SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

SDG 7

Affordable and Clean Energy

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

TRU is leading the transition to a low-carbon future through major investments in renewable energy, energy-efficient infrastructure, and sustainability-focused education that prepares students for the green economy. The university’s Low-Carbon District Energy System (LCDES) exemplifies this leadership, connecting campus buildings to an innovative heat-pump network that replaces natural gas boilers and significantly reduces emissions. Guided by both the Campus Sustainability Strategic Plan and the 2025 Strategic Energy Management Plan, TRU is taking decisive action to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Through advocacy, campus tours, events, and collaborations with government, industry, and community partners, TRU actively shares its knowledge and inspires broader climate action. With an ambitious goal to become a carbon-neutral, net-zero campus by 2030, TRU continues to model what it means to be a world leader in sustainability and climate responsibility.

Learn more about SDG 7

Thompson Rivers University

Ranked 201–300

For SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy (Top 10 in Canada)

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Discover how TRU advanced this Sustainable Development Goal in 2024/25

University Measures Towards Affordable and Clean Energy

Low-Carbon District Energy System

TRU is proud to lead the way in sustainability with the Low-Carbon District Energy System. This major infrastructure project will eventually connect campus buildings to an innovative heat pump system — replacing natural gas boilers and helping TRU achieve its 2030 goal of being ‘zero carbon.’

Campus Strategic Sustainability Plan

The Campus Strategic Sustainability Plan sets out TRU’s ambitions to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability in energy use, buildings operations, waste management, transportation, and the future development of the campus.

TRU Design Guidelines and Requirements

TRU Design Guidelines and Requirements outline specific sustainability performance requirements to model best practice in the design, delivery and operation of campus projects.

TRU Strategic Energy Management Plan

TRU is committed to upgrading existing buildings to higher energy efficiency.

TRU Energy Management System Training

Thompson Rivers University has set an ambitions climate target of being carbon neutral and a net zero campus by 2030. Our 2024 Strategic Energy Management Plan provides our updated road map for current and future years to ensure we meet our goals and targets for reduced energy consumption and GHG emissions.

Energy Audits

TRU regularly undertakes and reports on campus-wide energy audits.

TRU Investment Objectives

The university has adopted a responsible investment approach that is aligned with the industry best practices framework established by the United Nations' Principles for Responsible Investment (UN PRI).

TRU Investments

TRU publishes annual information about its investments, supporting transparency and responsible stewardship of university resources.

Commitment to Renewable Energy and Net Zero

TRU is committed to aligning our operations and influencing global efforts to achieve net zero emissions and a shift to 100% renewable energy.

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Campus Operations

120098.65 GJ

Total Energy Used (Kamloops Campus)

97%

Energy from Low Carbon Sources (Kamloops Campus)

Platinum

STARS Sustainability Rating (2022)

Energy in the Community

Campus Sustainability Walking Tours

TRU’s Campus Sustainability Walking Tours educate students, employees and community members about sustainable campus design and operations, highlighting features such as energy-efficient buildings, green infrastructure, renewable energy systems, water conservation measures and biodiversity initiatives.

Everyday Sustainability

TRU’s Everyday Sustainability webpages provide practical guidance and educational resources to help students, employees and community members reduce energy consumption and environmental impacts through everyday actions. Resources promote energy conservation, sustainable behaviours and energy-efficient practices at home, on campus and in the workplace.

From Gas to Green

TRU shared its campus decarbonization experience through a national conference presentation highlighting its low-carbon district energy system, clean-energy infrastructure and efforts to use its Energy Centre as a learning resource for students, staff and faculty.

Deep Decarbonization: Insights, Strategies, and Collaborative Solutions

James Gordon, TRU's Sustainability Director, participated as a panelist at the 2024 AASHE Conference, sharing lessons learned from TRU's decarbonization efforts and the development of its Low Carbon District Energy System.

Hero for Zero, The Test screening

TRU hosted a public screening of The Test and a panel on its Low-Carbon District Energy System, which aims to reduce campus emissions by 95 per cent. Community members were invited to take the “Hero for Zero” pledge and support TRU’s path to net-zero.

Mexico Field School

Through the TRU Mexico Field School, Trades and Technology students volunteered in rural communities in Oaxaca, Mexico, installing solar panels, batteries and lighting systems for households without electricity. The initiative combined experiential learning with community service to improve access to clean energy.

EcoHaven

TRU and UBCO students teamed up to participate in the EcoHaven project as part of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon Design Challenge, creating a climate-conscious, low-carbon housing design that emphasized energy efficiency, affordability and resilience.

Livable Cities, Collaborative Communities

Through the Livable Cities, Collaborative Communities conference, TRU faculty delivered workshops on living roofs, resilient green spaces, and the construction of high-performing, climate-resilient buildings, helping community members learn about sustainable design, energy efficiency and climate adaptation strategies.

Innovate Today for a Better Tomorrow

Through the Innovate Today for a Better Tomorrow initiative, TRU highlighted sustainability technologies such as green roofs and energy-saving window film installations, helping raise awareness of sustainable building practices among the campus community and the broader Kamloops community.

TRU meets international standard in energy management

TRU achieved compliance with the ISO 50001 energy management standard, implementing a structured energy management system that supports continuous improvement in energy efficiency, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthens responsible energy management across the university.

BC Hydro Energy Wise Network Events

As part of the BC Hydro Energy Wise Network, TRU delivered campus-based awareness campaigns including Lights Out, Heat Your Seat Device Library Program and Sweater Day, encouraging energy-saving behaviours and helping build understanding of energy efficiency among students, employees and the wider community.

Energy Management Training

TTRU’s Energy Management System training helps employees understand how the university monitors, manages and reduces energy consumption, while identifying opportunities to contribute to energy-saving initiatives and support responsible energy use across campus.

Fleet Forward

TRU hosted Fleet Forward, a free, full-day event showcasing zero-emission fleet vehicles and clean transportation technologies, helping participants learn about electric vehicles and fleet decarbonization.

Energy Efficiency Services for Industry

Research fellow program reduces carbon footprints

TRU’s Bob Gaglardi School of Business and Economics offers graduate students pursuing their Master of Science in Environmental Economics and Management (MScEEM) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees the chance to apply sustainability frameworks to real-world challenges through the Community Carbon Accounting Program (C2AP).

Renewable Energy and Technology Program

TRU’s Renewable Energy Fundamentals for Electricians program provides industry-focused training on the installation and maintenance of renewable energy systems. The program equips electricians with the knowledge and skills needed to support renewable energy projects across industrial, commercial, institutional and residential settings.

Electric Vehicle Technology and Service Course

TRU’s Electric Vehicle Technology and Service course provides industry-focused training for Automotive Service Technicians and apprentices, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to safely diagnose, service and repair high-voltage electric vehicles.