SDG 13: Climate Action

SDG 13

Climate Action

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

TRU is taking bold, measurable action to combat climate change and its impacts through innovative research, sustainable operations, and community partnerships. Guided by the Campus Sustainability Strategic Plan and the 2025 Strategic Energy Management Plan, TRU is transitioning to a low-carbon future with initiatives such as the Low-Carbon District Energy System (LCDES) and a commitment to achieving a carbon-neutral, net-zero campus by 2030. Through leading research centers like the TRU Wildfire Research Centre, faculty and students are developing solutions for wildfire resilience, climate adaptation, and ecosystem restoration—translating knowledge into action that protects communities and the environment.

Learn more about SDG 13

Thompson Rivers University

Ranked =81^st

For SDG 13: Climate Action (81st worldwide, placing TRU in the top 10 in Canada)

Learn more

Discover how TRU advanced this Sustainable Development Goal in 2024/25

Campus Operations

120098.65 GJ

Total Energy Used in 2025 (Kamloops Campus)

97%

Energy from Low Carbon Sources (Kamloops Campus)

Platinum

STARS Sustainability Rating (2022)

The university’s Low-Carbon District Energy System (LCDES) exemplifies this leadership, connecting campus buildings to an innovative heat-pump network that replaces natural gas boilers and significantly reduces emissions. Guided by both the Campus Sustainability Strategic Plan and the 2024 Strategic Energy Management Plan, TRU is taking decisive action to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. With an ambitious goal to become a carbon-neutral, net-zero campus by 2030, TRU continues to model what it means to be a world leader in sustainability and climate responsibility.

Low-Carbon District Energy System (LCDES)

TRU is proud to lead the way in sustainability with the Low-Carbon District Energy System (LCDES). This major infrastructure project will eventually connect campus buildings to an innovative heat pump system — replacing natural gas boilers and helping TRU achieve its 2030 goal of being ‘zero carbon.’

Climate Education

Storm Drain Marking Program

As part of the Stream to Sea program, volunteers painted 40 bright yellow salmon on storm drains around campus. These icons serve as a reminder that what goes down the drain ends up in our streams, rivers, and ecosystems.

"BC is Burning" Documentary Premiere

TRU hosted the screening of "BC is Burning" a documentary presented by the Scwénwen Economic Development Corporation in partnership with Interfor. The film examines the root causes behind British Columbia’s escalating wildfire crisis and highlights the actions needed to address it.

Campus Sustainability Walking Tour

The Office of Sustainability offers ad‑hoc campus tours for students, employees, and community members, highlighting solar energy systems, composting, water‑efficient gardens, zero‑waste stations, and indoor sustainability features. These tours also introduce the LCDES, which supports TRU’s broader efforts to reduce emissions and operate more sustainably.

Inaugural Professorial Lecture - The Importance of B.C. Grasslands: Building Our Understanding

TRU hosted a lecture by Dr. Wendy Gardner that increased community awareness of the ecological importance of B.C. grasslands and the threats they face from climate change, land-use pressures and invasive species. The lecture highlighted the role of grasslands in carbon storage, water retention, biodiversity conservation and climate resilience

TRU IDays

IDays 2025 highlighted global collaboration under the theme “Collective voices: Innovating towards a sustainable future.” The event included sessions with key speakers such as Dr. Alice Sharp, who examined tropical forest regeneration as an essential climate‑action strategy, and Dr. Bayo Akomolafe, who offered an online talk exploring climate emergencies through decolonial and justice‑focused perspectives.

Films for Change, 2040 screening

TRU welcomed the campus and Kamloops community to a public screening of 2040, a documentary exploring real-world climate solutions. The event included a facilitated discussion on how current technologies can help build a sustainable future.

Hero for Zero, The Test screening

TRU hosted a public screening of The Test and a panel on its Low-Carbon District Energy System, which aims to reduce campus emissions by 95 per cent. Community members were invited to take the “Hero for Zero” pledge and support TRU’s path to net-zero.

Earth Day vegetable planting

TRU hosted a public vegetable planting event for Earth Day, offering seeds, pots and expert advice to help participants grow their own vegetables sustainably.

