Vitalis and UBCO partner to install CO2 heat pump technology

KELOWNA — The University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO) campus is set to reportedly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions with the installation of a centralized air-source heat pump (ASHP) from Vitalis, a Kelowna-based manufacturer of CO2-based clean technologies. The Vitalis Coolshift system, which utilizes carbon dioxide as a natural refrigerant, is projected to cut campus emissions by 815 tonnes annually.

This project aligns with UBCO’s goal of reducing operations-related greenhouse gas emissions by 65% from 2013 levels by 2030. The reversible heat pump will replace much of the natural gas used for heating and provide auxiliary cooling in the summer, marking a step forward in the university’s climate action plan.

Most heat pumps use synthetic refrigerants that can be hundreds or thousands of times more potent than carbon dioxide as greenhouse gases. R744 (i.e., CO2 as a natural refrigerant), used in Vitalis Coolshift heat pumps, reportedly has a lower global warming potential.

In addition, Vitalis says that R744 doesn’t contribute to PFAS contamination, a common problem with many synthetic refrigerants like HFCs and HFOs when they leak into the atmosphere.

“We are thrilled to work with UBCO on this groundbreaking project,” said James Seabrook, president of Vitalis. “Our Coolshift technology is designed to be both highly efficient and environmentally friendly, helping to protect the place we call home from forever chemicals.”

The Vitalis Coolshift heat pump will try to serve as the primary heating source for the LDES, which currently depends heavily on natural gas.