Solar power lights up learning at Camosun Library

Camosun Library operates with social and environmental sustainability as part of its core mission, taking effective steps towards climate action.

The solar panels project will aim to cover more than 50 percent of the library's energy use. The project is expected to be completed in spring 2023.

“Receiving the solar grant allows our library to continue playing an important role in educating students and the community about renewable energy, inside and outside the classroom.”

- Sustainability Manager, Shannon Craig.

By installing solar panels, Camosun will be able to reduce its energy costs, while simultaneously reducing its carbon footprint. Camosun also plans to offer a variety of education opportunities around solar power for students and the community, including an information kiosk to demonstrate real-time data from solar installations.

“From an instructor perspective – having a solar array that can be physically seen and interacted with provides a valuable learning experience that complements classroom theory and enhances lab-based activities;” says Ian Browning instructor, Electronics and Computer Engineering Environmental Technology. “Students get a tangible sense of the potential of rooftop solar photo voltaic systems and a strong message that practical solutions to the climate crisis are possible.”

Camosun Library was one of four winners to receive a $97,000 USD solar grant from Ipswich, Mass.-based EBSCO Information Services, a major provider of research databases, e-journals, magazine subscriptions, e-books, and discovery services to libraries around the world. The project proposal, titled Array of Hope, was a collaboration between Shannon Craig, Manager Sustainability; Gwenda Bryan, Librarian; Amanda Garner, Student, previous Board Representative, and Sustainability Director; with guidance from faculty and the facilities team.

Camosun Library operates with social and environmental sustainability as part of its core mission, taking effective steps towards climate action. From textbook loan programs to lending of “Climate Action to go kits”, the library is continually finding unique ways to meet their greenhouse gas emissions target and support the community.