JFK Elementary Geothermal Project

Key Benefits for the Community

1. Carbon Neutrality Leadership:
   • This project is a flagship effort toward electrifying Boston’s municipal building stock and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
   • It aligns with the City’s Climate Action Plan to mitigate climate change through sustainable infrastructure investments.
2. Enhanced Learning Environment:
   • Students and teachers will benefit from improved indoor air quality, modernized ventilation systems, and comfortable temperature control.
   • Geothermal heating and cooling provide a quiet, efficient, and sustainable solution for temperature regulation year-round.
3. Economic and Environmental Savings:
   • The project’s Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) are designed to reduce utility costs while lowering the school’s carbon footprint.
   • Energy-efficient upgrades to enhance long-term operational savings.

Project Highlights

• Geothermal Innovation:
  • A closed-loop geothermal heat pump system will replace traditional heating and cooling, marking JFK Elementary as a model for sustainable energy solutions in schools.
• Comprehensive Energy Upgrades:
  • Replacement of gas water heaters with electric heat pump systems.
  • Advanced Building Management System (BMS) for efficient energy use.

Timeline

• Summer 2024: Test well drilling, initial vertical drilling, and geotechnical analysis.
• Summer 2025: Geothermal vertical well-drilling 
• Summer 2026: Horizontal trenching, building controls upgrades, electrical upgrades, and indoor heat pump system integration.