van Zelm Engineers Celebrates Progress on Massachusetts Maritime Academy Decarbonization Project

What does campus-wide decarbonization look like in action?

At Massachusetts Maritime Academy, it’s taking shape through a large-scale geothermal system designed to significantly reduce fossil fuel use, enhance campus comfort, and support a more sustainable future.

Notably, the Academy is the first Massachusetts Commonwealth Higher Education institution to undertake conversion to a campus-wide geothermal heat pump system—setting an important precedent for campuses across the state.

On April 3, state and local leaders gathered on campus to celebrate a major milestone: the completion of Phase 1 of the Academy’s geothermal and energy efficiency project. The event marked the installation of the initial wellfield—an important step in a system that will ultimately serve the entire campus.

Dave Madigan of van Zelm Engineers attended the event on behalf of the firm.

van Zelm Engineers led the decarbonization master planning for this initiative, helping to establish a clear roadmap for transitioning the campus to a highly efficient, low-carbon energy system. Today, the firm continues to serve as a trusted advisor through project completion, supporting the implementation of this transformative effort.

As institutions across the region advance decarbonization goals, this project stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved through thoughtful planning, strong partnerships, and a commitment to clean energy solutions.

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