How Women are Changing the Future of Electricity: EcoCity Grants in Action
Oct. 16/19
Change for Climate is a climate change initiative from the City of Edmonton.
Oct. 16/19
Change for Climate is a climate change initiative from the City of Edmonton.
In 2018, Women Building Futures (WBF) was one of the recipients of the EcoCity Edmonton Grant. The EcoCity Edmonton Grant is offered by the City in partnership with Alberta EcoTrust and the Edmonton Community Foundation and delivers funding opportunities to help transition Edmonton into an energy sustainable and climate resilient city.
What was the grant used for?
WBF used the EcoCity Edmonton Grant to fund their first Electrical and Solar Basics Program. Ten women graduated from the program, opening doors to a new future in the solar energy industry.
Who is WBF and what are they all about?
WBF is an organization that has been working for over 20 years to prepare women for careers leading to economic prosperity, through awareness, training and opportunity. WBF trains and supports women to succeed in trades and occupations where women are typically underrepresented. Women Building Futures alumni are successfully working as electricians, professional drivers, carpenters, and more.
How did the idea for the creation of a diverse solar energy workforce come to be?
WBF saw huge growth in the solar industry and in order to meet the increasing employment demands of the sector, seized an opportunity to train women in this male dominated field.
How did the EcoCity Edmonton Grant assist in the success of this project?
As WBF strives to offer their training at no cost to their students, it relies on government and industry funding. The EcoCity Edmonton Grant resulted in the direct support of five women through the WBF Alumni Solar Training Workshop
How did WBF hear about the EcoCity Edmonton Grant?
At the Solar Energy Society of Alberta’s trade show, where industry gathers to showcase the newest technology.
How does this project assist the City in achieving its greenhouse gas emission reduction goals?
It allows for a more diverse workforce that will assist Edmonton in our transition to using more renewable energy, such as solar.
Tips for your future EcoCity Edmonton Grant application
Align the strategic goals of your project with the EcoCity initiative and how it helps build stronger, greener communities.
Applications for the EcoCity Edmonton Grant are closed for 2019, but keep a close eye out for information on our 2020 intake in early spring!
This post was written by our summer student, Sabrina. If you live in Edmonton and have a climate change story to tell, let us know! Your story could be shared here too.
