Energy

UTM’s Commitment to Sustainable Energy

Since 2002, UTM has grown significantly to support more students, faculty, and staff. As energy demand has increased, the university has taken action to reduce its environmental impact. This includes retrofitting older buildings for energy efficiency and installing renewable energy systems, such as solar panels and geothermal heating and cooling.

 

Conservation & Demand Management (CDM)

The 2024 Conservation and Demand Management (CDM) update satisfies the Broader Public Sector reporting requirements (O. Reg 25/23). It summarizes UTM’s energy use in 2022 and 2023 and outlines progress toward reducing emissions and energy consumption.

This builds on the 2019–2024 CDM Plan and supports goals outlined in the university’s Climate Positive Plan. These goals include reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 39% by 2030 and reaching a climate-positive status by 2050.

Download UTM's Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan (2019)

Download UTM's Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan (2024) 

ghg emissions

 

Renewable Energy on Campus

UTM is actively integrating renewable energy systems into campus operations, including both solar power and geothermal energy.

 

Solar and Geothermal at the New Science Building

The building is heated and cooled by a geothermal system with 178 bore holes, each drilled at approximately 100 meters deep.  The bore holes are fitted with pipes and heat transfer solution, allowing for heat to be drawn from the building in summer and stored in the ground; the heat is then returned to the building in cooler seasons

A 70 kW Solar PV array offsets a portion of the building’s electricity consumption. Its output is routinely monitored to ensure optimal system performance.

 

Geothermal Energy at the Instructional Centre

The Instructional Centre uses a geothermal system — a highly efficient technology that draws heat from the ground in winter and returns heat in summer. This reduces the need for separate boilers and chillers.

Located beneath the adjacent football field, the system includes 117 boreholes, each approximately 168 metres deep. It provides year-round climate control with minimal electricity use for the pumps and has helped the Instructional Centre achieve LEED Silver certification.

Learn more about geothermal technology from the Ontario Geothermal Association.

Schematic of geothermal boreholes next to Instructional Centre
Solar Panels on the William G. Davis Building and Instructional Centre 

 

Solar Thermal Generation at the Recreation, Athletics, and Wellness Centre (RAWC)

An array of 45 vacuum tube solar thermal panels sits on top of the RAWC. These panels absorb heat from sunlight. This heat is then transferred the buildings heat system. It is used to help the swimming pool and provide space heating during winter.

 

Solar Panels on Campus

Building Name and DetailsBuilding AddressUofT Building CodeBuilding Image

William G. Davis Building

1867 Inner CircleDV
The Davis Building solar array

Instructional Centre

1599 Outer CircleIB
Instructional Centre solar panels on a sunny day
New Science Building
1815 Outer Circle
SB
New Science Building Solar