University of British Columbia

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The story

We went on a three-year ecotrek—and reached the summit of campus sustainability.

"ecotrek provides a roadmap for other universities, schools, hospitals and institutions seeking a cost-recoverable way to reduce their energy consumption."

Martha Piper, President, University of British Columbia

The situation

The University of British Columbia (UBC) has long been one of Canada's university leaders in pursuing a more sustainable campus. UBC's Sustainability Office, the first in Canada, has overseen more than a dozen initiatives designed to reduce UBC's ecological footprint and make the campus a more energy efficient and environmentally friendly place to learn, work and live.

In 2003, with assistance from BC Hydro, UBC implemented a major lighting retrofit of 50 campus buildings that is expected to save enough electricity to meet the needs of 1,600 homes every year and decreasing UBC's electricity costs by $600,000 annually.

In recognition of its leadership in energy conservation, UBC received Power Smart Certification in 2003. This BC Hydro distinction is reserved for a select group of organizations who are leaders in energy efficiency leadership and who have integrated energy management into their business operations.

The solution

Encouraged by the results of the lighting retrofit, UBC decided to do more. In 2003, UBC embarked on ecotrek , the largest energy and water retrofit in Canadian history. The three-year, campus-wide upgrade of energy and mechanical systems has recently been completed, with incentive funding from BC Hydro's Power Smart Partner program. The initiative involved:

• Completing further energy-efficient lighting retrofits.
• Making major upgrades to the central steam plant and the steam distribution system.
• Upgrading ventilation systems in more than 100 buildings.
• Installing computerized automation systems to control heating and ventilation in nearly four million square feet of building space.
• Metering utilities (electricity, steam and water) in most academic buildings.
• Installing low-water-consuming plumbing fixtures.
• Upgrading street and path lighting, in conjunction with UBC's Safer Campus Program.

UBC is also taking steps to help its people make sustainability a part of daily life. A communications campaign encourages faculty, staff and students to keep energy use top of mind by switching off lights, computers, and other equipment when they're not in use.

The benefits

Reduced operating costs

Despite a 24% increase in students since 1998-99, UBC has reduced energy use in core and ancillary buildings by 10%. Over the last three years, ecotrek has saved UBC an estimated $3.8 million in energy costs and, from now on, is expected to save an additional $2.6 million annually. Electricity savings alone from the start of the project are estimated at $600,000. In addition, UBC will enjoy lower maintenance costs as a result of longer-lasting, more efficient lighting and equipment.

Increased comfort and health

Computerized automation systems regulate heating and cooling as needed, increasing the comfort of building occupants. Improved ventilation means fresher air and less exposure to CO₂, promoting better health and comfort.

Water savings

ecotrek is reducing campus water use by 30% annually—enough water to supply 11,800 Vancouver residents for one year.

Reduced environmental impacts

UBC's CO₂ emissions have been reduced by 15,000 tonnes annually, allowing the university to exceed the Kyoto Protocol targets. Kyoto calls for a national CO₂ emissions reduction of 6% below 1990 levels by 2012. UBC will have reduced its emissions by 7% by 2008. Particulate pollution is also reduced.

Increased safety

Brighter lights on campus streets and paths provide a safer environment for students, staff and faculty.

Contact us

Find out how Power Smart can energize your bottom line. Call us today at 604 453 6400 in the Lower Mainland or 1 866 453 6400 elsewhere in B.C.