UNews - Alberta Water

Discovery Day for CWSF participants

trevor.kenney — Mon, 13 May 2013 15:33:55 +0000

Canada-Wide Science Fair participants will not just be sitting by their projects this week.

In addition to a host of local and regional tours and activities, faculty members, undergraduate and graduate students and staff from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and Lethbridge College have developed a large number of hands-on activities for the students to participate in, and which showcase the diversity of research and creative activities taking place on both campuses.

All events run from 1:30 p.m. to approximately 5 p.m., on Monday, May 13. Events are hands-on, and media friendly.

CWSF participants were able to choose two activities from a total of 25 from departments/faculties including physics, chemistry and biochemistry, biology, geography, Math and Computer Science, New Media, Fine Arts, Kinesiology, Management, Nursing, Modern Languages and Neuroscience.

Lethbridge College's Wind Energy program is featured, alongside their engineering technology programs.

A short list is below, and a complete list can be found here.

Discovery Day activities for participants in grades Seven to 9

Francophone Science Sampler – This session will be exclusively in French and include a variety of science activities and tours of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. Students will have the opportunity to learn about multiple science disciplines through demonstrations and hands on lessons.

"Performing" Science – Bringing Science to Life: Students will take to the stage to apply their creativity by composing a theatrical version of the various processes and reactions that you would normally see in laboratory.

U of L Art Gallery Science Challenge! – Discover just how much math and science is needed to work in the art field - both as an artist and as someone who works at a gallery.

International Wind Energy Academy, Lethbridge College – KidWind Challenge: How does a wind turbine work?

The Science of Stop Motion Technology – Students in this session will explore motion capture technology and learn why it is used in the entertainment industry as well as scientific research.

Fine Arts Maker Fair - Soldering and Circuit Boards

Water Watch – Monitoring Pollution in Our Water (Bilingual)

Computer Science – Lego Robotics Challenge

Kinesiology and the Human Body

Alberta Water and Environmental Science Building Interactive Tour

Logic and Puzzles

Discovery Day activities for participants in grades 10 – 12

The Science Behind Nursing – Students make Life and Death Decisions in the SimLab

I made millions! I crashed the stock market! – Students will use the U of L's Faculty of Management's Financial Trading Room to learn about Finance and the basics of trading. They will simulate multi-million dollar trades and compete (for prizes!) to see who can make the best trade

Digital Musical Instruments – Design and Performance

Digital Audio Arts – Listening and Mixing in the U of L's $1million sound studio

The Physics of Music – This session will give students a chance to create sound waves, observe resonance and to learn about harmonics and overtones using computer software. Students will also explore electronics and futuristic physics designs.

GIS Mapping Lab

All About ribonucleic acid (RNA)

Synthetic Biology Overview – Hosted by the award-winning ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge international Genetically
Engineered Machine competition (iGEM) team

3 Dimensional Scanning and GIS Network Analysis – Lethbridge College Engineering program will show students how traditional surveying methods are now being replaced by methods such as 3 Dimensional scanning.

Moving Past the Two Dimensional – Using the computer program Autodesk Inventor students will transform 2D sketches into 3D components that they will ultimately bring together to build a 3D assembled model.

Organic Chemistry and the Chemistry of Carbon Compounds (Bilingual)

The Brilliant World of Fluorescent Proteins (Bilingual)

Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience Interactive Tours

U of L buildings achieve LEED status

trevor.kenney — Thu, 24 May 2012 22:24:39 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is taking a leadership approach in southern Alberta, setting a LEED standard in the design and construction of its new campus buildings.

Beginning with the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness and continuing with the construction of the Alberta Water and Environmental Science Building (AWESB) and Markin Hall, the U of L is showing that it takes its role in sustainability and environmental responsibility seriously.

"Each building was designed to meet LEED certification, an internationally recognized standard used to judge the environmental performance of buildings," says Brian Sullivan, director, Project Management Office, Facilities. "Beginning with the 1st Choice Savings Centre, we felt it was essential to incorporate specific design elements that would decrease the building's environmental imprint and enhance its sustainability. As we continued along with the construction of the Alberta Water and Environmental Science Building and then Markin Hall, we worked to further improve upon on these techniques."

The Alberta Water and Environmental Science Building was built with sustainabilty concepts in mind.

LEED refers to Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design and uses 70 criteria to gauge the ability of a project to meet rigorous environmental standards established by the Canada Green Building Council in five major categories. They include sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources and indoor environmental quality.

Each project must apply for LEED status and, after being judged, is rated on a point scale. Each of the 1st Choice Savings Centre, AWESB and Markin Hall have been granted LEED Silver status.