BioBlitz

TRU’s annual BioBlitz invites community members to learn about local biodiversity through hands-on species identification and ecosystem monitoring, raising awareness of biodiversity conservation and environmental change.

TRU Repair Café

TRU’s Repair Café brings together local volunteers, students, employees and community members to repair household items and learn practical repair skills. Organized by Repair Café Kamloops, TRU Makerspace and the TRU Sustainability Office, the events promote resource conservation, waste reduction and sustainable living.

Plastic Free Month

During Plastic Free Month, TRU encouraged community members to reduce single-use plastics by promoting practical actions to reduce plastic pollution and protect ecosystems, wildlife and human health.

Science Revealed Dean’s Lecture Series, Gwynne Dyer

In partnership with the City of Kamloops and the TRU Sustainability Office, TRU hosted a public lecture by award-winning author and journalist Gwynne Dyer, who explored the challenges posed by climate change and discussed potential interventions to help societies adapt and remain resilient.

Arts Lecture Series, Twyla Exner

As part of the Arts Lecture Series, TRU Assistant Teaching Professor Twyla Exner delivered a public artist talk on the intersection of technology, electronic waste and creativity.

Earth Hour

During Earth Hour, the TRU Sustainability Office encouraged community members to participate in the global environmental initiative by reducing energy use and reflecting on sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Bird Field School

Bird Field School invited TRU students and community members to spend a day learning about local bird species, bird-safe campus design and TRU’s efforts to reduce bird strikes. Led by ornithologist and former TRU Dean of Science Dr. Tom Dickinson, the event included field-based learning and discussions about local bird habitats.

Livable Cities, Collaborative Communities (LCCC)

The LCCC initiative is an ongoing TRU-led collaboration involving faculty, students, government, industry, and Indigenous and community organizations. Through conferences, workshops, roundtables and collaborative research activities, the initiative supports knowledge sharing and the development of best practices related to sustainability, climate action and community resilience.

Science Revealed Dean’s Lecture Series, Dr. Mike Wotton

As part of the Science Revealed Dean’s Lecture Series, wildfire expert Dr. Mike Wotton delivered a public lecture on advancements in wildfire behaviour modelling and their application to fire management decision-making.

TRU Friends of the Gardens Speakers

TRU Friends of the Gardens delivered community education on climate adaptation and sustainability through guest speaker events on drought-tolerant plants, climate impacts on bees, food security, composting, and sustainable gardening practices.

Community Climate Action Plan

Campus Strategic Sustainability Plan

TRU’s Campus Strategic Sustainability Plan includes Community Engagement as a core theme, recognizing the City of Kamloops and local organizations as important partners in advancing sustainability.

Kamloops Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP)

TRU actively supports the City of Kamloops’ Community Climate Action Plan by implementing initiatives that contribute to each of the plan’s eight strategic focus areas, or “Big Moves.”

Community Climate Action Plan: 2025 Implementation Report

The City of Kamloops’ 2025 CCAP Implementation Report highlights TRU as an active partner in advancing local climate action. Examples include hosting the Fleet Forward zero-emission vehicle showcase, assessing trades programs to strengthen training in high-performance construction, low-carbon energy systems and electrified transportation, and collaborating with the City on climate-related education, workforce development and community engagement initiatives.

Cooperative Planning for Climate Change Disasters

Co-operative planning for climate change disasters

TRU demonstrates its commitment to community collaboration and climate disaster preparedness by supporting local non-governmental organizations such as Kamloops Search and Rescue — providing complimentary on-campus space for their meetings and training — and by engaging in partnerships with provincial emergency services to plan for and support responders during wildfire events.

Climate Change Adaptation Strategy

TRU’s Climate Change Adaptation Strategy assesses campus climate risks in the Interior of B.C., including wildfire, poor air quality, extreme heat, flooding and drought, and identifies adaptation strategies for risk management, emergency preparedness, water conservation, ecological restoration and community capacity building.

Informing and Supporting Government

Partnership develops improved wildfire management

TRU, along with two other Interior post-secondary institutions, has partnered with the City of Kamloops and BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) to develop an enhanced early warning system for extreme weather and resources for wildfire training that will benefit communities throughout the province and beyond.

