Spring 2025

Cornell University’s Facilities and Campus Services (FCS) is exploring the development of a district heating system connecting five buildings to the existing Law School steam system. Our project developed an initial technical and financial framework for the proposed system, with the goal of providing a foundation for professional consultants and building owners to evaluate its feasibility. The proposed system would use heat exchangers to convert steam to hot water, allowing heat to be distributed more efficiently through smaller-diameter piping while reducing thermal losses. By connecting the buildings to Cornell’s centralized Combined Heat and Power (CHP) system, the project could improve heating efficiency, reduce operational costs, and provide a lower-carbon alternative to individual building heating systems. We also considered how the preliminary analysis could support conversations with building owners and residents about co-funding a professional scoping study, while advancing Cornell’s broader goals of decarbonization, energy efficiency, and long-term cost savings.