At Trent University, our energy conservation efforts aim to reduce costs and carbon emissions. We focus on efficient building operations to minimize energy waste, ensuring that only the necessary amount of energy is used.
Key initiatives include:
- Building Improvements: Enhancing existing buildings with efficient equipment such as boilers and improving building envelopes to reduce leaks. Trent is now an all-LED campus and has replaced most boilers with high-efficiency models.
- Plug Load: Replacing old equipment with energy-efficient alternatives and prioritizing standards like Energy Star and EPEAT for computers, printers, and kitchen equipment.
- Compliance: Reporting annually on energy use as required by O. Reg. 25/23 and producing a five-year energy conservation plan. For a comprehensive overview of our past reports, click here.
A significant energy milestone for Trent University is our Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). The BESS is a 2.5MW (megawatt) battery energy storage system that allows Trent to store energy when demand for electricity on campus is low, usually overnight. This stored energy is then used to power the campus during peak times, helping meet up to 80% of our electricity needs. The BESS also supports Ontario’s transition to electrification by helping balance energy demand across the provincial grid, while providing significant cost savings for the university.
Building construction at Trent also emphasizes energy efficiency. The Forensics Crime Scene Facility is Net Zero Energy, generating all its energy with solar panels. The Student Centre is 40% more efficient than typical standards, and the Life and Health Sciences building, and the Athletics Centre addition are LEED-certified, using about 35% less energy than if they were built to standard building practice.
As we advance our carbon planning, we will continue to prioritize efficiency, cost management, and a holistic approach to sustainability at Trent.
