Keeping a campus the size of St. George warm in winter, cool in summer and humming smoothly all year round requires energy – and lots of it. This map, produced by U of T’s Sustainability Office, shows the buildings that gulp down fuel and those that sip it. Lash Miller Chemical Laboratories, shaded red, is among the most intense energy users, at 3,120 megajoules a year per square metre, while the new LEED-certified exam centre on McCaul Street, is among the least, at 670 megajoules. (Generally, buildings with labs require more energy per square metre than those without.)
Ron Swail, assistant vice-president of Facilities and Services, says the data helps his office identify where to focus their conservation efforts to reduce U of T’s environmental footprint overall. Over the past 35 years, he estimates that good environmental practices have saved the university $200 million on utility bills and avoided a million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.
Most Popular
What on Earth Is This?
These intriguing objects from across U of T’s three campuses reveal stories of discovery, creativity and Canadian firsts. Can you tell what they are? Read More
Build Homes for Everyone
Canada’s housing crisis is squeezing families at every income level, but U of T experts say solutions are within reach Read More
Update the Canada Health Act
After four decades, the landmark law still protects universal care – but U of T experts argue it must evolve to face modern pressures Read More
