Background
The University of Waterloo aims to reduce its operational emissions by 35% below 2015 levels by 2030 and it plans to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Natural gas used primarily for space conditioning is the single largest source of campus emissions, accounting for 92% of Scope 1 and 2 emissions. The gasfired steam-based district heating system on campus operates year-round, supplying steam for dehumidification, hot water, autoclaves, institutional dishwashing, cooking and other uses in the summertime. Shifting these appliances to electrified alternatives has the potential to reduce annual gas use by an estimated 8-10%. This work supports:
- Action 38 of the Shift Neutral Climate Action Plan: Conduct a feasibility study on renewable energy sources and an appropriate portfolio that would diversify Waterloo’s energy supply, minimize emissions, and meet suitable portions of campus needs.
- Sustainable development Goals 7 and 13, for affordable and clean energy and climate action
Scope of Work Could Include
- Identify the buildings that use steam in the summertime.
- Identify the summertime uses for steam in one or multiple campus buildings.
- Research electrified alternatives to those uses to identify:
- Best practices for adoption,
- Upfront and operational costs,
- Potential financial, energy and greenhouse gas emissions savings,
- Additional considerations (e.g. space requirements, controls metering, maintenance),
- Any additional co-benefits (e.g. space cooling).
- Some possible alternatives include:
- Wastewater heat recovery,
- Air source heat pump water heaters,
- Electric resistance heaters.
- Explore the potential for these alternatives to provide heating services in the spring and fall months or to supplement the district heating system in winter thereby reducing demand for steam.
Resources
Data is available through the Sustainability Office for natural gas consumption for the district heating system in summer. Data on building-specific steam use is not available at this time. Information on steam-based equipment in buildings can be obtained through the Sustainability Office.
Stakeholders
- Sustainability Office
- Plant Operations
- Campus Housing
Proposed Deliverables
The details of the deliverables are flexible but must meet the requirements set out by the course instructor. Some proposed deliverables include:
- A work plan early in the term outlining key milestones and responsibilities.
- Updates on progress at least once during the term.
- A final report outlining the outcomes of the study.