Client: Western University
Year: 2022/2023
Project Highlights
- Multiple pathways to sustainability goals
- 45% GHG Reduction by 2030 and Net-Zero by 2050
Pathways to Decarbonization Through District Energy
Western University is the third largest university locate in London, Ontario. It spans 487 hectares and is comprised of 95 buildings (dating from 1922 to 2018) and 11 residences with a total floor space exceeding 10 million square feet. Western is committed to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least 45% by 2030 relative to 2005 levels, and to achieving net-zero emissions for campus operations by 2050. FVB was retained to develop a Road Map of the opportunities and options to achieve these targets, including decarbonizing Western’s district energy system, non-district energy connected buildings and future planned campus development.
This report included a detailed overview of a variety of technologies and building improvements that could potentially be used by Western as part of this Net Zero Carbon Road Map. A qualitative analysis of these options was performed using weighted scores for a variety of criteria, and shortlists were developed from the technologies and methodologies that met the mandatory criteria and scored highly on the weighted criteria. To understand the impact of the decarbonization measures, it was essential to understand operations at Western, including measures that have already been performed / and anticipated to guide the campus towards its targets.
FVB identified two potential pathways towards decarbonization: expanding the new Energy Loop and decarbonize the existing steam system (Pathway 1), or transition to a hot water system (Pathway 2). Both pathways included recommendations of additional complementary no carbon technologies.
FVB Energy was the prime consultant and author of the Net-Zero Pathway Study & Report prepared for Western University’s Energy & Carbon Manager and entire Sustainability Team .
More Information
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Keywords
Decarbonize, Net Zero Carbon Roadmap, Biomass, Geothermal, Steam-to-hot water conversion, Heat Recovery, Energy Loop