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UNBC's Role in Promoting Food Security with The Growing Dome

Explore UNBC's initiatives towards food security in the North through the innovative Growing Dome project, addressing growing challenges in the region. Learn about key features, unexpected considerations, stakeholder involvement, and the potential impact on community engagement. Discover how this project can inspire sustainable practices and influence future expansions in food production at UNBC.

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UNBC's Role in Promoting Food Security with The Growing Dome

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  1. UNBC’s Dome Greenhouse Students and Food Security in the North SCC Presented by Cameron Bell

  2. December 9th, 2010... www.treehugger.com

  3. 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?

  4. 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

  5. Biomass Heat Distribution System • Heating/Cooling • Electrical Distribution • Cogeneration ready • 8 buildings • 93,000 m2

  6. BOG PEC Admin GUC GUPC

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. Budget and Funding

  10. 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?

  11. Key Features in the Growing Dome

  12. Approximately 300 sq ft of growing space in raised beds

  13. Water tank is a thermal mass (“power pack”), passive solar heat collection, opportunities for hydro/aquapnics?

  14. Unexpected Considerations: Institutional/Administrative/Bureaucratic • Unaccepted proposals • Consultation with stakeholders • Building code requirements • Insurance and ownership • Management plan and Operating Practices • Greenhouse Advisory Committee

  15. 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

  16. Unexpected Considerations: Project Logistics • Need for a foundation • Unexpected construction costs • Construction delays, • Working with contractors (donated services) • Water supply • Food Safety and Agricultural Practices

  17. Changing plans and new opportunities • Location • Beetlecrete beds • Partnerships with Commerce students

  18. 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!

  19. Conclusion: Never Give Up!

  20. 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? camkbell@gmail.com

  21. Questions? camkbell@gmail.com

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