"It takes a major commitment to design and construct a building that will stand up to the rigours of the LEED criteria," says Sullivan. "The fact that we've now achieved LEED Silver status on two buildings, with one more in the works speaks to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's desire to push sustainability principles forward. That also shows in non-LEED certified projects where we are still using LEED standards to drive design."

Following is a look at some of the environmental features incorporated into each building.

1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness

• A clerestory window system that brings daylight into the gymnasium to supplement the lighting system

• A low profile project, part of the building is buried in the ground, maximizing the natural insulating characteristics of the earth to reduce utility demand on building systems and reduce the exposure of the building envelope to the elements

• Washrooms and showers throughout the building use dual flush toilets, waterless urinals, controlled flow shower heads and electronic faucets

• Approximately 60 per cent of the building's electricity is purchased from local wind power sources

• The benches in the locker facilities were recycled from the original gymnasium bleacher seats

• The maple flooring in the gymnasium was recycled from the original gymnasium

• Construction included the use of recycled concrete, giving the building 20 per cent recycled content

Alberta Water and Environmental Science Building

• A Living Wall of plants that act as a natural filter and aid in cleansing the air

• An outdoor pond that forms part of a stormwater management strategy, collecting water and circulating it through the westerly wetland, thereby reducing erosion and sedimentation problems in the Oldman River

• Roof water following rainstorms and winter melting is collected and stored in a cistern and recycled into the local irrigation system

• The building employs a heat recovery system in the exhaust air system to reclaim some of the heat that is being exhausted from the building, using it to preheat the incoming supply air

• The building was constructed with a white, highly reflective, energy star rated roof (as were the 1st Choice Savings Centre and Markin Hall) designed to reflect the heat of the sun's rays and reduce the heat island effect, something that is detrimental to animal habitat, wildlife and animal migration

• Created primarily out of steel, a material with a high content of recycled materials, the building consists of 21 per cent recycled content

Markin Hall

• Minimized window-to-wall ratio (40 per cent) to balance thermal control and daylight penetration

• Efficient heat recovery ventilation units that provide 90 per cent latent and sensible heat recovery

• The first radiant cooling application in Alberta

• An energy-conserving building envelope that allows for a smaller and more efficient mechanical system. Together, the building design and mechanical system achieve a predicted 56 per cent energy savings compared to a conventional building

• Other incorporated features include triple-glazed windows, green Label Plus carpeting and polished concrete flooring, low-VOC paints, waterless urinals and low-flow toilets and faucets

This story first appeared in the December 2011 issue of the Legend. If you'd like to see the full issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.

U of L buildings achieve LEED status

trevor.kenney — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 22:13:18 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is taking a leadership approach in southern Alberta, setting a LEED standard in the design and construction of its new campus buildings.

The Alberta Water and Environmental Science Building was built with sustainabilty concepts in mind.

Each project must apply for LEED status and, after being judged, is rated on a point scale. Each of the 1st Choice Savings Centre, AWESB and Markin Hall have been granted LEED Silver status.

Following is a look at some of the environmental features incorporated into each building.

1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness

· A clerestory window system that brings daylight into the gymnasium to supplement the lighting system

· A low profile project, part of the building is buried in the ground, maximizing the natural insulating characteristics of the earth to reduce utility demand on building systems and reduce the exposure of the building envelope to the elements

· Washrooms and showers throughout the building use dual flush toilets, waterless urinals, controlled flow shower heads and electronic faucets

· Approximately 60 per cent of the building's electricity is purchased from local wind power sources

· The benches in the locker facilities were recycled from the original gymnasium bleacher seats

· The maple flooring in the gymnasium was recycled from the original gymnasium

· Construction included the use of recycled concrete, giving the building 20 per cent recycled content

Alberta Water and Environmental Science Building

· A Living Wall of plants that act as a natural filter and aid in cleansing the air

· An outdoor pond that forms part of a stormwater management strategy, collecting water and circulating it through the westerly wetland, thereby reducing erosion and sedimentation problems in the Oldman River

· Roof water following rainstorms and winter melting is collected and stored in a cistern and recycled into the local irrigation system

· The building employs a heat recovery system in the exhaust air system to reclaim some of the heat that is being exhausted from the building, using it to preheat the incoming supply air

· The building was constructed with a white, highly reflective, energy star rated roof (as were the 1st Choice Savings Centre and Markin Hall) designed to reflect the heat of the sun's rays and reduce the heat island effect, something that is detrimental to animal habitat, wildlife and animal migration

· Created primarily out of steel, a material with a high content of recycled materials, the building consists of 21 per cent recycled content

Markin Hall

· Minimized window-to-wall ratio (40 per cent) to balance thermal control and daylight penetration

