50 Building conversions including residential, academic, office, central utility plant
5 Miles of underground distribution pipe
850 Geothermal wells with 96 miles of heat exchange piping
Oberlin College is deeply committed to achieving carbon neutrality, and to make this goal a reality, the College has embarked on a four-year program. This program involves two key initiatives: replacing fossil fuels with geothermal energy as the primary source for heating and cooling campus buildings and upgrading the century-old heating system to an efficient hot water system. These enhancements will not only boost energy efficiency but also enhance the year-round comfort of students and faculty.
The project has three primary components:
1. Installation of Geothermal Wells: Geothermal wells will serve as the central heating and cooling source for the entire campus.
2. Removal of Aging Steam and Chilled Water Pipes: Replacement of deteriorating steam and chilled water pipes with new hot water and chilled water pipes.
3. Retrofitting Buildings for New Energy Systems: Campus buildings will be modernized to accommodate the new energy system, and more facilities will be equipped with air conditioning.
In addition to these improvements, the College will seize the opportunity to expand fiber networks, enhance fire protection capabilities, and upgrade mechanical and electrical systems, all at a reduced cost.
When it becomes necessary to remove trees for the installation of new pipes, we are committed to replacing them at a greater ratio than what was removed. Our engineers have collaborated closely with the grounds department and the campus arborist to plan the routing of the energy system distribution pipes in a way that minimizes disruption to healthy trees.
The selection of new trees is a thoughtful process, considering various factors, including the guidelines outlined in the City's tree replacement guide, the use of Ohio native species, the diversity of species, the structural integrity of the chosen species, and aesthetics.
Our team is dedicated to minimizing the environmental impact of infrastructure development. This commitment includes effective waste management, industrial recycling, mitigation of land degradation, and the implementation of best management practices, all of which are integral components of the project's Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).
To ensure the safety of the campus and community during construction, the project team collaborates closely with building managers and stakeholders. Construction work is scheduled for the spring semester, and building retrofitting will occur when buildings are unoccupied. Regular communication regarding the project's progress is maintained through stakeholder meetings, web updates, campus digest notifications, and campus-wide announcements. The overall project will bring Oberlin College within reach of its ambitious goal to become carbon neutral by 2025.
When the main practice fields become unavailable due to construction, temporary practice fields are made available. These interim fields are clearly marked, and once construction is complete, the practice fields will return to their original appearance.
During the drilling process, some noise will be generated at the site. However, this noise should significantly decrease when you are 500 feet away from the drilling area. The drilling operations will run from sunrise to sunset, five to six days a week.
For safety reasons, we will enclose the well-field construction zone with fences to protect both students and the community. Just like in other development areas on campus, there will be active heavy equipment near the job site throughout the day. To keep the community informed about this construction activity, the College has hosted a series of site tours.
Carbon neutrality is achieved by either reducing greenhouse gas emissions to zero or balancing them out through offsets. This objective aligns with the vision and values of Oberlin College's faculty, students, staff, and the broader Oberlin community. It positions the College as a leader among the educational institutions that committed to the nationwide Carbon Commitment (formerly known as the American Colleges & University Presidents' Climate Commitment).
This project is a complementary effort to the significant reductions Oberlin College has made in its carbon footprint. These reductions include improving power and heating efficiency, implementing a substantial photovoltaic solar-power initiative, and transitioning from coal-fired heating to natural gas.
The implementation of the Sustainable Infrastructure Plan (SIP) will yield substantial environmental benefits. It will reduce Oberlin College's water consumption by more than 5 million gallons per year, decrease sewer discharge by over 4 million gallons per year, and enhance campus energy efficiency by more than 30%.
This project offers valuable educational opportunities and benefits to the campus and the wider community. It serves as a practical laboratory and real-world case study for research and coursework in various fields, including environmental studies, geology, psychology, economics, and the newly introduced business concentration. Oberlin College students have actively participated in project planning and have access to internship opportunities as part of this program.
Furthermore, the project will eliminate the potential disruptions associated with the old steam heating system. The new system, characterized by its enhanced reliability and precise regulation, will create a more comfortable environment for both work and living within campus buildings. The planning and execution of this project serve as a model for successful collaboration among trustees, faculty, students, and staff.
Additionally, there is potential to expand this carbon-neutral system to serve public and private buildings in our community. College leaders have worked closely with city leaders and community stakeholders throughout the planning and implementation phases. This coordination extends to various city departments, including public works, fire services, and sustainability. Moreover, the City Manager and City Council have played pivotal roles in facilitating the smooth execution of this large-scale, complex construction project while minimizing disruptions to the community.
