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 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.
April 28 – May 7: Lot C utility work and parking impacts
Crews will be conducting underground utility work in Lot C to support pipeline installation for the LCDES. About one-third of the lot (the most westerly row—approx. 35 stalls) will be fenced off for excavation.
The original work, scheduled to end April 29, is now extended until May 7 to accommodate additional construction needs.
A hydrovac truck will be used to expose utility crossings and verify depth. The truck is mobile and can shift to allow nearby vehicles to exit. Excavations will be small (approx. 0.3 metres), backfilled promptly, and will not block access to the remaining 50 premium stalls, which will remain open.
- Overflow parking is available in Visitor Lot Q.
If you receive a parking notice in error, contact Concord Parking at tru@concordparking.com with your name, license plate number and location.
April 28 – May 2: Administrative Services Building (ASB) retrofits and bike cage closure
Hot water piping installation is underway. Temporary hoarding is in place on the first and fourth floors with posted detours. The elevator remains in service.
The indoor bike cage is closed. 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 28 – May 2: Campus Activity Centre (CAC) retrofits
New piping is being installed in the crawl space and mechanical room. Most work, including drilling, will take place between 7–8 a.m. Minimal public impact is expected.
April 28 – May 7: College Dr. pipeline crossing and connection to Gym and Science buildings
LCDES pipeline installation will cross College Drive, connecting to the Gym and Science buildings.
Access to Lot C from College Drive will always remain open using steel access plates. Temporary traffic diversions may occur during non-peak hours. Access between the Gym and Science will be maintained until the final tie-ins, when it will close briefly. Emergency exits will stay accessible.
April 28 – June 9: Civil work and detour near Legacy Apartments
Civil work north of the Legacy Apartments laydown area begins Monday, April 28. A temporary pedestrian path will run along the west side of Legacy but will not be hard surfaced. Users with mobility challenges may need to find alternate routes if the grass path isn’t suitable for mobility devices.
UPDATE: House 1 and Future Students Building to be removed by May 5
TRU is preparing for the removal of House 1 and the Future Students Building (FSB) as part of broader campus renewal aligned with the LCDES and future Indigenous Education Centre (IEC). Both buildings were deemed too costly to upgrade and unsuitable for continued use.
What’s happening now:
- Abatement and demolition: scheduled for completion by May 5
- FSB parking closed; temporary Lot F access remains open*
- Road access to the Sk’lep Trail roundabout is closed until further notice
* A temporary road beside the HR Building provides alternate access to Lot F. The four EV stalls at the front of Lot F are currently unavailable. Car Share stalls have been relocated to the far end of the lot, using two of the remaining EV spaces.
May 5 - 14: Pipeline installation from College Dr. to Administrative Services Building (ASB)
Trenching will extend from College Dr., through the greenspace and across Campus Dr. to connect to the ASB. A single lane closure with steel plates will allow traffic to flow during excavation. Accessible access to ASB will be maintained throughout.
May 5 – June 25: Ken Lepin Science and Health Sciences Building (S) retrofits
Energy piping will enter the Lepin Building through the west basement and run through crawl spaces, mechanical rooms and up to rooftop units. Some interior coring and hoarding in public areas will be required. Affected staff and faculty have been informed.
May 5–July 29: Old Main (OM) retrofits
Extensive piping installation will connect OM to the new system. The areas of the building will be closed in rotation with hoarding in place. Affected staff and faculty have been informed.
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.
