Drilling has begun at Brooklyn College in Brooklyn, New York, on a geothermal test well that marks the college’s beginning steps toward a future free of fossil fuel.
In partnership with the New York Power Authority, the college has drilled a 500-foot-deep test borehole to assess the site's geothermal potential.
Brooklyn College is the first City University of New York (CUNY) campus to undergo this testing. Other CUNY institutions developing decarbonization action plans include Hunter College and City College.
“Participating in Governor Hochul’s Decarbonization Leadership Program is a pivotal step in CUNY’s commitment to environmental stewardship on our campuses,” said Mohamed Attalla, vice chancellor of facilities planning, construction and management.
At the heart of Brooklyn College’s project is its West End Building (WEB). Thanks to a $10 million award from the New York State Bond Act, the building will be converted to a geothermal heating and cooling system.
Once operational, the system will enhance indoor comfort and energy efficiency while eliminating reliance on traditional fossil fuels.
Spanning over 20,000 square feet, the WEB houses a 10,000-square-foot open-use computer lab, the Undergraduate Film Department, multimedia classrooms, 16 student clubs, and the Student Testing Center.
