Low-Carbon District Energy System (LCDES)
TRU's bold journey to zero carbon
TRU is on the brink of a monumental achievement—progressing toward our ambitious goal of zero carbon! How? Together with our partners, Creative Energy, known for innovative district energy solutions, and BC Hydro, we are building a cutting-edge Low-Carbon District Energy System (LCDES) on our Kamloops campus.
The LCDES is the most ambitious energy project in TRU’s history and replaces our old natural gas boilers with a sustainable electrical heating source, making our campus greener than ever by offsetting over 100,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over the next 30 years—this is like planting a 4,000-acre forest, a space 16 times larger than our own campus.
TRU will be one of the first universities in North America to hit zero carbon.
With the LCDES, TRU continues to demonstrate our commitment toward building a greener future and as a leader in what true sustainability looks like.
Construction timeline and key impacts
TRU is proud to lead the way in sustainability with the Low-Carbon District Energy System (LCDES). As part of this project, ongoing construction on the new gas line installation will continue the week of April 7, followed by major site preparation and excavation work.
This infrastructure will eventually connect campus buildings to an innovative heat pump system, replacing natural gas boilers and reducing TRU’s carbon footprint.
House 1 and Future Students Building to be removed for campus upgrades
TRU is preparing for the demolition of House 1 and the Future Students Building (FSB) as part of major campus renewal efforts supporting the Low-Carbon District Energy System (LCDES) and the future Indigenous Education Centre (IEC). After careful assessment, both buildings were deemed too costly to upgrade and unsuitable for future use.
What’s happening now:
- Site fencing and safety assessments are underway
- Tree removal, building abatement and demolition work: completion set for April 18
- FSB parking closed; temporary Lot F access remains open*
- Road access to Sk’lep Trail roundabout is closed until further notice*
* The main access to Sk'lep Trail will be closed until further notice. The temporary road (by the HR Building) is open for access to Lot F. The four EV stalls at the start of Lot F are currently unavailable. Car Share stalls have been relocated to the other end of Lot F, using two of the remaining EV stalls.
April 7 – May 2: Administrative Services Building (ASB) retrofits and bike cage closure
Hot water pipes are being installed in the Administrative Services Building to support TRU’s new energy system. Temporary hoarding will be in place on the first and fourth floors, with detours posted as needed. The elevator will remain in service.
The indoor bike cage on the first floor will be closed during this time. Cyclists can use outdoor racks, the covered bike shelter or bring bikes into personal office areas. Cyclists with questions can contact the Sustainability Office at sustain@tru.ca.
April 9 – May 2: Campus Activity Centre (CAC) retrofits
New piping for the CAC will be installed primarily within the building’s crawl space and mechanical room. Public impact is expected to be minimal, with most construction activity, including drilling, scheduled between 7 and 8 a.m.
April 9 – 26: Underground utility work (daylighting)
Starting April 9, crews will begin exposing underground utilities across the campus. This low-risk work involves hydrovac excavation and will include temporary signage, painted markers and barriers to keep pedestrians safe. Some parking and walkway disruptions may occur but will reopen once work is complete.
These upgrades are key to TRU’s commitment to a more sustainable, energy-efficient campus. Watch for regular TRU Connect updates as work progresses, visit www.tru.ca/lcdes or email zerocarbon@tru.ca
Stay informed
Visit this page regularly for updates, closure notifications and progress reports. For inquiries or feedback, email us at zerocarbon@tru.ca.
Thank you for your patience as we enhance our campus. Please note that work and impact dates are subject to change.
Starting in fall 2024
Get ready for the future!
The building of LCDES will be starting in fall 2024 and includes the construction of the Sustainability Powerhouse, a marvel of modern engineering located in the heart of the Kamloops campus.
Half of this building will be an energy plant and serve as a "living lab," showcasing cutting-edge electrically powered air-source and water-source heat pumps along with backup natural gas boilers. Heat will be generated here and pushed throughout the campus in underground pipes to 13 existing buildings: Arts and Education, Administrative Services Building, Campus Activity Centre, Clock Tower, Culinary Arts Training Centre, Brown Family House of Learning, Indigenous Education Centre, International Building, Ken Lepin Science and Health Sciences Building, North Tower Residence, Old Library Administration and Research Annex (OLARA), Old Main and TRU Gymnasium.
The other half of the Powerhouse will host the new offices of the award-winning TRU Sustainability Office.
See below to learn more about milestones and construction updates.
View MilestonesPowering up with strong partnerships
Our sustainability journey is powered by remarkable partnerships.
Creative Energy and BC Hydro have been instrumental in pushing this clean energy initiative forward. Together, we’re making a real difference.
Cutting-edge heating solutions
The Sustainability Powerhouse will be a marvel of modern engineering.
The Sustainability Powerhouse will feature air-source and water-source heat pumps that provide a renewable energy heating source. Natural gas boilers will be on standby for backup, ensuring resilience and uninterrupted operations. An underground closed-loop distribution system will weave through the campus, connecting buildings to the LCDES and allowing us to retire our old boilers.
Expansion potential: building a greener tomorrow
But we’re not stopping there.
A second phase of the LCDES has been proposed to connect an additional five buildings and further decarbonize campus spaces. In the future, new TRU buildings and nearby City of Kamloops buildings, like the Tournament Capital Centre and the Canada Games Aquatic Centre, along with buildings in The Reach development on campus, could also connect to the system. Additional low-carbon generation capacity and thermal energy storage can be added to the LCDES, providing renewable infrastructure for future growth.
FAQ's
When will major construction begin?
Site preparation for the LCDES Sustainability Powerhouse near Old Main will begin on Mar. 18, followed by excavation and deep civil work starting Mar. 24.
Will parking be impacted?
Yes, throughout the project, some parking areas will be temporarily closed. Detours and alternate parking options will be provided. Any affected permit holders will be informed in advance of any closures and alternative parking options.
Who can I contact with questions?
For inquiries or feedback, email us at carbonneutral@tru.ca.
Be a Hero for Zero
Support a zero-carbon future with a donation and have your name honoured in the Sustainability Powerhouse.
Milestones on our journey
2021
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Engaged in public consultation on the LCDES.
2023
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Received approval for the first phase from the BC Utilities Commission.
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Conducted public consultation on the proposed second phase.
2024
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Breaking ground on construction in fall 2024.
2030
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Once the project is complete, emissions (from heating buildings using natural gas) will be reduced by 95% compared to 2020 levels.
Stay tuned for project updates and progress
Stay tuned for construction updates and more information about the LCDES project. This major initiative will significantly reduce our environmental impact and set the stage for a sustainable tomorrow.
Any questions, email zerocarbon@tru.ca.
