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. Please follow onsite signage and allow extra time to navigate areas safely.
X-ray testing to June 26
Old Library Administration and Research Annex (OLARA)
X-ray testing is scheduled for Tuesday, June 17 and Thursday, June 19.
OLARA and/or Clock Tower (CT)
X-ray testing is scheduled for Tuesday, June 24 and Thursday, June 26. Locations to be confirmed.
Safety flagging will be in place. Please avoid marked areas.
Civil work extended to June 26
Civil work is underway north of the Legacy Apartments laydown area. A temporary pedestrian path runs along the west side of Legacy but does not have a hard surface. Users with mobility challenges may need to find alternate routes if the grass path isn’t suitable for mobility devices.
Pipeline installation to June 26
CT and OLARA
Trenching between the CT and OLARA will close the pedestrian walkway, but alternate paths are available and building access will be maintained. Hydrovac work will take place in this area on and off throughout this timeframe, causing noise and vibration disruption.
OLARA to Old Main (OM)
Trenching between OLARA and OM will produce a single pedestrian path, fenced with walk-through plates.
Hydrovac work to June 28
Arts and Education (AE) Building (beside building)
Light hydrovac work is expected. While not silent, it should not cause excessive noise or shaking.
Pathway between AE and Campus Activity Centre (CAC)
Hydrovac work may occur in this pedestrian corridor. Temporary access impacts are possible. We will notify users if scheduled.
Lepin Building/Gym to Administrative Services Building (ASB) road crossing
Hydrovac work may take place depending on site access and coordination. Expect noise and vibration disruption.
Parking Lot C – impacts to June 30
TRU and PCL are reviewing new staging and access plans that may impact parking availability in Lot C.
What to expect:
- Sub-sections of Lot C may be temporarily closed for safety during hydrovac and X-ray testing near the CT and road crossing.
- Steel plates will support rotating access, ensuring garbage and delivery coordination.
- Lot C will be repaved by June 30.
Please note:
- Partial access will be maintained where possible, but temporary closures and delays should be expected.
- Flagging crews and signage will be in place to support rerouting.
- Follow all posted directions and avoid flagged work zones.
If you have questions or receive a parking notice in error, contact Concord Parking at tru@concordparking.com with your name, license plate number and location.
Pipeline installation to July 25
College Drive and Gym
Trenching will extend between the Gym and Lepin Building, closing the north Gym dock and wheelchair ramp access via College Drive. The stairs between the buildings are not available. Part of the pedestrian sidewalk on the College Drive side of the gym is also closed. Access the main entrances to the Gym and Lepin Building from parking lots G or S.
College Drive to ASB
Trenching will extend from College Drive through the greenspace and across Campus Drive to connect to the ASB. A single lane closure with steel plates will allow traffic to flow during excavation on College Drive and WolfPack Road. Access to ASB will be maintained throughout.
Pipe upgrades (retrofits)
Lepin Building (S)
Work has been extended and is expected to continue in the Lepin Building to July 25.
Old Main (OM)
Changes to the construction and sequencing plan are under review — an update will be posted soon.
Culinary Arts Training Centre (CATC)
The building will be closed for retrofits until at least July 11. Affected staff and faculty have been notified.
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.