· Efficient heat recovery ventilation units that provide 90 per cent latent and sensible heat recovery

· The first radiant cooling application in Alberta

· An energy-conserving building envelope that allows for a smaller and more efficient mechanical system. Together, the building design and mechanical system achieve a predicted 56 per cent energy savings compared to a conventional building

· Other incorporated features include triple-glazed windows, green Label Plus carpeting and polished concrete flooring, low-VOC paints, waterless urinals and low-flow toilets and faucets

This story first appeared in the December 2011 issue of the Legend. If you'd like to see the full issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's Holiday hours

trevor.kenney — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 21:32:22 +0000

The majority of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge campus will close its doors for the holiday season beginning 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 24. The campus will essentially be closed from this date through to 5 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 4. However, those hoping to visit the U of L's athletic facilities will still have the opportunity to do so throughout the holiday season.

1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness

The 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness, the Fitness Centre, the Ascent Climbing Centre and the Max Bell Regional Aquatic Centre are all open over the holidays - except for Christmas Day (Saturday, Dec. 25) and New Year's Day (Saturday, Jan. 1, 2011).

To walk, swim or run off your turkey, ham and holiday snacks, visit the following fitness facility websites to learn more about their holiday operating hours: Max Bell Pool Schedule; Ascent Climbing Centre Schedule; Fitness Centre Schedule.

For additional information, call 403-329-2706 or visit the Sport and Recreation Services website.

Campus Security / Building Access

Most building entrances will be locked throughout the holiday season, except those at major campus entry points. Security staff are on duty at all times and can be reached by calling 403-329-2345.

There will be minimal public access to most buildings on campus from Saturday, Dec. 25 until 5 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 4.

The following entrances are open 24 hours:

- ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall, North entrance, Level 6
- ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Library, main entrance by the Aperture Drive Bus Loop
- 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness (north and south entrances)
- Turcotte Hall, west section (sliding doors)

The following entrances are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall, Level 4 entrance
- ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Centre for the Arts, Level 4 entrance

The following buildings are closed to the public until 5 a.m. on Jan. 4:
- Students' Union Building
- Turcotte Hall (east section)
- Anderson Hall
- Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience
- Alberta Water and Environmental Science Building
- Markin Hall
- Park Way Service Complex

Security personnel are on duty 24 hours a day. If you have questions or concerns, call the emergency number at 403-329-2345. Those on campus can dial ext. 2345.

Campus wide fire drills Wednesday

trevor.kenney — Wed, 05 May 2010 14:55:25 +0000

The regularly scheduled campus wide fire drills will be held Wednesday, May 5, beginning at 9 a.m. and rotating throughout campus.

When the general fire alarm sounds in your building, occupants will be required to exit that building and follow the instructions of the area Fire Wardens or Assistant Fire Wardens.

Building occupants will not be able to return to their building until the fire bells have been silenced or you have been instructed to do so by a Fire Warden or by U of L Security personnel.

Following are the approximate times that fire drills will be held in each building:

WEDNESDAY MAY 5

8:45 a.m. – Centre for Sports and Wellness and Regional Aquatic Centre

9 a.m. – Hepler Hall

9:15 a.m. – Students' Union Building

9:30 a.m. – Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience

9:40 a.m. – Alberta Water and Environmental Science Building

9:55 a.m. – ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall & ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Centre for the Arts

10:20 a.m. – Turcotte Hall

10:35 a.m. – Library Building

10:45 a.m. – Anderson Hall

10:55 a.m. – Parkway Service Complex

Please be aware that the above times are only approximate and that the actual drill could start earlier or later
then stated.

U of L sets its holiday hours

trevor.kenney — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 22:15:31 +0000

The Christmas break is upon us and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge has released its scheduled operating hours for the various campus facilities.

While the majority of offices at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge close over the holiday break, the many fitness services located in the Max Bell Regional Aquatic Centre and the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness will be open after Dec. 25.

You may wish to check out their operating times in order to walk, swim or climb off the turkey and holiday snacks.

Visit their website, here: http://www.uleth.ca/sportrec

The Library will close at noon, Dec. 24. Normal hours resume at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 4.

There will also be minimal public access to most buildings on campus from Friday, Dec. 25 to until 5 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 4.

The following entrances are open 24 hours:

- ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall, North entrance, Level 6

- ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Library, main entrance by the Aperture Drive Bus Loop

- 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness (north and south entrances)

- Turcotte Hall, west section (sliding doors)

The following entrances are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

- ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall, Level 4 entrance

- ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Centre for the Arts, Level 4 entrance

The following buildings are closed to the public until 5 a.m. on Jan. 4:

- Students' Union Building

- Turcotte Hall (east section)

- Anderson Hall

- Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience

- Alberta Water and Environimental Science Building

Security personnel are on duty 24 hours. If you have questions or concerns, call the emergency number at (403) 329-2345. On campus, dial ext 2345.

