Events

As MIT and other universities pursue ambitious climate goals, campus energy systems are evolving to incorporate a range of technologies. How do different geothermal system types compare in terms of feasibility, flexibility and cost—especially in dense, infrastructure-rich environments like MIT’s?

In this session of MIT’s Campus Climate Action Speaker Series, we’ll explore how both centralized and distributed thermal systems are being used—not in opposition, but in complementary roles—to support decarbonization on campuses.

Focusing on real-world planning and implementation, the discussion will examine the applications, advantages, and limitations of each approach in different campus contexts. Featured speakers from Virginia Tech and Burns & McDonnell will share insights from Virginia Tech’s ongoing planning process, which includes the integration of both Gen 4 centralized geothermal and Gen 5 distributed thermal networks across different zones of campus.

This webinar is part of our ongoing series designed to engage the MIT community in exploring key strategies for decarbonization. It is intended to support an informed and constructive conversation as MIT continues to evaluate energy system pathways in the context of its existing infrastructure, urban density, and long-term climate commitments.

Featured Speakers:
Stephen Durfee – Campus Energy Manager, Virginia Tech
David Traxler, P.E., CGD – Project Manager, Burns & McDonnell
Chris Vaughan '12, P.E. – Associate Mechanical Engineer, Burns & McDonnell
Cary Smith – Owner Sound, Geothermal Corporation; Principal, Grey Edge Group