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Energy

McMaster University is committed to reducing its energy consumption, implementing conservation programs, and promoting energy efficiency. In McMaster’s Sustainability Strategy the university shared how it is focusing on carbon and energy reduction, with the goal of being a carbon-free campus. Learn more about recent energy initiatives below:  

McMaster’s Net Zero Carbon Roadmap:  

McMaster’s Net Zero Carbon Roadmap was developed in 2020 as a pathway to achieve net zero carbon emissions. The proposed path originally involved a 75 per cent emission reduction by 2030 and a 90 per cent reduction by 2050. McMaster is exploring ways to achieve zero carbon emissions on campus as soon as possible.  

McMaster’s Net Zero Carbon Roadmap:  

McMaster’s Net Zero Carbon Roadmap was developed in 2020 as a pathway to achieve net zero carbon emissions. The proposed path originally involved a 75 per cent emission reduction by 2030 and a 90 per cent reduction by 2050. McMaster is exploring ways to achieve zero carbon emissions on campus as soon as possible.  

Implementing the multi-step transition to zero carbon emissions includes energy initiatives such as installing electric boilers to heat and cool campus, as well as installing peak shaver generators  which will supply energy during peak times such as the hottest days of summer. Learn more about electric boilers and peak shaver generator project, including how these two projects combined will reduce emissions on campus by 21 per cent, on our website.

Energy-Efficient Buildings: 

McMaster’s Sustainability Strategy re-evaluating the way the university builds sustainability into our infrastructure.  

In 2005 McMaster became the first university in Ontario to develop and implement a sustainable building policy. This policy states that every new building on campus will have a minimum of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certification. The return on the LEED investment includes financial and energy savings and increased efficiency in utilities and other operating costs over the building’s lifespan. 

Geothermal Heating and Cooling: 

McMaster will heat its new campus greenhouse with emissions-free geothermal energy, and is exploring multiple locations on campus for future geothermal sites. Geothermal systems use thermal energy naturally found deep underground, where it remains a stable 5 degrees Celsius, providing buildings with heat in the winter and cool air in warmer months. This is also a part of McMaster’s Net Zero Carbon Roadmap