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Creative Energy Retrofits

Sector(s)
Green Infrastructure
Location(s)
British Columbia, Ontario
Participation
$50 million
(Under development)
Partner(s)
Creative Energy

Enabling deep decarbonization and reducing energy use

Creative Energy’s integrated retrofits model helps clients cut emissions, reduce energy use.

Fast facts

Modernizing aged building systems to ensure efficient future performance
Cutting building portfolio emissions by more than 90%
Connecting clients in British Columbia and Ontario to district energy systems

The CIB is investing $50 million in Creative Energy to help their clients in British Columbia and Ontario reduce their emissions by switching from natural gas heating to efficient electricity-based district energy systems.

Creative Energy, which owns and operates one of North America’s largest district energy networks, will lead the retrofit projects. These upgrades are expected to reduce emissions by more than 90% through high-efficiency building improvements.

The first project at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops will retrofit 12 existing buildings and provide low carbon heating to the new Indigenous Education Centre.

Upgrades at the campus include transitioning from decentralized natural gas heating to a high-efficiency electrified heat source using a centralized air-source and water-source heat pump strategy.

The technology will reduce emissions from the heating systems in the connected building by 95 per cent, moving the university closer to its 2030 zero carbon goal.

Benefits of the CIB’s involvement

Our Building Retrofits Initiative enables large private sector real estate owners and aggregators to decarbonize heating energy and improve the energy efficiency of existing buildings.

Our investment finances upfront capital costs of the retrofits, which will be repaid through cost of service delivered, which are based on the client’s total avoided costs for fuel and operations and maintenance. Once the repayment is complete, the building owners that benefited from the initiative will benefit from 100% of the savings achieved through the retrofits.

Learn more

Government of Canada

The CIB’s partnership with Creative Energy provides building owners, like Thompson Rivers University, with the investments they need to improve energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create more sustainable places for people to learn, work, and live. By unlocking capital for sustainable retrofits, we’re helping to cut emissions, lower energy costs, and create good jobs—while building healthier, more resilient communities across the country.
 

Hon. Gregor Robertson
Creative Energy

Creative Energy is proud to be a part of this landmark project at Thompson Rivers University, and to partner with the Canada Infrastructure Bank, as we seek to create community energy systems today, for a better world tomorrow. This partnership with the Canada Infrastructure Bank marks a major step forward in our mission to decarbonize buildings at scale. By unlocking access to long-term capital, we are accelerating the transition to affordable clean, efficient community energy systems – starting here in British Columbia through our collaboration with Thompson Rivers University and BC Hydro.

Kieran McConnell, President and Chief Operating Officer
Thompson Rivers University

Sustainability is a core value at Thompson Rivers University, and our Low-Carbon District Energy System (LCDES) project marks our most ambitious effort yet to minimize our climate footprint. With the invaluable support of CIB financing, institutions like TRU can undertake crucial initiatives fostering a greener future. The LCDES will function as an educational cornerstone, serving as a 'living lab' within the Sustainability Powerhouse to highlight cutting-edge energy technologies. This initiative not only promises a more sustainable campus but also invigorates sustainability initiatives that actively involve and benefit students.

Dr. Brett Fairbairn, President and Vice-Chancellor