December 5, 2022

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

We are excited to tell you that the next important phase of the College’s decarbonization of the campus’ energy system—in order to reach our goal of net zero emissions by the end of 2030—will begin this spring. This is a critical infrastructure project and a crucial part of the College’s Climate Action Plan (CAP). The work is as extensive as it is complex, and eventually, in a phased process, it will include every building on the main campus. Amherst is one of only a small number of schools nationwide taking on this kind of project.

As the effects of climate change become more pronounced, and as the social and environmental costs of fossil fuels continue to rise, our commitment to the CAP is both resolute and tangible. For example, the College has invested in high-performance, innovative buildings such as the Science Center, Greenway Residence Halls, and the Lyceum (currently under construction and renovation).

This latest decarbonizing phase of our CAP work will require a large investment of time, energy—and patience—from the entire campus community over the next eight years, and there will be periods when the work will be disruptive to the regular flow of campus life. Here is some information about the project that we hope will help you navigate its progress. There are many more details on the CAP construction information web page.

Transitioning the Heating System from Steam to Low-Temperature Hot Water

By 2030, Amherst will transition our heating system. This is a large and complex project.

  • Working in stages, we will retrofit campus buildings with a new piping infrastructure to produce heat from low-temperature hot water rather than steam. The system will be powered by renewable electricity rather than fossil fuels.
  • Also working in stages, we will dig geothermal wells (for a vertical ground loop closed system).
  • Starting in 2025, this low-temperature hot water system will be connected to heat pumps powered by renewable electricity.
  • Visit the CAP website to learn more about the plan and how the new low-temperature hot water system will work.

Spring and Summer 2023 Construction

  • Work begins in March 2023, when we anticipate that the ground will have thawed enough to install underground pipes for the new heating system.
  • Construction will be most visible on the eastern side of campus around the Greenway. Fencing will be installed, access to some parking areas will be affected, and you will see more construction vehicles on campus roads.
  • Maps, timelines, and more information are available on the CAP construction information page.

Decommissioning Merrill as Part of the Student Center and Dining Commons Project

While undertaking the important CAP work, the College will also decommission Merrill beginning December 19, 2022, which will include fencing expansion and a reduction in parking spaces.

Important Dates and Closures

  • December 19, 2022: Fencing will expand around Merrill, the parking lot behind Merrill will be closed, and six parking spaces near the Merrill Apartments will be unavailable.
  • March 13-May 12, 2023: Merrill Science Drive will be one lane, service and emergency access only, with a flagger for traffic.
  • June 5-17, 2023: East Drive will be closed near the Powerhouse (see map)
  • June 5-August 12, 2023: Greenway Residence Halls will be closed.
  • June 18-August 12, 2023: Barrett Hill Drive will be closed near East Drive (see map)

Buildings Transitioning to the New System this Summer

The following buildings will be retrofitted for the low-temperature hot water system this summer and will experience service disruptions consisting of a few days with brief interruptions to power or hot water. Building occupants will be notified ahead of time. The affected buildings are:

  • Greenway Residence Halls (closed June 5-August 12, 2023)
  • James Hall
  • King Hall
  • Science Center
  • Stearns Hall
  • Weiland Hall

Please check the construction information page often for updates and notices. We will also continue to share news with the campus community through the Daily Mammoth and all-campus emails when appropriate.
We hope you share our excitement about the launch of this critical phase of the CAP, and we thank you, in advance, for your patience and support of the project as we work to reach our goal of carbon neutrality by 2030.

Sincerely,
Michael A. Elliott
President

Tom Davies
Executive Director of Planning, Design, and Construction

Wes Dripps
Director of Sustainability