#United States #CTA Construction #Amherst #Fort River School #Geothermal System

CTA Construction Managers Completes Geothermal Well System at Fort River Elementary School

In a significant leap towards sustainable construction, CTA Construction Managers has successfully finalized the exterior geothermal well system for the newly established Fort River Elementary School located in Amherst, Massachusetts. This project features an extensive network of 83 geothermal wells, reflecting a commitment to energy-efficient school infrastructure.

The newly implemented geothermal system stands apart in its ability to provide environmentally-friendly heating and cooling solutions, which will greatly minimize long-term operational expenses and reduce the institution’s carbon footprint. This accomplishment highlights CTA Construction Managers' proficiency in developing high-performance educational facilities across the state of Massachusetts.

The architectural vision for this ambitious project was brought to life by DiNisco Design, a trusted partner of CTA Construction Managers. Their collaboration stretches across a variety of successful school projects within the Commonwealth, including notable establishments such as Brookside Elementary School in Milford and Howe-Manning Elementary School in Middleton.

In addition to the collaborative efforts with DiNisco, Accenture played a crucial role as the Owner's Project Manager (OPM), ensuring effective oversight and coordination throughout the project's lifecycle. Town Manager Paul Bockelman of Amherst was instrumental in fostering this initiative, aiming to elevate the town’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure solutions.

Jeff Hazelwood, Principal at CTA Construction Managers, emphasized the significance of the geothermal well system as a model for modern construction that supports long-term sustainability and energy conservation. He noted, "This system is exceptionally efficient as it transfers heat rather than generating it, which sets it apart from traditional furnaces or air-conditioning systems. The geothermal setup requires considerably less electricity than standard HVAC systems, substantially reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and provides reliable sustainable energy for the long haul."

By capitalizing on the Earth's natural thermal energy, the geothermal wells installed at Fort River Elementary School will enable the building to maintain consistent indoor temperatures year-round while minimizing energy consumption and dependence on fossil fuels. Donna DiNisco, Principal at DiNisco Design, elaborated on the mechanics of this system, stating, "Just a few feet beneath the surface, the temperature remains steady throughout the year, ranging from about 50 to 60 degrees in Massachusetts. Our geothermal systems utilize this natural steadiness for both heating and cooling applications."

The installation involved drilling 83 vertical geothermal wells, each reaching depths in excess of 500 feet. Each well includes a closed loop of piping filled with a water-based solution. In the winter months, this fluid absorbs heat from the ground and channels it into the building via a heat pump. Conversely, during the hot summer months, surplus heat from the building is redirected back into the ground, where the Earth effectively reabsorbs it, allowing the educational facility to stay cool.

Using geothermal wells offers schools like Fort River Elementary a highly efficient method of heating and cooling while promoting long-term sustainability and operational savings. In essence, these systems create a built-in climate control mechanism that effectively leverages underground temperatures for heating in the winter and cooling in the summer.

About CTA Construction Managers LLC

CTA Construction Managers is a recognized leader in construction management and general contracting, focusing on municipal, academic, multi-family residential, commercial, and senior care facilities. Based in Waltham, Massachusetts, the company has managed projects totaling over $2.5 billion since its inception in 2000. CTA is dedicated to building sustainably and holds numerous accolades for its commitment to public and environmental responsibility, providing over $150 million worth of contracts to certified small, veteran, disadvantaged, minority, and women-owned enterprises. For more information about their projects and commitment to green building, visit CTA Construction.