Low-Carbon District Energy System (LCDES)
Construction timeline and key impacts
TRU is laying groundwork for its clean-energy system, with pipe installation and retrofits underway.
TRU is proud to lead the way in sustainability with the Low-Carbon District Energy System (LCDES). This major infrastructure project will eventually connect campus buildings to an innovative heat pump system — replacing natural gas boilers and significantly reducing TRU’s carbon footprint.
As part of this work, the following construction activities are underway or scheduled. Please follow onsite signage and allow extra time to navigate areas safely.
Watch our new video to see how the Low-Carbon District Energy System is transforming our campus.
Pedestrian detour (to Aug. 29)
Access to Old Main has changed. Please allow extra time to reach your destination. See the map and follow the green lines for detour details.
X-ray testing (July 14 - 18)
All open trench areas will include X-ray inspection at each pipe weld location to ensure the integrity and safety of the welds. These areas will be properly flagged and secured to ensure the safety of campus pedestrians. No work being conducted on campus poses any harm to the community; all activities are carried out in accordance with strict safety protocols.
Week of July 14 – X-ray testing is scheduled between:
- Clock Tower (CT) and Old Main (OM)
- International Building (IB) and the edge of Campus Commons near parking
- Administrative Services Building (AB) and the Gym
Civil work and pipeline installation: CT to OLARA, OLARA to OM, Lepin Building/Gym to AB, College Dr. to AB (to July 25)
Clock Tower (CT) to Old Library Administration and Research Annex (OLARA)
Trenching and hydrovac will close the pedestrian walkway; building access will be maintained.
OLARA to Old Main (OM)
Single fenced pedestrian path with walkthrough plates.
Lepin Building/Gym to Administrative Services Building (AB)
- North Gym dock and wheelchair ramp (College Dr.) closed
- Stairs between buildings closed
- Use parking lots G or S for access
College Dr. to AB
- Trenching across greenspace and Campus Drive
- One-way alternating traffic; flaggers onsite
- Sidewalk to McGill Road temporarily closed (accessible routes maintained)
Hydrovac work: AE, IB, Campus Commons, CAC, IEC, HL (to July 25)
Arts and Education (AE) Building
Light work beside the building (low disruption)
South of International Building (IB) and Campus Commons
Note: May impact Eureka day camp pickup/drop-off zones near IB. Hydrovac and welding will create noise.
AE to Campus Activity Centre (CAC) pathway
Temporary pedestrian impacts possible
Indigenous Education Centre (IEC) site
Potential hydrovac work near House of Learning (HL) – west side lot and entrance
Parking impacts: Lots Q and C (to July 31)
Lot Q
Extended closure to July 28
Lot C
- Partial closure extended to July 31
- Trenching and available parking spaces have been adjusted as per map below
- Alternatives: Use Lot P, Lot S or Premium Lot V1 if overflow is needed
- Flaggers and signage will support rerouting
- Plates will be in place for the Farm to Table event and loading bay area at the back of the Culinary Arts Training Centre (CATC).
In-building pipe retrofits: OM, CT and OLARA (to Aug. 31)
Old Main (OM)
- Ongoing throughout summer
- Main Floor – Visual Arts wing: Corridor open; ceilings exposed with string lighting
- Please do not loiter, enter or place items in exposed ceiling areas
- Second floor: Hallway open at top of stairs; same safety protocols apply
- These access routes are temporary and may change with little notice. Please follow all signage
Clock Tower (CT)
- Hoardings and scaffolding will be installed on the fourth floor, July 14 – Aug. 4
- Hoardings and scaffolding will be installed on the first floor and theatre, July 19 to end of August
- Access to the elevator and washrooms will remain open
- The base of the first-floor stairs will be closed from July 30 to Aug. 8. Please use the elevator or exterior walkways to travel between the first and second floor
Old Library Administration and Research Annex (OLARA)
- Hoardings have been installed on the first and second floor of OLARA until Aug. 8
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.
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.
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.
