A team of employees from across the College are plugged in to NC’s energy consumption, advancing sustainable energy solutions and fostering strategic energy management practices.

Led by members of Planning, Sustainability and Capital Projects – Danielle Notarianni, Manager, Energy and Assets, and Mae Lannan, Energy Analyst – the Energy Team includes employees from various departments.

Together, they hope to energize NC employees and students to be mindful of, and find ways to, reduce their own consumption.

“We wanted membership to be diverse to ensure a comprehensive approach to energy management across the College,” explained Notarianni. “Achieving Niagara College’s energy efficiency goals is a collaborative effort requiring participation from all departments within the organization.”

Through the Strategic Plan, NC is committed to excellence in the operation of our college, of which energy consumption is a key part. The College’s commitment to leadership on climate action is codified in the goals of our Sustainability Plan.

The Energy Team will support College-wide efforts by coordinating energy management efforts, identifying cost-effective energy-saving opportunities, and promoting energy efficiency within the organization.

“Our energy initiatives support national and sector-wide goals for carbon reduction (net zero by 2050), which will ensure a more prosperous future for everyone,” explained Notarianni.

Core priorities include carbon emissions, efficiency improvements, and many of the changes will be seamless but highly impactful.

“Most importantly, everyone can play a role.”

Our eyes and ears on campus

We invite you – NC employees and students – to learn more and consider some simple ways you can reduce energy consumption on campus and make a difference towards our collective goals.

There are simple things you can do:

• Turning off and unplugging equipment and lighting when not in use.
• Keeping exterior and interior doors and windows closed to maintain heating and cooling.
• Turning off taps and being mindful of water usage.

You’re our eyes and ears on campus, and we welcome your feedback on the College’s energy use. In your day-to-day on campus, do you see areas where energy is wasted?

Let us know at [email protected].

Book an ‘Energy Hunt’ for your department

Notarianni and Lannan continue to conduct energy ‘hunts’ with departments at both NC’s campuses to get a better understanding of how areas consume energy and where there are opportunities for savings.

“An energy hunt is like an energy audit, but it is completed as a team activity,” explained Lannan.

Before team members conduct walk-throughs of their spaces, the PSCP duo coach them on what to look, listen and feel for to identify the nine types of energy waste. From there, the information is used to collectively determine quick wins (low cost/effort), and to explore processes, controls and solutions.

Notarianni and Lannan have developed usage modelling to determine electricity and gas consumption to identify trends, anomalies, and to make projections and recommendations.

“Energy hunts are collaborative and educational, and we welcome the opportunity to work with any department at the College.”

To schedule an energy hunt, email [email protected].

NC’s Energy Team

Planning, Sustainability & Capital Projects
Grounds & Greenhouse Operations
Corporate Communications
Information Technology Services
Facility Management Services
School of Technology
Culinary, Tourism & Beverage Studies
Teaching Winery