Low-Carbon District Energy System (LCDES)
Work on TRU’s Low-Carbon District Energy System (LCDES) continues to move forward, with about two kilometres of underground pipe now installed. Major underground work is nearly complete, but construction will remain visible across campus into next year as both the LCDES and the Indigenous Centre advance toward their November 2026 targets.
Accessibility
We know construction has made getting around campus more difficult at times. Accessibility and safety remain our top priorities, and crews continue to adjust pathways and signage to make routes as safe and accessible as possible. Thank you for your patience and feedback as we work through these final stages.
What's next?
- Temporary cold-patch asphalt will be used through winter
- Full paving and restoration are planned for spring
- Both projects are on track for substantial completion in November 2026
Construction timeline and key impacts
TRU is laying groundwork for its clean-energy system, with pipe installation and retrofits taking place. 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.
Hear from one of our co-op students as they share how the Low-Carbon District Energy System is already shaping their campus experience.
Arts and Education Building (AE)
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Accessibility and closures:
- Accessible path from Lot H to Student Union Building (SUB) is closed until Nov. 1.
- Backfilling the path has begun with concrete pour at the end of October.
- Path around AE is closed until Nov. 1.
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Construction work:
- Cold patch work until Nov. 1. Concrete will be completed next spring upon warmer temperatures.
Clock Tower (CT) and Old Library Administration and Research Annex (OLARA)
- Sod installed, walkway and retaining wall work nearing completion. Please avoid grass and active work zones.
- Finishes will be determined in the coming weeks.
Gym (College Drive) / Lepin Building
- Accessibility: Use detour path around buildings (maintained).
- Construction work: Restoration work between the Lepin Building and Gym is still ongoing.
House 4 and 5 (Sk’lep Trail)
- Accessibility: Path improvements scheduled Oct. 17 – 25.
House of Learning (HL) / Sustainability Powerhouse
- Hydrovac:
- Exploratory hydrovac will take place from Oct. 20 to Nov. 1 between HL and Sustainability Powerhouse site.
- Walkways remain open but may have detours. Noise expected.
Lot K / Lot J/ Pathway from North Tower Residence to SUB
- Construction work:
- Hydrovac ongoing until mid-November.
- Excavation Oct. 20 to Nov. 30
- Pathway restoration Oct. 20 to Nov. 1
- Parking:
- Eight reserved stalls from Lot H have been relocated to Lot J.
Old Main (OM)
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Construction work:
- Pipes have been brought to the roof of the Visual Arts area, with installation underway over the next four weeks to Nov. 21.
- While footsteps on the roof may be heard during this time, there is no risk to students or faculty.
- By mid-November, crews will begin connecting Old Main to the new Sustainability Powerhouse.
- This will involve trenching between the two buildings for about 10 working days, and a temporary detour may be required.
- The start date is still to be confirmed as the project team works closely with Visual Arts faculty to minimize disruption.
Student Union Building (SUB) / Campus Activity Centre (CAC)
- Fencing / trenching: Ongoing behind SUB toward Lot H, to be completed Nov. 7.
Parking
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Lot P (by the Human Resources Building / future Indigenous Centre site):
- Excavation and hydrovac from Oct. 20 to Nov. 30.
- Expect intermittent closures and noise impacts.
- Lot partially accessible; one-way will be maintained but the parking loop will be closed.
- Expect alternating lane access into Lot P.
- Flaggers on site. Pay attention to signs.
- Ten stalls have been reserved for President’s Office.
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Lot H:
- Eight stalls closed for construction.
- Reserved parking moved to Lot J.
- Expect further decreases as trenching expands.
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Lot J:
- Hosting relocated reserved stalls from Lot H.
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Lot Q:
- Use for visitor and short-term parking.
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Parking notices:
- Contact tru@concordparking.com if you receive a notice in error.
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.
