Healey-Driscoll Administration, Salem State Celebrate Major Clean Energy Upgrades on Campus

Healey-Driscoll Administration, Salem State Celebrate Major Clean Energy Upgrades on Campus

Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll joins "Closing the Loop” celebration to mark significant geothermal and solar progress on campus

 

SALEM— Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll today joined students, faculty, staff and community partners at her alma mater, Salem State University, to celebrate major progress on two clean energy projects that are transforming how the campus is heated, cooled and powered. 

 

The university’s “Closing the Loop” event marked the installation of a new geothermal loop that will provide efficient heating and cooling to campus buildings while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The event also highlighted a new solar canopy over the College Drive parking lot. 

 

“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,” said Governor Maura Healey. “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.” 

 

“I’m proud to see my alma mater leading by example and making investments that students will see and feel across campus,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll ’89, ’22H. “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 Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM), represents a transformative investment in Salem State’s campus infrastructure. The system 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 Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) provided $3.5 million in funding for the geothermal system and new solar canopy. 

 

As part of the celebration, attendees 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 University 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.” 

 

The event also highlighted Salem State’s new solar canopy over the College Drive parking lot, expanding renewable energy generation on campus. Together, the geothermal loop and solar canopy will 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.” 

 

“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.” 

 

The projects are part of Salem State’s broader work with the state to modernize campus infrastructure and reduce its environmental impact. For example, two completed clean-energy projects conducted by SSU and the state include comprehensive LED lighting upgrades throughout the campus and execution of a 3-phase Energy Performance Contract focusing on HVAC upgrades, boiler replacements, ice rink efficiency, and EMS upgrades. Through its partnerships with DCAMM and DOER, the university is investing in cleaner energy systems that support its academic mission and position the campus for the future.  

 

Governor Healey has also proposed the BRIGHT Act, which is a $2.5 billion investment to modernize Massachusetts’ public higher education infrastructure while creating nearly 20,000 construction-related jobs.