Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
Research
Collaborative Carbon Solutions
Carbon Solutions focuses on innovative strategies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This research-driven initiative, rooted in strong partnerships with academia and industry, addresses carbon reduction with a significant impact both nationally and internationally. Concentrated in Southwestern Ontario, the initiative develops solutions that enhance clean energy technologies and promote the circular economy. Funded projects explore and validate potential solutions through demonstration projects, prototypes, system testing, and more, while also identifying research opportunities in policy, education, and economic assessment to support Canada’s sustainability goals.
Ivey Energy Policy and Management Centre
The Ivey Energy Policy and Management Centre aims to be an independent, informed, and trusted voice on Canadian energy policy. By producing and sharing evidence-based research, the Centre contributes to policymaking in the electricity, gas, oil, and pipeline sectors. It offers a transparent forum for dialogue among industry, government, academia, and stakeholders, while educating students, executives, and officials on energy issues. Guided by principles of independent analysis, transparent public discussion, and responsible resource use, the Centre supports the long-term growth of the Canadian economy and the well-being of Canadians.
Teaching
Sustainable Energy Innovation: Sunstang Solar Car Project
The Sunstang Solar Car Project is Western Engineering’s largest and longest-running projects, which introduces undergraduate students to sustainable energy practices through project-based learning. This interdisciplinary team designs, prototypes, and assembles an eco-friendly solar car, integrating mechanical engineering with customized electrical systems. The team aims to compete in the Formula Sun Grand Prix in 2024 and the World Solar Challenge in 2025, demonstrating their commitment to innovative, sustainable engineering.
Ivey HBA Environment Course
The Ivey HBA course on Managing Energy, Resources & the Natural Environment equips students with a deep understanding of Canada’s energy and resource sectors. This course addresses the complexities of natural resource extraction, the volatility of commodity pricing, and the nuances of public regulations and industry self-regulation. By fostering critical skills and knowledge, this course promotes responsible management and sustainable practices in business.
Outreach
CleanTech Conference
Western University hosted its first CleanTech conference, uniting researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to pioneer advancements in renewable energy, sustainable materials, and environmental sciences. This event, part of the $2-million Carbon Solutions initiative, highlighted innovative projects such as turning forest waste into jet fuel and developing “digital twins” for building efficiency. Featuring panel discussions and a keynote by President Alan Shepard, the conference underscored Western’s commitment to combatting climate change and fostering collaboration for sustainable technological solutions.
Ivey's Annual Electricity Workshop on Policy and Markets
The Ivey Energy Policy and Management Centre hosted its 8th Annual Workshop on the Economics of Electricity Policy and Markets in October 2023 in Toronto. This event gathered scholars, practitioners, and industry leaders to discuss contemporary issues in electricity policy, regulation, and markets. The annual workshop aims to build a community of experts, expand research networks in Canada, and foster academic research contributing to effective electricity policies and market designs. The theme centered on the future of electricity market design in Canada. Panelists explored redesigning markets, design coordination, transmission policy, and decarbonized markets.
Ergs and Equilibrium Podcast Live
Brandon Schaufele, Associate Professor of Business, Economics, Public Policy, and Director of the Ivey Energy Policy and Management Centre, hosts a podcast series in collaboration with the Canadian Association for Energy Economics. These podcasts feature expert discussions on renewable energy, oil price forecasting, and energy market dynamics, providing valuable insights into the energy sector. This series supports informed decision making and advances the goals of affordable and clean energy.
Operations
Transition to Electric Utility Vehicles: A Green Campus
In 2023, Western enhanced its sustainability efforts by transitioning to electric utility vehicles and landscape tools. Facilities Management has added two electric John Deere Gator utility vehicles, replacing a carbon-intensive truck, to improve comfort and efficiency for the grounds crew while reducing noise and emissions. The shift includes battery-powered handheld tools and an autonomous electric mower at the Ivey Business School. Additionally, four new electric vans joined the fleet, supported by newly installed EV charging stations. Committed to net-zero emissions by 2050, Western continues to explore sustainable solutions for a greener campus.
Sustainable Buildings
The Deep Energy Retrofit Program enhances energy efficiency and reduces carbon emissions by renovating older buildings, decommissioning obsolete systems, adopting right-sized equipment, transitioning from natural gas to electric heat pumps, and utilizing waste heat. With 13 LEED-certified buildings, Western demonstrates its commitment to sustainability. In 2024, Western opened its first carbon-neutral building, the Ronald D. Schmeichel Building for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Additionally, Western’s power plant will receive a $16 million upgrade, funded partly by a $4.75 million grant from Environment and Climate Change Canada, to install two electric boilers that will generate 40% of the university’s steam and reduce campus emissions by 20%-30%, supporting Western's 2030 greenhouse gas reduction targets.
The Ronald D. Schmeichel Building for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
