CBU Receives $15 Million for Development
Province & Federal Government contribute funding for construction of the Centre for Sustainability in Energy and the Environment (CSEE)
Cape Breton University saw its future strengthened, with the announcement of $15 million in federal and provincial government funding for construction of the Centre for Sustainability in Energy and the Environment (CSEE).
The joint announcement, made by federal Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, Peter MacKay, and Deputy Premier of Nova Scotia, Frank Corbett, was a major milestone for the development of the multi -million dollar Centre.
A private sector fundraising campaign has been spearheaded by Annette Verschuren, CBU Chancellor and President of The Home Depot Canada and Asia, to complete the full funding package.
“Our campus plan, which we undertook a few years ago with support from ECBC, advocated that we have a ‘gateway building’ to signal the importance of CBU and present a modern and progressive face to the community,” says Dr. H. John Harker, President and Vice-Chancellor of Cape Breton University. “Thanks to this announcement that development is in sight.”
“Equally as important,” notes Harker, “is the Provincial Government’s endorsement of the Centre’s mandate and its value to all Nova Scotians and the wider global community. This project could not have proceeded without the commitment of both levels of government and the wonderful spirit of partnership needed to make this vision a reality. We see opportunities to capitalize on commercialization emerging from the work of many talented researchers who will bring CSEE to life. Such results will be a contributor to the on-going economic progress for Cape Breton Island and the Province.”
Cape Breton University is convinced that two of the preeminent challenges of our generation are: finding sustainable sources of clean energy and successfully managing industrial pollution. The co-location of five focused research chairs in the CSEE will create synergy and meet outcomes that are relevant to balancing societal needs for new sources of energy and increasing environmental sustainability.
CBU is uniquely poised to support related social, environmental, economic and educational objectives through the establishment of the Centre for Sustainability in Energy and the Environment. With a cluster of existing and ongoing research specialists surrounding the five chairs, including CBU’s Institute for the Development of Energy Alternatives (IDEAS) and theBras d’Or Institute for Marine Ecosystem Research, the CSEE will serve as a catalyst for new technologies and professional service opportunities that will provide enhanced expertise and create a new economic foundation for the Atlantic region.
“The reality will be an adventure, as well as, a driver of inquiry and economic progress in a region which deserves both and has the inherent talent and resources to achieve them,” says Dr. Harker.