McMaster University is implementing a geothermal system to heat its new campus greenhouse, which is currently being constructed near the Life Sciences Building.

This will be the first building on campus to utilize this sustainable system to fully heat and cool itself. It will also be the second geothermal system on campus, following the one in the Gerald Hatch Centre that supports clean energy research.

The geothermal system uses thermal energy found deep underground, where the energy temperature stays 5 C (41 F) throughout the year, providing a stable source of heat in winter and cool air in warmer months.

McMaster is exploring six locations on campus for future geothermal sites as part of its Net Zero Carbon Roadmap. There will be further borehole testing conducted at those locations to decide whether to implement additional geothermal systems across the campus.

The university is committed to a combination of strategies to reduce emissions, such as retrofitting facilities, installing electric boilers, reducing cogeneration use, and exploring new technologies, to achieve net-zero carbon emissions.

The new greenhouse is expected to be completed later this year. Being built with collaboration between the design and construction team and the Faculty of Science, it will be replacing the existing greenhouse near Hamilton Hall.