For Immediate Release

January 31, 2012

Cambrian College Officially Opens Xstrata Nickel Sustainable Energy Centre

Known as a world leader in environmental remediation and sustainability, Greater Sudbury is now home to Cambrians Xstrata Nickel Sustainable Energy Centre, a new site for cutting-edge applied research and education in these areas and beyond. The innovative teaching and research facility, which officially opened on January 31, is already a hive of activity with a number of applied research projects underway alongside classes and labs for students in Cambrians Energy Systems Technology and Environmental Monitoring and Impact Assessment programs. At the official opening, special guests got a first-hand look at what takes place inside the Centre, its future potential, and its sustainable design features. With this new Centre, were expanding our capacity for applied research and making room for growth, said Cambrian President Sylvia Barnard. Were focused on applied research because it gives students in various programs reallife experience working with prototypes and entrepreneurs; it supports small- and medium sized enterprises; and it diversifies our local economy. The Centre also supports two advanced programs that support the green economy. Our success so far is proof that corporations and local, provincial, and federal governments are prioritizing projects that embrace innovation, energy efficiency, and environmental stewardship like never before, continued Barnard. Today is our opportunity to thank all those who have helped us achieve our goals. Xstrata Nickel, Cambrians partner in the project, contributed $2 million to the project. The College also received support from FedNor and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to build the Centre. Its a privilege to have partnered with Cambrian since 2007 in this worthwhile project, said Marc Boissonneault, Vice-President, Xstrata Nickel, Sudbury Operations. Today marks the result of our collaborative efforts and it showcases our shared values and commitment towards postsecondary education and research. We are certain the Centre will support sustainable growth within the community. Our governments support for this state-of-the-art facility, through NSERC and FedNor, will generate positive economic results for the people and businesses of

Greater Sudbury and all of Northern Ontario, said the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister for FedNor. I wish to congratulate Cambrian College and all of the community partners who contributed to making this project a reality. Sudbury is leading the way in environmental sustainability technology, thanks to initiatives such as the Sustainable Energy Centre, said Rick Bartolucci, Minister of Northern Development and Mines. I am pleased that the NOHFCs $1 million investment in this project will help students, faculty, and the community develop the skills and experience necessary to remain on the cutting edge of the green economy. The opening of this facility could not have come at a better time; green jobs are rapidly becoming driving forces behind our community and the worlds economy, said Marianne Matichuk, Greater Sudbury Mayor. This pioneer teaching and research facility will allow students, educators and members of the local community to gain valuable skills and practical knowledge, allowing them to become leaders in an ever-growing green job market. I would like to congratulate Cambrian College on the opening of this innovative facility and extend sincere thanks to Xstrata Nickel, FedNor and NOHFC for their funding partnership in making this centre possible. The Xstrata Nickel Sustainable Energy Centre will also provide space for new research equipment, which will arrive this year. Cambrian has a strong record in applied research, which attracts expert faculty and dedicated students, said Sherrill McCall, Director of Planning and Research. In August, we received two federal grants totaling nearly $165,000 from the prestigious National Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) for two new pieces of equipment, which we will use for research projects and training students. One project could involve testing a unique chemical filtration process to see if it can remove contaminants from industrial waste water. Its exciting because were creating ground-breaking solutions to real-world problems. In 2010, Cambrian was one of 12 colleges in Canada to receive an NSERC grant worth $200,000 for applied research projects in the areas of environmental monitoring and impact assessment and energy systems technologies. Students will also have a chance to see principles of sustainable design put into practice as they learn about the green building that contains their classrooms and labs. Built to meet or exceed the Canada Green Building Councils Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold standards, the Centre will be tested to ensure it meets national benchmarks in energy efficiency and sustainable design. -30-

Contact: Sylvia Barnard President, Cambrian College 705-566-8101, extension 7622 sylvia.barnard@cambriancollege.ca Sherrill McCall Director of Planning and Research School of Renewable Energy and Environmental Studies 705-566-8101, extension 7888 sherrill.mccall@cambriancollege.ca Reference: Lynn Bulloch Communications Officer College Advancement 705-566-8101, extension 6375 lynn.bulloch@cambriancollege.ca 2012-02