Thompson Rivers University welcomed B.C. Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills Jessie Sunner to campus this week for meetings with university leadership and a tour highlighting one of TRU’s most significant sustainability projects.
During her visit, Sunner met with TRU President Airini and Board of Governors Chair Christine Sorensen to discuss the university’s priorities, student success, sustainability and the evolving role of post-secondary education in British Columbia.
Following the meetings, Sunner toured key components of TRU’s Low Carbon District Energy System (LCDES), an innovative infrastructure project that will help transform the university’s approach to campus heating and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
TRU President Airini and Minister Sunner at the doors to C7ístkten’ (the Winter House) during a tour of the Brown Family House of Learning.
Hosted by TRU and construction partner PCL, the tour included a visit to a retrofitted utility room in the Brown Family House of Learning, where upgrades are underway to connect buildings to the new system. The minister also observed the above-ground piping installation on the exterior of the House of Learning before touring the Sustainability Powerhouse, the future hub of the district energy system.
“TRU’s Low Carbon District Energy System is a groundbreaking example of how post-secondary institutions can lead the way in clean energy innovation through forward-thinking infrastructure and strong partnerships,” said Sunner.
“Projects like this help create more sustainable campuses, reduce emissions, and advance a cleaner future for British Columbia.”
The LCDES is the most ambitious energy project in TRU’s history. Once complete, it will replace aging natural gas boilers with a high-efficiency electrified heating system powered primarily by renewable electricity. The project is expected to reduce campus greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 95 per cent and eliminate more than 100,000 tonnes of emissions over the next 30 years, supporting TRU’s goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
“We were pleased to welcome Minister Sunner to TRU and share how the university is advancing sustainability through innovative infrastructure projects while supporting students and communities throughout British Columbia,” said Airini.
“The Low Carbon District Energy System demonstrates the important role post-secondary institutions can play in addressing climate change, fostering innovation and helping build a more sustainable future.”
The visit also provided a broader opportunity to showcase TRU’s sustainability leadership. Sustainability is one of the university’s four core values and is reflected in everything from operations to research to campus planning. TRU is the first Canadian college or university, and one of only six institutions worldwide, to earn a platinum STARS rating twice from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.
Thompson Rivers University is leading in sustainability. Learn more about TRU’s contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