Water building offering tours, Thursday

trevor.kenney — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 20:03:49 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's Alberta Water and Environmental Science Building (AWESB) is offering tours of its facility, Thursday from 1:30 to 4 p.m.

The Alberta Water and Environmental Science Building is a partnership between the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and seven provincial and federal research partners. The building's design and construction is focused on environmental responsibility and maximizes energy and water use, by collecting rainwater and holding it for use in toilets and irrigation and by using natural airflow and more efficient air-conditioning/heating systems i.e.) taking advantage of southern Alberta's abundant natural sunlight. The building also boasts a 'living wall', a three-storey vertical greenhouse that provides a unique green feature.

The tours are part of Environment Week at the U of L.

Fitzpatrick led transformation

trevor.kenney — Tue, 12 May 2009 20:59:23 +0000

Dr. Dennis Fitzpatrick is known for his "think-big, shoot-high and don't-be-afraid-to-ask" philosophy. Over the last decade, he has led the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge through an institutional transformation, and the U of L, now a leading comprehensive university, is recognized on provincial, national and international stages for its research excellence.

In June 2009, Fitzpatrick will conclude his second term as vice-president (research). The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge can take great pride in how far it has come over the last 10 years and set its sights even higher for the years ahead knowing that Fitzpatrick has already laid a firm foundation for the future.
His colleagues offer the following words of thanks.

"The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge of today would not be a reality without Dr. Fitzpatrick's extraordinary efforts and vision. He is the institutional face for research in the community, and he has worked tirelessly recruiting researchers, building infrastructure, developing programs and bringing in funding. He has played a vital role in the history of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, and the impacts of his work will continue to be seen well into the future."
Dr. Bill Cade

"Dennis has been extraordinarily successful in advancing the profile of water research at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, and this has translated into major successes over the past decade. He was central to the Water Institute for Semi-Arid Ecosystems (WISE) initiative, the Alberta Ingenuity Centre for Water Research and the fundraising to enable the Alberta Water and Environmental Science Building. In each of these, he demonstrated patience and persistence and a firm belief in our faculty and students. Dennis's extensive representation at the regional, provincial and national levels has enabled our maturation into a nationally recognized centre for water research."
Dr. Stewart Rood

"I am very grateful for the establishment of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's Community of Research Excellence Development Opportunities (CREDO) program and the Board of Governors ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Scholars' Chairs instituted under Dr. Fitzpatrick's leadership. They are both significant steps toward balancing humanities and social sciences funding with the stronger and more established tradition of funding the sciences."
Dr. Heidi MacDonald

"Dr. Fitzpatrick was absolutely instrumental in our (along with Dr. Joseph Rasmussen) decision to come to U of L. I had an excellent position at Université du Québec à Montréal, as professor and researcher, and director of the Environmental Toxicology group, TOXEN. However, Dr. Fitzpatrick's description of the developments and growth of the U of L, the importance of water research in southern Alberta and the possibility of a new building dedicated to water research, were very exciting ideas.

Dennis was a very effective ambassador for the U of L and its research programs – brilliant, charming, open-minded, fun and very knowledgeable. He made arrangements for us to go see the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, introduced us to key people and showcased the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, the community and the region. We accepted the positions and we are very excited still."
Dr. Alice Hontela

"Dennis played the major role in recruiting us (Dr. Alice Hontela and I) to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and in raising the funds to build the new Alberta Water and Environmental Science Building. He has played a major role right from the inception of the water initiative at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, and in addition his office has helped out significantly when it came to putting together start-up packages for new faculty that the U of L has attracted. It is no accident that research funding has increased dramatically at the U of L over the last
decade, and Dennis's efforts have played a large role in this."
Dr. Joseph Rasmussen

"Recently, my new Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Chair in Gender and Health was announced. This exciting research was made possible due to the initial help and support of Dennis Fitzpatrick and Chris Nicol. In 2003, by serendipity, I discovered that radiation responses were different in males and females. I did not have any funds to further confirm these findings. So I approached Dennis and Chris for help. Without their help and support my research on the molecular mechanisms of radiation responses in males and females would not be where it is now.

