Noventa Energy and York University to Explore Sustainable Solution to Heat and Cool Glendon Campus
York University, Glendon Campus
On the heels of COP28, a year of global record-breaking heat, and Environment and Climate Change Canada’s latest modelling projections on emissions reductions, Noventa Energy Partners and York University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance a proposal to use thermal energy from wastewater to sustainably heat and cool Glendon Campus, as part of its decarbonization initiative.
With a feasibility study already in hand, a detailed design report will now be developed as part of this latest MOU. It’s a first step in looking to green energy to meet most, if not all, of the campus’s heating and cooling needs. If pursued, the innovative solution would reduce emissions enough to make Glendon the University’s first net zero campus well in advance of its newly updated 2040 net zero goal.
Noventa’s Wastewater Energy Transfer™ (WET™) system provides a unique opportunity for the University to advance its sustainability goals while saving operating funds. The solution utilizes proprietary HUBER ThermWin® technology and Noventa patented process innovation to transfer thermal energy to and from wastewater flowing in a nearby sewer to provide low- to no-carbon heating and cooling to the Glendon Campus.
“We are excited to be working with York University to finalize the design of this very exciting project which we hope will be an example to other university campuses of what can be achieved when we challenge conventional thinking to combat climate change”, said Dennis Fotinos, CEO of Noventa Energy.
"At Glendon College, we continually strive to find ways to become a more sustainable place for the future of our students, faculty, staff, and the wider community. Through the signing of this MOU with Noventa, there is an opportunity to potentially create a path forward towards decarbonization of the campus and reaching net zero within the University's broader sustainability goal by 2040. We are excited to see what's next," said Glendon College Principal Marco Fiola.
In comparison to York’s current heating and cooling system or the prospect of electrification, Noventa’s WET™ system would generate annual operating cost savings and lead to the retirement of $19 million in deferred maintenance – emerging as a fiscally and environmentally responsible solution worth exploring further. Funding has also been secured by Noventa from the Canada Infrastructure Bank, whose priority investments include green infrastructure and clean power.
Noventa will commission the first phase of its Toronto Western Hospital WET™ System in spring 2024, which will supply 19MW of thermal energy, equivalent to 90 per cent of the hospital’s annual heating and cooling needs. This will reduce Toronto Western Hospital’s CO2 emissions by 8,400 tonnes and generate water savings of over 95,000 m3 per year.
About Noventa Energy Partners
Noventa is a renewable energy company that offers customized solutions to reduce carbon emissions and manage energy costs. We use creative design and process innovation to integrate proprietary technologies into conventional HVAC systems to decarbonize buildings. From complete turn-key projects, to engineered equipment sales, we tailor our services to allow communities and businesses to participate in a new economy that is rapidly shifting toward a more sustainable future for all.
Media contact: Devan Zdrenka
dzdrenka@noventaenergy.com