The Varsity
Summary
In Canada, burning fossil fuels for electricity amounts to about 45 per cent of our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. A complete overhaul of fossil fuel energy systems is already underway, with Canada aiming to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Nevertheless, as climate disasters become increasingly volatile, finding new heat generation methods remains critical. One of these solutions is a geoexchange system (GES), which uses stable underground temperatures to provide year-round heating and cooling efficiently.
Beneath King’s College Circle lies Canada’s largest urban GES. During a tour of the system, we learned that, as part of the larger Project LEAP, GES is not only eco-friendly, but also economically viable. The overall cost of Project LEAP was $138 million, which includes upgrading current equipment and building optimization in addition to the geoexchange integration. However, after its integration, this savvy investment won’t cost the university extra in utility bills. Over the next few decades, it is projected that the system will ultimately generate more money than it costs.
Project LEAP features the GES, district energy modernization — which includes the addition of electric boilers and heat pumps — energy-efficient building retrofits optimization, embodying the university’s ambitious strategy toward regenerative sustainability. This approach goes beyond merely reducing environmental harm — it aims to actively restore the environment.
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