Our Past Projects
WinterGreen 1.0
The WinterGreen Project 1.0 is a hydroponic growth system made from a converted shipping container. In 2018-2019, UMEarth members designed and implemented the project as a proof of concept for food production in northern communities, where fresh produce is seasonally inaccessible. Today, the project is being operated for research purposes at the Sustainability in Action Facility (SiAF).
WinterGreen has demonstrated the viability of hydroponic systems to grow crops year-round, withstanding harsh remote environments and reducing water and energy consumption. It has also provided students and faculty, a unique laboratory setting to experiment and research innovative plant growth methods in a controlled environment.
WinterGreen has been designed for efficiency and sustainabilty. From the heavily insulated walls, to the closed-cycle automated irrigation system, we have been able to produce high yields, while protecting the health of our environment.
In 2021, UMEarth will be building on the success of this project with WinterGreen 2.0. Click here to learn more about our plans for the WinterGreen Project 2.0.
SPEB Green Wall
UMEarth proposed and aided in implementing a living wall into the newly constructed Stanley Pauley Engineering Building (SPEB). Our proposal included plant species and supplier recommendations, quotes from irrigation system suppliers, maintenance plans and potential future student initiatives. The proposal was approved and successfully implemented in 2019.
Festival du Voyageur Energy Study
In 2020, UMEARTH conducted a significant energy efficiency study at Festival du Voyageur. Our team tracked propane usage and set up temperature sensors throughout each tent to identify places of significant heat loss. Based on our analysis, we provided recommendations for improved insulation and alternative heating methods, increasing efficiency and sustainability.
Experimental Lakes
Experimental Lakes is a research facility near Kenora, Ontario. It is composed of 58 freshwater lakes which are used as living laboratories to conduct research on ecology and climate change. From 2019 to 2020, UMEARTH was tasked with transitioning the facility to sustainable energy. Our Student Energy Chapter provided a cost-benefit analysis as well as a schedule for the project. We then helped implement these renewable energy solutions to reduce the facilities dependency on diesel generators.
Campus Energy Video Project
In the 2019-2020 school year, UMEARTH competed in the Campus Energy Student Video Contest and won 3rd place out of 11 other student teams across the continent. The goal of our video submission was to explore our campus’s energy systems and demonstrate their efficiencies and sustainability. Click the picture here, to view our submission.