Thompson Rivers University has just received an energy study covering 10 campus buildings which account for 75 per cent of overall campus energy use.

Funded by BC Hydro and conducted by Prism Engineering Limited (Prism), a BC-based consulting firm that specializes in energy efficiency, the report is part of an ongoing cooperative effort between TRU and BC Hydro to reduce the university’s energy demand, and in turn, reduce campus greenhouse gas emissions.

“This comes at a very good time, as this is the first year that TRU will be responsible for paying greenhouse gas emissions tax,” explained TRU’s Director of Campus Sustainability Dr. Tom Owen.

The report makes recommendations to help the university reach an 11 per cent reduction in electricity use and per cent fuel savings annually.

“The findings and recommendations contained in the report will be key to overall campus planning for sustainability and energy reduction,” added Owen.

Specific actions for TRU in particular have been identified in the report. These include: retrofits for more efficient lighting systems; automatic controls so that lights and other electrical appliances are only on when needed; aligning equipment schedules with occupancy and use, and; upgrading systems to reduce fuel use for heating and cooling.