McMaster University is cutting its carbon footprint with two decarbonization projects that are expected to reduce campus emissions by nearly 4 per cent.
Supported by $1.4 million in government funding, the environmental benefits are equivalent to taking hundreds of cars off the road each year.
Turning excess heat into clean energy
The Nuclear Reactor Heat Recovery Project will harness excess heat from McMaster’s research nuclear reactor, redirecting it from the cooling towers and reusing it to heat the AN Bourns Science Building.
This upgrade will cut the building’s natural gas use by 76 per cent – a significant step in reducing campus emissions.
Pending regulatory approvals, and once operational, the project will reduce McMaster’s carbon emissions by 1,335 tonnes of CO2 annually – the equivalent to removing 290 gas-powered cars from the road each year.
The initiative to turn wasted heat into energy was developed through a partnership between Mechanical Engineering professor Jim Cotton, Facility Services and Nuclear Operations & Facilities.
“This project highlights the power of collaboration between research and campus operations,” said Andy Knights, acting vice-president, Research.
“By using McMaster as a living laboratory, we’re not just advancing sustainability – we’re putting innovative climate solutions into action. With these efforts, McMaster is leading by example – transforming its campus into a model for sustainability and a proving ground for real-world climate solutions.”
The Decarbonization Incentive Program (DIP) from Environment and Climate Change Canada is supporting the project with $923,000 for equipment and construction.
Swapping natural gas for air-to-water heat pumps
A second project will replace natural gas heating with air-to-water heat pumps in the Campus Services Building and Applied Dynamics Lab, further reducing emissions.
This switch will eliminate 191 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually – comparable to taking 42 cars off the road.
The federal DIP program is investing $500,000 in this initiative as part of its push for proven, low-carbon technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Both decarbonization projects are expected to be operational by the end of the year.
Hamilton MPs Lisa Hepfner and Chad Collins announced the funding during an event on Friday afternoon on behalf of Steven Guilbeault, minister of Environment and Climate Change.