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.
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.
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 March 24, 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.
Upcoming work and impacts
March 18 onward: The main access to Sk'lep Trail will be closed for gas line work, and the temporary road is open for access to Lot F. The four EV stalls at the start of Lot F will be unavailable for at least a month. Car Share stalls will be relocated to the other end of Lot F, using two of the remaining EV stalls.
March 18 - 19: Construction on Sk'lep Trail for building removals will impact vehicle and pedestrian access in Lot F. Access to parking in front of House 1 and the Future Students Building will be closed for public safety.
March 18 - 22: Construction fencing installation around the LCDES plant site (a.k.a. “Sustainability Powerhouse”) next to Old Main (see below ).
March 18 – 28: Pathway between Sk’lep Trail and House of Learning closes, with sidewalk closure. Single-lane traffic on College Drive near the Culinary Arts Training Centre and Lot C, monitored by flaggers, for the gas tie-in preparation.
March 21: Paving on Campus Drive and Visitor Lot Q (short-term full closure for four hours).
March 19 – 24: Gas line work near House of Learning; no traffic disruption, pedestrian walkways fenced.
Week of March 24: Focus on sidewalk pouring, College Drive work and paving throughout campus.
What to expect
- Temporary closures of pathways, parking areas, and building access points.
- Clearly marked detour routes to ensure safe navigation.
- Updates on construction progress and any adjustments to access points.
Stay informed
Visit this page regularly for updates, closure notifications and progress reports. For inquiries or feedback, email us at carbonneutral@tru.ca.
Thank you for your support as we build a more sustainable future at TRU.
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.
