BCIT Volunteers celebrated Earth Day high in the sky, on the BCIT Centre for Ecology’s Elevated Lab. Faculty, staff and students, emerged from their offices and labs to get their hands dirty, have fun and learn about new technologies and diverse research at BCIT.
“This was a lot of fun and a great way to build community,” said Organizational Development Coordinator, Laura Triay.
This work party jump-started the construction of a plot for a photovoltaic panel and green roof study. Maureen Connelly, Director of the Centre for Architectural Ecology, says that this study will examine “the symbiotic relationship between the passive and active energy systems. The cooling effect of the green roof will increase the panel’s output efficiency and the shading effect will increase the biodiversity of the plant community.”
Maureen organized the event and was inspired by the enthusiast participation from the BCIT community. Truly a team effort, the work focused on two projects–preparing green roof research plots that will be integrated with photovoltaic panels, and planting a roof berm. BCIT Metal Fabrication students crane-lifted the soil substrate, materials and equipment up onto the rooftop. Tasks included saving plants for future propagation, moving and mixing soil, reconfiguring frames, and planting bulbs, sedums and fescues.
Awesome job one and all! What a great way to celebrate Earth Day!