Geoexchange Tour & Technical Presentation

Join ASHRAE Toronto for a tour of Canada's largest urban geoexchange field! At a depth equivalent to half the height of the CN Tower, U of T's geoexchange system doesn't utilize storage tanks or batteries; it stores heat in millions of tonnes of Toronto bedrock. Excess summer heat gets pushed 250 meters underground into shale and limestone formations beneath Front Campus. During winter, the process is reversed, and the stored thermal energy is recovered and upgraded using high-efficiency heat pumps to heat campus buildings, with a resulting reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of up to 17,000 tonnes annually.

The University's Sustainability Office team will guide us through the recently completed Landmark Project at King's College Circle, including the parking garage, electric vehicle infrastracture, and viewing of the geoexchange mechanical room (visible through display windows). Following the tour, attendees will enjoy a light dinner followed by a technical presentation by Scott Hendershot, Senior Manager, Sustainability Office. Scott will give us an overview of the University's sustainability commitments, and share key design challenges, lessons learned, and insights gained throughout the project.  

SPEAKER

Scott Hendershot, P.Eng., SEA

Senior Manager, Sustainability Office

Scott Hendershot leads the Sustainability Office at University of Toronto's St. George Campus, providing strategic oversight and championing initiatives that advance sustainable change across the university and beyond. Scott joined the U of T in 2021, and brings more than 30 years of diverse professional experience, including developing sustainability strategies within the aviation sector. 

Whether you're interested in sustainable technologies, mechanical engineering, or connecting with fellow industry professionals, this event offers a unique opportunity to learn, explore, and network.

Brought to you by the Sustainability Committee!

Event Highlights:

• Landmark Project Tour (Geoexchange)
• Light Dinner Provided
• Technical Presentation + Q&A

Date and Time: Thursday, September 24, 2026 @ 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Tour Location: Glass pavilion, Landmark Parking Garage, @ southeast corner of King's College Circle, Front Campus

Presentation Location: Bahen Centre for IT, 40 St George St, Toronto ON M5S 2E4

Parking: $10 evening parking after 4 PM at Landmark Parking Garage entrance, 35 Hart House Cir, Toronto, ON M5S 3J9

Accessibility: This event is wheelchair accessible. 

Agenda:

• 4:00 PM to 4:45 PM - Tour Group 1 
• 4:30 PM to 5:15 PM - Tour Group 2
• 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM - Dinner and Presentation

Space is limited. Reserve your spot before it's too late!

Please use wait list if guest list is full. Walk-ins not allowed. 

Please note that tour will not enter the mechanical room itself. There is a large window display to view the room; the tour guide will discuss the details of the system and respond to questions. 

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Contact our team with any questions at

sustainability@torontoashrae.com

+1 647 532 1556

Supported by:

ASHRAE University of Toronto Student Branch