Students at Royal Roads University will have better opportunities to push the boundaries of environmental science in a modern facility, as a result of a Canada-B.C. infrastructure investment.

The new Sherman Jen Building, which opened to students in early September 2018, includes major renovations and upgrades to a century-old building (the former Mews Building) and construction of a modern addition.

“Students at Royal Roads University are discovering ways to solve real-world problems in environmental sustainability,” said Melanie Mark, B.C.'s Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training. “They’ll now have modern facilities to help them thrive and succeed. Royal Roads students are our future leaders in areas such as agricultural food waste management and innovative recycling initiatives, and they’re helping build the best B.C.”

The $24.8-million project budget includes $9.3 million from the Government of Canada’s Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund, $5.7 million from the Province of British Columbia, and $7 million from philanthropist Sherman Jen, with the balance supplied by Royal Roads University.

The 4,700 square-metre project includes 2,700 square metres of renovated space and a new 2,000 square-metre addition. The new facilities house environmental science teaching labs, wet labs, and academic support and integrated student service space.

“The Government of Canada is proud of this investment for students at Royal Roads University,” said Navdeep Bains, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. “This will support students by giving them the skills and learning experiences needed to have rewarding careers in environmental science, which will go a long way in fostering talent and innovation in our communities.”

The Sherman Jen building, with its light-filled gathering area, will be the campus hub for undergraduate students at Royal Roads. A new student commons space to foster international and intercultural understanding will help students from different backgrounds create lifelong connections and professional partnerships.

Quotes

Mitzi Dean, MLA for Esquimalt-Metchosin and Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity –

“This new building will support students at Royal Roads University by giving them the tools to research effectively and comfortably. Many students at Royal Roads are mid-career professionals and apply what they learn to their workplace or community. With these new teaching labs, wet labs and break-out spaces, students will be able to pursue their research goals in a much more accessible and modern environment before returning to their careers.”

Allan Cahoon, president and vice-chancellor, Royal Roads University –

“The Sherman Jen Building will transform the educational experience for many of our undergraduate students, giving them access to cutting-edge science facilities and learning technologies, as well as a community hub on campus. Thanks to the investments by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia, as well as the generous contribution of Dr. Sherman Jen, we greatly look forward to seeing this international, intercultural community of vibrant students learn and thrive together.”

Sherman Jen, donor to Royal Roads University and founder and CEO of Maple Leaf Education Systems –

“I am honoured to be here today to see this great vision become a reality. It is the blending of a century-old building with a modern and contemporary building, connected together to create an innovative learning environment. I feel a great affinity with Royal Roads University through our shared dedication to an educational model that connects students to foster global understanding.”

Quick Facts:

• While larger than the original structure, the Sherman Jen Building will have a lower energy and emissions output due to a number of energy-efficient installations and upgrades.
  • The well-designed and heavily insulated building will save 1,230 gigajoules in total energy annually, equal to about 200 barrels of oil.
  • Its green features will reduce 44 tonnes of total carbon emissions per year, which is approximately 3% of the university’s overall greenhouse gas reduction goal of 33% by 2020.
• Investments through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund are being used to modernize research facilities at Canadian universities and colleges, as well as improve the energy efficiency of these facilities and reduce their impact on the environment.
• As a result of these investments, students, professors and researchers will work in state-of-the-art facilities that advance the country’s best research. They will collaborate in specially designed spaces that support lifelong learning and skills training. They will work in close proximity with partners to turn discoveries into products or services. In the process, they will train for, and invent, the high-value jobs of the future. Their discoveries will plant the seeds for the next generation of innovators.
• In total, British Columbia received $256 million through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund. Twenty public post-secondary institutions and one private First Nations institution in B.C. are benefiting from a total of 30 individual projects throughout the province.

Learn More:

Canada’s innovation agenda: http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/062.nsf/eng/home  

Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund: http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/051.nsf/eng/home  

Royal Roads University: http://www.royalroads.ca/