Thompson Rivers University’s commitment to sustainability was in the spotlight last week as Frank Caputo, Member of Parliament for Kamloops-Thompson-Nicola, visited campus to learn more about the initiatives helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions while supporting innovation, research and student learning.
Hosted by President and Vice-Chancellor Airini, the visit included a tour of TRU’s Low-Carbon District Energy System (LCDES), one of the university’s signature sustainability projects and a key part of its commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
“TRU is proud to be a dual-sector research university where innovation extends beyond our classrooms and laboratories into the way we build and operate our campus,” said Airini. “It was a pleasure to welcome Mr. Caputo and share how investments in sustainability today are creating lasting benefits for our students, our community and future generations.”
President Airini, PCL Superintendent Taner Cooper and MP Frank Caputo inside the Sustainability Powerhouse.
During the tour, Caputo saw firsthand how the LCDES uses electric heat pumps and an underground distribution network to heat and cool buildings across campus while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. The system not only supports TRU’s climate goals but also serves as a living laboratory where students and researchers can learn from real-world infrastructure.
The visit also created an opportunity to discuss TRU’s broader contributions to the region, including its research, workforce development and community partnerships, and the role sustainable infrastructure plays in supporting innovation and economic growth.
“It was, as always, a pleasure to visit TRU,” said Caputo. “TRU is on the cutting edge of technology and innovation. My visit showcased a small slice of the advances that TRU is making. My visit reinforced that TRU is a crown jewel in Kamloops-Thompson-Nicola and I am appreciative for all TRU contributes to the area.”
Caputo’s visit comes as TRU continues to earn international recognition for its sustainability leadership. In June, the university was ranked among the world’s leading institutions in the 2026 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, recognizing its contributions to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
As one of British Columbia’s six research universities and the province’s only dual-sector research university, TRU continues to welcome government and community leaders to campus to strengthen partnerships and showcase the teaching, research and innovation that benefit communities across the region and beyond.
Thompson Rivers University is leading in sustainability. Learn more about TRU’s contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