Centre for Wildfire Research, Education, Training and Innovation

With TRU Wildfire, we address the growing challenges of extreme fire behaviour and its impacts. At the heart of our partnership with the BC Wildfire Service, TRU Wildfire integrates research, education, training and innovation to create solutions for a changing world.

TRU, BCWS strengthen wildfire management co-operation with France

In partnership with the BC Wildfire Service, TRU hosted a delegation from France to support international knowledge sharing on wildfire management. The collaboration builds on Canada–France efforts to exchange expertise, training, data and best practices related to wildfire preparedness, emergency response and climate resilience.

Collaboration with NGOs on Climate Adaptation

Storm Drain Marking Program

As part of the Stream to Sea program and with help from the Pacific Streamkeepers Federation, volunteers painted 40 bright yellow salmon on storm drains around campus. These icons serve as a reminder that what goes down the drain ends up in our streams, rivers, and ecosystems.

Bee City Canada

Through its participation in Bee City Canada, TRU delivers educational activities and awareness initiatives focused on pollinator conservation, biodiversity and sustainable land stewardship, helping the campus and local community better understand environmental challenges and solutions.

Mini Bee School

Hosted by the Native Bee Society of B.C. and the Thompson Shuswap Master Gardeners in partnership with TRU Associate Professor Dr. Lyn Baldwin, Mini Bee School provided community members with hands-on education in bee biology, identification, habitat conservation and citizen science.

SDG Month

During SDG Month Canada, an initiative of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network, the TRU Sustainability Office engaged the TRU community in discussions on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, encouraging participants to share ideas and actions that support sustainable development.

Transition Kamloops

TRU partners with Repair Café Kamloops, a project of Transition Kamloops, to host TRU’s Repair Café. An initiative that brings together local volunteers, students, employees and community members to repair household items and learn practical repair skills.

Kamloops Air Quality Roundtable

The TRU Sustainability Office is a member of the Kamloops Air Quality Roundtable, an initiative led by the Fraser Basin Council that promotes education and public awareness around air quality and climate change.

TRU Friends of the Gardens

TRU collaborates with the non-profit Friends of the Gardens (FOG) to deliver horticultural education, workshops and research programs that promote awareness of gardening, plant conservation and sustainable landscaping practices within the community.

SDG 13

Climate Action

Ranked =81st

For SDG 13: Climate Action (81st worldwide, placing TRU in the top 10 in Canada)

Discover how TRU advanced this Sustainable Development Goal in 2024/25

Campus Operations

120098.65 GJ

97%

Platinum

Low-Carbon District Energy System (LCDES)

Climate Education

Storm Drain Marking Program

"BC is Burning" Documentary Premiere

Campus Sustainability Walking Tour

Inaugural Professorial Lecture - The Importance of B.C. Grasslands: Building Our Understanding

TRU IDays

Films for Change, 2040 screening

Hero for Zero, The Test screening

Earth Day vegetable planting

BioBlitz

TRU Repair Café

Plastic Free Month

Science Revealed Dean’s Lecture Series, Gwynne Dyer

Arts Lecture Series, Twyla Exner

Earth Hour

Bird Field School

Livable Cities, Collaborative Communities (LCCC)

Science Revealed Dean’s Lecture Series, Dr. Mike Wotton

TRU Friends of the Gardens Speakers

Community Climate Action Plan

Campus Strategic Sustainability Plan

Kamloops Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP)

Community Climate Action Plan: 2025 Implementation Report

Cooperative Planning for Climate Change Disasters

Co-operative planning for climate change disasters

Climate Change Adaptation Strategy

Informing and Supporting Government

Partnership develops improved wildfire management

Centre for Wildfire Research, Education, Training and Innovation

TRU, BCWS strengthen wildfire management co-operation with France

Collaboration with NGOs on Climate Adaptation

Storm Drain Marking Program

Bee City Canada

Mini Bee School

SDG Month

Transition Kamloops

Kamloops Air Quality Roundtable

TRU Friends of the Gardens

Related news and articles

Wildlife behaviour offers early clues to a changing world

Testing what works: TRU burn unit aims to raise the bar on fire-resilient housing

Human side of wildfire: TRU’s Greg Anderson on resilience and recovery

TRU faculty member explores community resilience to wildfire

Ranked =81^st