On Friday the federal government announced a hefty sum to upgrade the University of Guelph’s heating system.
“The federal government is investing $640,000 from Low Carbon Economy Fund and $100,000 from the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program to support the University of Guelph in helping us build a cleaner and healthier future,” said MP Lloyd Longfield in an official announcement.
Longfield said the $640,000 will be used to expand the campus flue gas heat recovery system and reduce emissions by reducing natural gas used for heating at the University Centre building. It will also enhance heat recovery efficiency through the installation of heat pumps which improve the amount of heat captured from the flue gas and redirect it to heat the university buildings.
“This investment means that the University of Guelph can connect its centre building with the main campus heating system using low temperature, hot water piping to reduce consumption of natural gas for heating,” said Longfield.
He said the second investment of $100,000 will provide funding to install 20 new EV charging stations around campus, adding to the existing 25 charging stations on campus, bringing the total to 45 new charging stations.
“Investments like this one here today are building a national network of charging stations for electrical vehicles as well as establishing hydrogen stations in metropolitan areas and natural gas refuelling stations along key freight corridors,” said Longfield.
He said over the lifetime of this project, the U of G will see a cumulative reduction of about 62,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions which equate to removing approximately 19,000 passenger cars off the road for one year.
U of G Martha Harley, vice-president finance, administration and risk at the U of G, said the university is pleased to partner with Environment and Climate Change Canada to expand the university’s flue gas heat recovery system.
“It is a win-win for the environment and for our campus to have greater use of this system. The generous support from the federal government helps make improvements like this possible,” said Harley.
Longfield added that the government is also offering incentives for consumers to use these EV chargers by offering rebates up to $5,000 for buying eligible electric or other alternative fuel vehicles and an immediate 100 per cent write down for businesses purchasing zero-emission vehicles for their fleets.
“This all is in support of our ambitious goals of ensuring all new passenger vehicles sold in Canada in 2040 will be net zero emission,” said Longfield.
In a press release, Wilkinson said the announcement highlights some of the important work the U of G is doing to build a stronger, more resilient, and sustainable community and to mitigate the impact of a changing climate without sacrificing the economy and clean growth.
“The campus heating system upgrade is a great example of local climate action, which will help Canada meet and exceed its 2030 Paris target, as well as achieve net-zero emissions by 2050,” said Wilkinson.
