TRU breaks ground on new ‘sustainability powerhouse’

KAMLOOPS – After almost a decade in the making, Thompson Rivers University broke ground on its newest sustainability initiative, a low carbon district energy system, Thursday (Aug. 29) morning.

Slated to be completed in 2030, the system would replace all natural gas heating on campus.

“We call it the sustainability powerhouse of Thompson Rivers University,” said Matt Milovick, TRU VP of administration and finance. “Everything will be heated by electricity and this is the centre. This is the engine that drives it all.”

Once up and running, the university says it will reduce its greenhouse emissions by 95 per cent.

“I think it’s fair to say that at least in British Columbia and perhaps in Canada, we’re blazing this trail. I mean, this is the quickest way to legitimately get off natural gas,” Milovick told CFJC News. “For us, it’s hugely impactful. We’ve been lauded for our courage in this space for having the guts to do it.”

The project is estimated to cost about $45 million and is a partnership between TRU and Creative Energy. TRU will own the building, while Creative Energy will own the equipment inside.

(Image Credit: TRU)

“I feel great about it because the outcome, of course, is tremendous. What I really feel good about, too, is the innovation across the value chain,” said Diego Mandelbaum, senior VP of development at Creative Energy. “The partnership approach between TRU and Creative Energy is innovative. I don’t know that it’s been done in this way before where a private developer is going to partner to stand up a brand new regulated utility on a campus.”

Thirteen campus buildings will be connected to the new system with plans to start energizing in the early spring of 2026.

(Image Credit: TRU)