SALEM — Salem State University leaders and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll recently celebrated the installation of a new geothermal loop that will provide efficient heating and cooling to campus buildings while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Students, faculty, staff, community partners were joined by Driscoll on Tuesday at her alma mater to celebrate progress on two clean energy projects — a new solar canopy over the College Drive parking lot and a large-scale geothermal project.
“I’m proud to see my alma mater leading by example and making investments that students will see and feel across campus,” Driscoll said. “This work means more efficient buildings, cleaner energy and modern infrastructure that will serve Salem State for decades. It’s a great example of what we can accomplish when the state and our public colleges work together.”
The geothermal project, undertaken in partnership with the state’s Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM), will circulate low-temperature hot water and chilled water to efficiently heat and cool to campus facilities, including the new addition to Meier Hall and the renovated Horace Mann Building on Salem State’s North Campus. The state’s Department of Energy Resources (DOER) provided $3.5 million in funding for the geothermal system and new solar canopy.
“Our public colleges and universities are showing what it looks like to invest in more efficient public buildings, creating jobs and serving students and communities for years to come,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “These projects will modernize Salem State’s campus, making it a healthier place for students and lowering long-term operating costs. These are the kinds of investments that move Massachusetts toward a cleaner energy future.”
As part of the celebration, guests were invited to sign a section of geothermal piping before it becomes part of the campus system.
“This geothermal loop is more than an infrastructure project — it is an investment in the future of Salem State and a tangible expression of our commitment to environmental stewardship,” said Salem State President John Keenan. “Our students deserve a campus that reflects the future we are preparing them to lead. Through projects like this, we are reducing our environmental impact, modernizing our campus and demonstrating what is possible when the university, the Commonwealth and our partners work together toward a shared vision.”
Salem State’s new solar canopy over the College Drive parking lot will expand renewable energy generation on campus. Together, the geothermal loop and solar canopy are intended to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, modernize campus infrastructure and improve long-term resilience.
“Decarbonizing the commonwealth’s buildings requires ambitious projects, strong partnerships and a willingness to rethink how we heat, cool and power our facilities,” said DCAMM Commissioner Adam Baacke. “Salem State’s geothermal loop is an excellent example of that work in action. DCAMM is proud to partner with the university to deliver modern, sustainable infrastructure that reduces fossil fuel use, improves campus resilience, lessens ongoing maintenance burdens, and likely reduces long-term costs benefitting students and the Commonwealth for decades.”
The projects are part of Salem State’s broader effort with the state to modernize campus infrastructure and reduce its environmental impact. Two completed clean-energy projects conducted by SSU and the state include comprehensive LED lighting upgrades throughout the campus and execution of a three-phase Energy Performance Contract focusing on HVAC upgrades, boiler replacements, ice rink efficiency, and EMS upgrades.
“Salem State has already shown how innovative clean energy projects benefit its students, staff and community, and we’re thrilled to celebrate the campus’ new geothermal system and solar canopy,” said Energy Resources Commissioner Elizabeth Mahony. “Projects like these address energy and climate challenges at the same time by lowering energy costs and reducing harmful emissions, and they also create local workforce and economic opportunities. We value our partnerships with DCAMM and Massachusetts’ public colleges and universities to forward projects that improve energy affordability and public health in Massachusetts.”
Michael McHugh can be contacted at mmchugh@northofboston.com or at 781-799-5202