Towson University has expanded its renewable energy use with the installation of geothermal test wells outside Stephens Hall.
The wells were drilled to depths of 500 and 800 feet in December 2024 and are helping evaluate the feasibility of long-term geothermal energy use across the Towson, Maryland campus, according to a statement.
The university's first operational geothermal system is the result of renovations at Smith Hall. The building will consist of dedicated heating and cooling units powered by geothermal energy, a critical step toward LEED Gold certification.
The underground piping for the geothermal system will extend throughout the campus quad and connect to Smith Hall's mechanical systems.
These projects support the university's longer term goal of achieving carbon neutrality and increasing the use of renewable energy power.
Towson University is working on other projects to improve its sustainability efforts, such as providing campus-wide composting for the first time. Students and faculty members can place food scraps, napkins and packaging labeled "compostable" or "7PLA" into composting bins in all dining locations, residence halls and event locations.
Towson University is the largest university in greater Baltimore, with nearly 20,000 students and 200 bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs in the liberal arts and sciences and applied professional fields.
