Neighbourhood District Energy System

Updated: February 27, 2020
photo of the "underground piping network"; 3 homes with arrows connecting them
In 2013, UBC partnered with Corix Utilities to develop a Neighbourhood District Energy System (NDES), which provides heat and domestic hot water to new residential developments on UBC lands. This energy utility is owned and operated by Corix Utilities and regulated by the BC Utilities Commission.

Description

The objective of the NDES is to reduce community greenhouse gas emissions by providing low-carbon thermal energy for UBC residential neighbourhoods, including Wesbrook Place, East Campus, Acadia and Stadium. The NDES also supports UBC’s goals to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and create a sustainable live-work-learn community. The preferred alternative energy source will be the use of waste heat from TRIUMF’s cooling towers, as the most effective way of providing the GHG reductions targetted. Potential synergies between the NDES and the Academic District Energy System (ADES) will also be explored in future phases, including possible research and educational opportunities that are consistent with UBC’s goals for the Campus as a Living Lab.

The NDES Project Plan proposed that the NDES approach be implemented in two phases. Phase 1 was contemplated as a temporary natural gas system serving early loads in Wesbrook Place. Phase 2 was the implementation of the alternate Energy Source, currently contemplated as waste heat recovery from TRIUMF, and/or the interconnection of the Wesbrook Place portion of the NDES and ADES, which is expected to occur in 2024.

Public Consultation 

 

The purpose of the public consultation was to provide information about the proposed project to the campus community and gather feedback. Public consultation occurred in November 2013 and June 2014, with both in person and online opportunities to learn about the project and provide feedback. 

 

November 2013 Consultation

The first UBC Neighbourhood District Energy System Project Open House was held on November 26, 2013 at 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm. Information about district energy, and the proposed project and timeline were provided at the open house. Feedback was also collected through an online questionnaire, which was available from November 25 to December 6. 

 

The Public Consultation Summary Report as well as links to full transcripts of the feedback we received from stakeholders and the general public are available below: 

 

June 2014 Consultation 

The second UBC Neighbourhood District Energy System Project Open House was held on June 25, 2014. The purpose of this consultation was to present more detail about the first phase of the project and gather additional input from stakeholders and the public. Feedback was also collected through an online questionnaire, which was available from June 16 to 29. 

 

The Public Consultation Summary Report as well as links to full transcripts of the feedback we received from stakeholders and the general public are available below: