The City of Burnaby is taking a major step toward its climate action goals with the development of the Burnaby District Energy Utility (BDEU). This transformative project will deliver sustainable, resilient, and cost-competitive heating solutions to buildings in key Burnaby neighbourhoods, using waste heat from Metro Vancouver’s Waste-to-Energy (WTE) Facility. By targeting high-growth areas like Metrotown and Edmonds, BDEU represents a new chapter in Burnaby’s vision of a greener, more resilient future.
How the Burnaby District Energy Utility Works
District energy is not a new idea—it’s a proven technology adopted worldwide. Instead of each building relying on its own furnace or boiler, district energy systems supply thermal energy to multiple buildings through a network of underground, insulated pipes. Hot water produced at a central energy plant is circulated to buildings, providing efficient space heating and domestic hot water.
For Burnaby, the BDEU’s primary energy source will be waste heat captured from the Metro Vancouver WTE facility in south Burnaby’s Big Bend area. Operating since 1988, the WTE facility already powers 16,000 homes with electricity, but still releases significant waste heat—heat that BDEU will harness three times more efficiently for direct heating.
The flexibility of this system also opens the door to future low-carbon energy sources, making it a cornerstone for long-term climate resilience.
*Photo by City of Burnaby
Where and Who: Service Areas and Requirements
BDEU will initially serve Metrotown and Edmonds, two neighbourhoods projected to absorb almost half of Burnaby’s residential growth over the next two decades. Connection rules are clearly mapped out:
Mandatory connection for new buildings within the Metrotown and Edmonds core service areas.
DE-ready design required for new buildings in expansion corridors (Willingdon Avenue south of Highway 1, Kingsway between Metrotown and Edmonds).
Optional connection for new buildings south of Highway 1 outside the core zones.
Voluntary retrofits for existing buildings where feasible and cost-effective.
A Metro Vancouver study confirmed the WTE plant produces enough energy to serve these areas, plus Vancouver’s River District, with room for future expansion into more Burnaby neighbourhoods.
Why It Matters: Big Benefits for Burnaby
For the Community
Major GHG Reductions: BDEU could slash emissions by 82%, equivalent to 22,400 tonnes of CO2e annually, supporting Burnaby’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.
Climate Resilience: By diversifying energy sources and reducing grid reliance, the system enhances Burnaby’s ability to adapt to climate extremes.
Economic Growth: The project promises the creation of local green jobs in construction, operations, and maintenance.
Public Education and Amenities: A new energy centre beside Fraser Foreshore Park will include environmental education facilities and public washrooms, further enriching the community.
For Customers
Affordable Energy: Energy rates will be competitively priced, similar to water and sewer utilities.
Simplified Operations: Buildings will replace complex rooftop heating systems with compact Energy Transfer Stations (ETSs) in their basements.
Fuel Flexibility: Future adaptability to different energy sources means buildings can benefit from innovations in low-cost, low-carbon heating.
For Developers
Lower Construction Costs: No need for rooftop boilers or domestic hot water tanks saves upfront capital.
More Usable Space: Roofs can be freed up for amenities, additional housing, or communal areas.
Sustainability Marketing: DE-connected developments can appeal to environmentally conscious buyers and renters.
*Photos by City of Burnaby
Project Timeline and What’s Next
BDEU is moving quickly through its development stages:
September 2023: Council approved the DE policy and guidelines.
April 2024: Council awarded a $7.6 million contract for detailed design work.
September 2024 (anticipated): Construction could begin on Phase 1 infrastructure.
By 2026: First operations expected to begin.
Phase 1 (2025–2030) will focus on Metrotown and Edmonds, aiming to reduce emissions by 13,400 tonnes CO2 per year. Phases 2 and 3 will expand services through 2040 and 2050.
Meanwhile, agreements are being finalized with Metro Vancouver for heat supply and street access, and the City is preparing to seek provincial approval to formally incorporate the BDEU entity.
A Natural Step in Burnaby’s Green Journey
Burnaby’s commitment to tackling the climate crisis has been steadfast since its 2019 Climate Emergency Declaration, with targets to cut community emissions by 45% by 2030. As nearly 38% of Burnaby’s emissions come from building heating—mostly from natural gas—the BDEU directly addresses one of the city's largest carbon challenges.
Burnaby’s experience with other district energy systems, like those at SFU, BCIT, and Solo District, shows a proven track record of success. Now, the BDEU looks set to become a model for sustainable urban development across the region.
Curious how Burnaby’s new district energy system could shape the future of Metrotown and Edmonds? We’re keeping a close eye on projects like this to keep our clients informed. Want to be one of them?
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