Also, we (Igor and I) had enormous support from Dennis from the very first days here in Lethbridge. Actually, he helped with the research grants even prior to our arrival. He put his heart and soul into getting the first CFI grant for the Molecular Biology laboratory. The application was submitted before we arrived to Lethbridge. Dennis and the wonderful personnel of Research Services really helped out with numerous grant applications and research contracts. He gave valuable advice and important suggestions on how to improve and shape-up research proposals. Currently, Dennis has championed the establishment of the new Alberta Epigenetics Initiative, which we hope to further develop into the Alberta Epigenetics Institute. Dennis has a real vision for the
research, and he has been a great pleasure to work with."
Dr. Olga Kovalchuk

Putting the Strategic Plan into practice

trevor.kenney — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:55:38 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's 2009-2013 Strategic Plan is a plan for the future, one that will chart the general direction of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ over the next five years.

It is a promise to stay true to who we are and continue doing what we do very well – fostering a personal, supportive learning community; ensuring professors are inspired scholars who integrate research and creativity with teaching; and delivering relevant programs that are meaningful and useful to our students.

Within this plan are strategic directions and priorities by which the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ will shape its future. This month we look at the goal of enhancing the environmental sustainability of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

Dr. Sarah Boon, one of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's newest researchers, is an assistant professor of Geography with an emphasis on environmental science working out of the new Alberta Water and Environmental Science Building. She gives her perspective on how the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ can enhance its environmental sustainability.

On how she sees herself in the Strategic Plan

"I see myself in the plan as sort of the beginning of where I see the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ wanting to go, in terms of the aspects around the environment, the aspects around research and engaging graduate students. In hiring me and some of my newer colleagues, it seems they are looking in a new direction and that direction is echoed in the Strategic Plan."

On how her research focus advances the idea of environmental sustainability

"I liked the idea that I was coming to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ for an environmental science position. My general area of research is mountain hydrology, looking at snow melt and glacier melt and how that contributes to runoff from mountain systems."

On how her research can be used to encourage students to follow her lead of studying environmental matters

"I think I'm already on plan in terms of bringing my personal experiences into the classroom and allowing that to inform a lot of my teaching and show enthusiasm for the topics I'm trying to teach."

On the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's role as a leader in environmental messaging

"I think the role of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is to lead by example. Whether that is how we are operating in terms of physical plant or whether that's the message our professors are getting out either by public lectures or by what they are teaching in their classes. There are certain environmental issues we need to be aware of and we can show this is how we're addressing it and this is, based on our example, how other industries could follow our lead."

On what the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ does well and where it could better reach its environmental goals

"The AWESB we work in here has been designed with LEED standards in mind, so that's one way we've increased the "greenness" of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. There is a lot of recycling throughout campus as well. I think one of the other initiatives we might want to take into account is water use on campus, things to do with outside irrigation and also with indoor water use.
Water use is one major way the university can look at adding to its environmental sustainability."

Maintaining the Wall a team effort

trevor.kenney — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 15:22:09 +0000

The Bio Wall is just one of the many outstanding features of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's new Alberta Water and Environmental Science Building but it may be its most distinguishable.

The structure is approximately 12 metres (three stories) tall and four metres wide, featuring a wide array of plants that literally grow out of the wall. The look and feel of the Bio Wall is both stunning and calming. The trick is keeping the plants healthy and that includes a combination of modern technology and human ingenuity.

Technologically, the patented Natureaire system developed by Alan Darlington of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Guelph, is what keeps the plants hydrated. The wall itself consists of common house plants, such as the rubber fig, the peace lily and umbrella plants, which are placed into slits in the first layer of a two layer wall comprised of porous synthetic material of loosely woven plastic. Over time, the roots of the plants will grow down through the layers and become enmeshed with the material. Water, occasionally infused with nutrients, is pumped to the top of the wall (with the use of six fans) and trickles down through the layers to the plant roots.

But what happens when a plant needs maintenance and just how do workers get to them? Enter the grounds crew, with a little assistance from Sport and Recreation Services, and specifically, Scott Whiteside and his climbing wall staff. They helped instruct Vern Leckie's grounds crew in the Facilities department, about six in total, on basic climbing technique so that they could repel down the wall and provide maintenance to the plants.

Under the supervision of a climbing wall staffer, one member of the grounds crew, which to date has meant Tyler Fallwell, repels down the wall, pulling out old and dying material and replacing it with new flora supplied by Lethbridge's Touch of Green plant shop. The operation is carried out monthly and keeps the Bio Wall looking its best and functioning well.

The benefits of the Bio Wall are more than visual, they also include the breakdown of indoor air pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from common building materials and electronics, which can cause 'sick-building syndrome.'

The Bio Wall also offers increased humidity in addition to the associated psychological and aesthetic benefits.

UNews - Alberta Water

Discovery Day for CWSF participants

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