A new neighbourhood energy utility on Burnaby Mountain will supply enough heat for the entire Simon Fraser University campus and future homes in the acclaimed UniverCity residential development.

SFU is partnering with SFU Community Trust, Corix Utilities, and BC Hydro on the community-based sustainable district energy system. The project involves a high-efficiency heating plant using biomass – recycled wood waste from construction sites – as the primary fuel source.[]

SFU Burnaby’s aging natural gas boilers, which are at the end of their useful life, were responsible for 85 per cent of the university’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2007. Under B.C.’s Bill 44, which imposes penalties for carbon emissions by public bodies, these GHG emissions cost the school approximately $1 million each year.

The estimated cost for the combined heat and power system is $39.1 million, with a $4.7 million contribution from the public sector. Expected completion is winter 2012. The project has a total capacity of 36 MW and should eliminate 11,000 tonnes of carbon emissions.