Students, staff and visitors navigating construction zones across Thompson Rivers University’s (TRU) Kamloops campus can take heart — the disruption is a sign of progress.
Crews are working steadily on TRU’s ambitious Low-Carbon District Energy System (LCDES), a cornerstone of the university’s sustainability efforts and a significant step toward its goal of becoming North America’s first zero-carbon campus.
The LCDES, which uses cutting-edge heat pump technology to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, is already being integrated into buildings across campus. Retrofitting work is underway, and the Sustainability Powerhouse, a central hub for the system, is taking shape.
“This is more than just infrastructure,” said TRU Vice-President Administration and Finance Matt Milovick, “It’s a commitment to a cleaner future, for our campus and for the broader community.”
Over the next 30 years, the project is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 100,000 tonnes — the equivalent of planting a 4,000-acre forest.
The ongoing construction has temporarily reshaped familiar pathways and green spaces, but TRU officials say the end result will be worth the wait.
“We understand that these changes are inconvenient,” explained Milovick. “But once completed, the campus will be restored to its full beauty, improved with cutting-edge infrastructure that supports our environmental vision.”
Safety and accessibility remain top priorities throughout the project. The university is encouraging patience as it works to minimize disruptions while maximizing long-term sustainability.
TRU is encouraging students, faculty, staff and visitors to stay informed and engaged with the transformation. Updates are available at tru.ca/lcdes and inquiries can be directed to zerocarbon@tru.ca.
“We’re building something exceptional,” Milovick remarked. “Every closed sidewalk and temporary construction fence is part of a much bigger story — one that sees TRU at the forefront of environmental leadership.”
Watch this short video for a quick recap on the significant impact this project will have on TRU’s sustainable future.
