce). (Supplied)

EcoVision, a student-led environmental club at Lacombe Composite High School (LCHS), received the Community Award. Since 2006, the club has been fostering through a range of environmental projects that both improve the environment and enhance educational opportunities and promote community collaboration. Notable projects include a 6.0 kW solar system, a two-acre garden with 200 fruit trees, and a beekeeping program. Additionally, EcoVision member and LCHS student Broc Johnson will be joining youth from around the world in Colombia later this month to participate in the 2024 United Nations Biodiversity Conference.

The nominees for each award category were as follows:

Entrepreneur

• Savick (award winner)

Small-Medium Enterprise

• Blindman Brewing – Kirk Zembal, co-founder (award winner)
• Enhance Energy Inc.
• Scott Subaru – Garrett Scott
• AI Shading – Jeff Kwok

Community

• LCHS EcoVision (award winner)
• Alberta Ecotrust
• Red Deer Polytechnic – Eryn Beddoes
• Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta – Ron Henderson