Long committed to sustainability as an implicit part of global citizenship, Smith College engaged a team led by MEP Geo’s Mike Walters to develop a campus energy master plan for achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. The plan centers on conversion from steam to low-temperature hot water distribution, supported by a large ground-source heat exchanger and an innovative wastewater heat recovery system.

By identifying suitable existing surface sites for borefield locations and phasing the buildout of distribution piping and by-building conversions, the plan minimizes physical disruption to a concentrated landmark campus of 19th century buildings, botanic garden, and arboretum landscape.

The master plan addresses such key variables as:

• condition and age of the current systems
• capital, operating, and life cycle costs, including deferred maintenance
• energy conservation potential, predicted fuel costs, and real-time electric purchasing
• renewable energy and emerging electrical generation technologies
• future campus expansion and building renovations
• government regulations, potential future carbon regulation, and the social cost of carbon