SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
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 2024 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
University measures towards Affordable and Clean Energy
Low-Carbon District Energy System (LCDES)
TRU is proud to lead the way in sustainability with the Low-Carbon District Energy System (LCDES). 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.’
Learn moreThe Campus Strategic Sustainability Plan (CSSP)
The CSSP 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.
Learn moreTRU 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.
Learn moreTRU Strategic Energy Management plan 2024
TRU is committed to upgrading existing buildings to higher energy efficiency.
Learn moreTRU Energy Management System training
TRU has set an ambitious 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.
Learn moreCommitment to renewable energy and net zero
TRU is committed to aligning our operations and influence global efforts to achieve net zero emissions and a shift to 100 per cent renewable energy.
Learn moreTRU Solar Table Design competition
TRU hosts annual solar table design competition to create solar tables around campus to promote renewable energy use, encourage student participation and learning and have more outdoor places to study and socialize that are protected from the snow, rain and direct sun.
Learn moreEnergy in the community
Sustainability advocacy
The TRU Sustainability Office advocates for improvements to legislation, ordinances and public policies that advance sustainability.
Learn moreResearch 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).
Learn moreTRU 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).
Learn moreTRU Generator
Explore how TRU Generator can help you develop your ideas into successful ventures.
Learn moreCampus operations
Related news and articles
Recognitions for TRU sustainability initiatives continue to grow
TRU continues to build recognition for its leadership in sustainability initiatives with two more honours.
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TRU to generate clean energy with 1,000 solar panels
TRU is among the first universities in B.C. to receive approval from BC Hydro to install more than 1,000 solar panels across campus.
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TRU number one in energy impacts in international sustainability index
TRU is a top performer on the 2024 Sustainable Campus Index, ranking first in master's institutions and energy impacts.
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TRU breaks ground on landmark Low-Carbon District Energy System
TRU has broken ground on its Low-Carbon District Energy System, a major step forward in its journey to achieve zero carbon emissions.
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SDG Accord
As an institutional signatory to the SDG Accord, TRU submits annual reports on our contributions toward the Sustainable Development Goals and shares evidence of our progress through events and actions on campus and in our community. These submissions are synthesized with others into a public progress report by the SDG Accord.
Recognitions for TRU sustainability initiatives continue to grow
TRU continues to build recognition for its leadership in sustainability initiatives with two more honours.
Read more
TRU to generate clean energy with 1,000 solar panels
TRU is among the first universities in B.C. to receive approval from BC Hydro to install more than 1,000 solar panels across campus.
Read more
TRU number one in energy impacts in international sustainability index
TRU is a top performer on the 2024 Sustainable Campus Index, ranking first in master's institutions and energy impacts.
Read more
TRU breaks ground on landmark Low-Carbon District Energy System
TRU has broken ground on its Low-Carbon District Energy System, a major step forward in its journey to achieve zero carbon emissions.
Read moreSDG Accord
As an institutional signatory to the SDG Accord, TRU submits annual reports on our contributions toward the Sustainable Development Goals and shares evidence of our progress through events and actions on campus and in our community. These submissions are synthesized with others into a public progress report by the SDG Accord.
