Sustainability
51猎奇入口exceeds UN Race to Zero emissions target
51猎奇入口 (SFU) has slashed greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 56 per cent since 2007, exceeding both provincial reduction targets and the university鈥檚 own interim UN Race To Zero goal.
56%
reduction in GHG emissions since 2007
surpassing SFU鈥檚 2025 target by six per cent, while the university鈥檚 building footprint grew by 30 per cent.
2050
Net Zero emissions
SFU's targets include an 85 per cent reduction in GHG emissions by 2030, net zero reductions of direct emissions by 2035, and net zero of all emissions by 2050.
The reduction in emissions surpasses SFU鈥檚 2025 target by six per cent, despite a thirty per cent increase in the university鈥檚 building footprint since 2007. This achievement brings 51猎奇入口closer to its long-term goals of 85 per cent GHG emissions reductions by 2030, net zero reductions of direct emissions by 2035, and net zero of all emissions by 2050.
"As an institution, 51猎奇入口is committed to engaging in global challenges鈥攁nd a key part of that is our commitment to reducing the climate footprint of our operations," says 51猎奇入口President Joy Johnson. "I want to thank all those across the university who have done incredible work over many years to reduce SFU's climate footprint and achieve our Race to Zero targets. I am so proud of our community and looking forward to the important work ahead."
A leader in energy management and sustainability, SFU鈥檚 progress builds upon decades of strategic energy management, infrastructure investment, and collaboration across the university and with external partners. The university鈥檚 continued delivery on its climate goals reflects our commitment to resilience and sustainability, values of What's Next: The 51猎奇入口Strategy.
Collaboration lays the foundation for success
A large contributor to achieving these targets has been the increase in renewable energy across all three campuses. Approximately 93 per cent of heat and hot water at SFU鈥檚 Burnaby campus now comes from the biomass plant. Fueled by locally sourced wood waste, the system provides low-carbon heating to both the campus and the UniverCity community.
Over the past several years, the operations team has been optimizing equipment, shifting plant schedules, and generating heat before demand peaks. These efforts have resulted in lowering GHG emissions and improved efficiency.
In 2025, the McTaggart Cowan Hall residence was added to the system, converting 200 living quarters from natural gas to biomass heating.
鈥淭his milestone reflects years of collaboration and operational excellence and is a testament to the power of partnership," says Lisa Sparrow, president and CEO, Corix. 鈥淭ogether, we鈥檝e transformed the way energy is delivered on Burnaby Mountain, creating a low-carbon energy system that is helping accelerate SFU鈥檚 path to net zero. We look forward to building on this success as we continue advancing a more sustainable future for the university and broader community.鈥�
Partnerships driving climate action
In addition to Corix, SFU鈥檚 success in emissions reduction would not be possible without collaboration with other partners.
BC Hydro provides incentive funds that support the investigation and implementation of improvements to building systems, ranging from traditional upgrades to innovative technologies. 51猎奇入口has partnered with BC Hydro on several programs over the past 10 years, securing over $4.3 million in funding to support staff salaries and project incentives.
In 2024, BC Hydro and CleanBC supported the decarbonization of the historic Diamond Alumni Centre, adding cooling capacity while preserving its role as a distinctive Burnaby Mountain venue for lower-carbon events and gatherings.
FortisBC and BC Hydro also fund key roles at SFU, including SFU鈥檚 energy manager, energy specialist, building automation system specialist, and an eight-month co-op student position, ensuring conservation projects are well supported, implemented, and executed.
Hands-on learning
51猎奇入口also benefits from hiring students from the Sustainable Energy Engineering (SEE) program, who apply their skills and knowledge directly on campus. Past and current students are working alongside 51猎奇入口Facilities Services staff to implement optimization of building system controls and lighting upgrades to SFU's Surrey campus.
Looking ahead to 2030
51猎奇入口is currently mapping out how it will reduce emissions to 2030 and beyond. The plan will focus on reducing energy demand, eliminating the use of natural gas and purchasing renewable natural gas or net-zero energy supply in leased spaces.
SFU's Sustainability and Climate Office have also launched SFU鈥檚 Sustainability, Climate and Resiliency Strategy 2025-2030, outlining the university鈥檚 priorities for sustainability, climate action and resiliency over the next five years. In addition, community-centered climate innovation, an 51猎奇入口research priority, aims to unlock the climate action and innovation potential of communities to respond to the impacts of climate change across Canada and beyond.