Government of Canada Opens State-of-the-Art Ocean Research Facility Powered by Green Technology

In Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, The Government of Canada supports stronger and more collaborative federal science, to ensure scientists and researchers have access to the world-class facilities and tools they need to achieve scientific excellence and innovation.

Today, Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth Cole Harbour, representing the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard, alongside Assistant Deputy Minister for Defence Research and Development Canada, Dr. Jaspinder Komal, inaugurated the Facility for Intelligent Marine Systems (FIMS). After four years of renovations, totaling nearly $25 million, the building housing FIMS is now open.

Situated on the Bedford Institute of Oceanography (BIO) campus, FIMS is a joint effort between Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), the Department of National Defence (DND), and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). Scientists from these organizations are utilizing cutting-edge uncrewed surface and underwater data collection platforms for ocean research at FIMS.

FIMS shares space with the DFO Fish Lab in a fully renovated building on track to receive Green Globes Building Certification. This certification evaluates the environmental sustainability, health, wellness, and resilience of commercial buildings. During renovations, a 100-kilowatt solar panel system was installed on the roof, connected to the larger BIO Campus solar grid. Additionally, new air handling systems and a seawater heat pump system now heat and cool the building. These upgrades are estimated to have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 75 percent.

Quote: “This investment in the Bedford Institute of Oceanography reflects our commitment to ensuring that Canada remains at the forefront of research and innovation. By making our facilities greener, we continue to demonstrate our strong commitment to increasing the climate-resilience of our assets and reducing our greenhouse gas emissions.”

Source: Fisheries and Oceans Canada (May 13, 2024). Government of Canada officially opens state-of-the-art ocean research facility; powered by green technology. https://www.canada.ca/en/fisheries-oceans/news/2024/05/government-of-canada-officially-opens-state-of-the-art-ocean-research-facility-powered-by-green-technology.html