Miami's Path to Carbon Neutrality

Miami's Path to Carbon Neutrality. Starts with energy systems transformations. , In 2010, nearly all of Miami's Oxford campus buildings were heated and cooled by carbon-intensive steam., Now, Miami is well on its way to moving nearly ALL buildings off steam, thanks to the conversion of our energy systems to geothermal energy and Simultaneous Heating and Cooling., These two residence halls - Elliot and Stoddard - were the first buildings on campus to be converted to geothermal heating and cooling, in 2010., Elliott Hall, built in 1829, is the oldest building on campus, and among the oldest residence halls in the country. Stoddard is the second oldest on campus, built in 1836. They mark the beginning of Miami's path to carbon neutrality., Western Geothermal Plant , Completed in 2014, the geothermal plant uses 690 wells drilled 600 feet deep. The wells provide heat exchange using the Earth's natural energy., By 2024 all Western Campus buildings will be converted to geothermal heating and cooling., Fun Fact: There are more than 300 geothermal wells buried under Western Upper Pond - a first-of-its-kind use in the world., North Chiller Plant , Soon the North Chiller Plant (at Billings Hall) will convert from providing Simultaneous Heating and Cooling similar to geothermal energy systems - to geothermal. More than 1,200 geothermal wells will be drilled under the west parking lot at Millett Hall., Utility Master Plan - Climate Action Plan , These energy systems conversions are part of Miami's Utility Master Plan to reduce energy consumption, reliance on fossil fuels, and carbon emissions., Miami's Oxford campus carbon footprint: , . 52% reduction per gross square foot in carbon emissions from purchased electricity, natural gas, and coal, . 39% reduction in energy use (percent reductions based on FY 2021 from baseline of 2008), Miami's Climate Action Task Force will develop a Climate Action Plan by 2024 and set a target for achieving carbon neutrality.