Thompson Rivers University (TRU) again leads Canadian and international colleges and universities in energy impacts as a top performer in the 2024 Sustainable Campus Index (SCI). As it did in 2023, TRU scored first place again this year in the areas of Energy and Master's Institutions, and made the top 10 in three other categories: Waste, Buildings and Public Engagement.
The Sustainability Powerhouse is the heart of the Low-Carbon District Energy System at TRU.
Number one in Energy, and the only Canadian institution to make the Energy top 10, TRU scored 99.7 per cent, surpassing larger institutions such as Stanford University and Emerson College. TRU has focussed for many years on making its energy systems as efficient and low-emitting as possible, aiming to achieve zero carbon by 2030, which has contributed to its top performer standings.
"TRU is working to reduce emissions from heating its buildings by 95 per cent. The launch of TRU's innovative Low-Carbon District Energy System project at the end of August is a reflection of TRU's commitment to being a leader in low-carbon energy use," says Sustainability Programs Manager James Gordon.
This is the second consecutive year that TRU has been high in the rankings in five SCI categories. The SCI is a publication from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), an organization that recognizes top-performing sustainable colleges and universities throughout the US, Canada and 20 other countries.
AASHE's programs include Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS), which measures sustainability performance of the 1,200 participating colleges and universities. STARS is a comprehensive sustainability rating system that addresses environmental, social and economic sustainability. TRU is one of only 14 institutions in the world with STARS Platinum ranking.
Not only did TRU rank first out of 80 master's institutions again this year (and the only Canadian institution in the top 10) but it is the only one in the top 10 with STARS Platinum status.
"As sustainability becomes increasingly central to the mission of colleges and universities, the 2024 Sustainable Campus Index provides essential insights and showcases the innovative work being done in higher education," said Meghan Fay Zahniser, executive director of AASHE.
"This report is not just about recognizing excellence it's about inspiring action and equipping institutions with the knowledge they need to achieve sustainability and climate impact. As we highlight the pioneering institutions featured in this year's index, we also celebrate the collective achievements of all STARS participants. Every institution engaged with STARS is demonstrating invaluable leadership and commitment to advancing sustainability in higher education."
