Community Energy and Emissions Plan

The growth and expansion of residential neighbourhoods at UBC creates a number of sustainability challenges, including increased energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. We developed a Community Energy and Emissions Plan in 2013 as a comprehensive framework to address these issues.

Neighbourhood Climate Action Plan

Planning is currently underway for the Neighbourhood Climate Action Plan (NCAP), which will be an update to the Community Energy and Emissions Plan. Learn more about NCAP and how you can get involved. 

Overview

UBC’s population is expected to continue growing to approximately 24,000 residents by 2041. Our plan for UBC’s residential neighbourhoods identifies an energy and emissions strategy that will result in an 85% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and a 36% reduction in electricity use by 2050.

Our plan for UBC’s residential neighbourhoods identifies an energy and emissions strategy that will result in an 85% reduction in GHG emissions.

Key Recommendations

Hawthorn Place neighbourhood
UBC's Hawthorn Neighbourhood
  • Establishing a low-carbon Neighbourhood District Energy System that will capture waste heat from the TRIUMF advanced physics facility, and adding a bio-energy facility in 2040
  • Improving energy performance measures through the UBC Residential Environmental Assessment Program (REAP) 3.1
  • Implementing a retrofit program for existing buildings
  • Establishing a rapid transit link to campus
  • Enhancing waste reduction programs

Implementation

Implementing the Community Energy and Emissions Plan for UBC’s residential neighbourhoods is the responsibility of the UBC Community Energy Manager, a position developed in partnership with BC Hydro. 

Our current work plan is focused on developing updated energy targets for new buildings, developing programs for existing buildings, and supporting the University Neighbourhoods Association to develop energy saving engagement programs for residents and building owners.

Download the Community Energy and Emissions Plan

Questions?

For questions or more information please contact UBC’s Community Energy Manager.