U of T’s geoexchange system the ‘largest urban system of its kind’: CBC News
(photo courtesy of U of T Facilities and Services) Published: September 3, 2025 CBC News recently took a tour of Canada’s largest urban geoexchange system, a network of 372 U-shaped pipes that plunge 250 metres beneath the University of Toronto’s St. George campus. The system will soon carry warm air from nearby buildings, store it underground and circulate it back during the winter months, using the Earth as giant thermal battery and helping the university reduce emissions by as much as 17,000 tonnes. It can also be used for melting snow. “We're taking heat that we have in the summer – excess heat [...]
Update on Oak House residence move-in
Following an unexpected construction delay, students will be moving into Oak House, the newest student residence on U of T’s St. George campus, starting Sept. 6. Our top priorities are ensuring students’ comfort and academic success, and supporting their transition to U of T. Updates will continue to be posted on the Oak House FAQ page, and questions can also be directed to oakhouse.residence@utoronto.ca.
CBC TV: A Sustainable Future
Ron Saporta, chief operating officer, property services & sustainability, showcases the university’s underground geoexchange system, with comments from students Anastasia Polulyakhova of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering and Katie Hung of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry. (CBC TV)
CBC Radio Metro Morning: Ron Saporta, COO, explains our Geoexchange system
August 14, 2025: Ron Saporta, chief operating officer, property services & sustainability, explains how the university’s underground geoexchange system stores excess heat and reduces emissions. Listen now on CBC Radio's Metro Morning.
Celebrating a Decade of Excellence: OREP Hosts 10th Annual BBQ & Awards
(all photographs courtesy of Nicole Njagi, UofT Spaces & Experiences) On Tuesday, August 12, over 750 members of OREP gathered to celebrate a major milestone — the 10th Annual OREP BBQ & Awards. Marking a full decade of recognition and appreciation, this year’s event was not only the largest yet, but also a reflection of OREP’s unwavering commitment to acknowledging the extraordinary efforts of its staff. Once again, the BBQ brought together employees from across the portfolio for a lively celebration of service, collaboration, and community. Guests were treated to a feast of OREP BBQ favourites, including marinated steak and [...]
SVP Awards honour the Hazardous Construction Materials Group Manager, Irfan Miraj
A leader in his field, Miraj has been recognized for his expertise, communication skills, reliability and more. Congratulations, Irfan! (Photo by Donglin Que) Read more on the F&S website.
UofT News: Buildings on St. George campus connected to underground geoexchange system
The geoexchange system captures excess heat from campus buildings during the summer and stores it underground for use during the colder winter months, significantly reducing emissions Work to connect buildings to the new geoexchange system beneath the historic St. George campus is underway this summer – a key part of U of T’s efforts to become a climate-positive campus (photo by Zoe Kelsey) Read more at UofT News.
Spotted on Front Campus: Under construction and on our way to climate positive
Stroll around King’s College Circle this summer and you’ll find more than just flowers in bloom — construction crews are hard at work connecting key buildings to Canada’s largest urban geoexchange system. Paneling that will be up and on display for the summer of 2025 is now installed, and can be found surrounding the Medical Sciences Building on King’s College Circle. (Photo by Zoe Kelsey) The University of Toronto’s St. George Campus is always buzzing: new graduates posing for photos, alumni reconnecting and current students strolling the walkways. But if you’ve passed by King’s College Circle recently, you might have noticed [...]
Let there be (better) light! Upgrades in U of T’s plant facilities boost research and sustainability
Energy-saving LED lights are transforming research capacity in U of T’s growth facilities, unlocking new types of research while reducing energy consumption. Learn more about lighting upgrades taking place across campus.
Watch OREP’s Farewell to President Gertler!
With thanks to all who took part in our goodbye video, and to Nadine, Linh and the S&E creative team who put this gem together, here's the amazing video we presented to President Gertler on Friday June 20th!