Kline/Library Field Update: A transformational step has been completed to convert the Library’s heating and cooling system to geothermal (also known as ground-source heat-exchange). Fifty wells, each at a depth of ~500ft, will provide the thermal source and sink needed to heat and cool the building. Paired with a new heat pump plant (and new building controls automation system), the Library will no longer use fossil fuel (oil) for heating, and will see a large boost in building energy efficiency.
- Did you know that more than 30 buildings on the Bard main campus already utilize geothermal? Together they make up almost 50% of Bard’s building square footage, and there are nearly 500 geo-wells across campus, hidden beneath the surface.
- Bard has been an early adopter of geothermal technology, with the earliest systems dating back to the late 1980s, and it is the default system for all new construction.
- The Library project will be the first conversion of an existing building on campus to geothermal, and it is an exciting step on the path to transform the campus energy infrastructure and achieve carbon-neutrality.
Energy Initiatives
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Bard’s Energy ConsumptionThe operation and maintenance of Bard campus facilities consumes energy in order to provide occupants with electrical power, thermal comfort (space heating and cooling), hot water, food and domestic services, and safety and security.Bard’s Energy Consumption
The operation and maintenance of Bard campus facilities consumes energy in order to provide occupants with electrical power, thermal comfort (space heating and cooling), hot water, food and domestic services, and safety and security.
2022–23 Energy Consumption
Stationary Combustion- Fuel: 278,000 gallons
- Propane: 137,000 gallons
- Diesel (generators): 7,300 gallons
- Gasoline: 43,693 gallons
- Diesel: 6,000 gallons
- Grid purchased: 19,400,000 kWh
- On-site solar: 300,000 kWh
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Path to Net-Zero EnergyThough Bard must unavoidably consume energy in order to function as an institution, the College is taking steps to minimize its energy consumption baseline.Path to Net-Zero Energy
Though Bard must unavoidably consume energy in order to function as an institution, the College is taking steps to minimize its energy consumption baseline. Projects include:
- Evaluating and implementing micro hydropower on existing small dams on campus (microhydrony.org/);
- Systematically upgrading existing campus facilities for energy efficiency (i.e., weatherization and insulation, high-efficiency lighting, controls automation for HVAC systems, and eliminating inefficient practices);
- Investing in on- and off-site renewable energy systems; and
- Replacing old fleet vehicles with new fuel-efficient models (and low/no carbon models, as they become available).
Energy, Facilities, and Climate Initiative
The main Bard campus in Annandale comprises more than 150 buildings totaling 1,260,000 square feet. In addition to the main campus, in 2016 Bard acquired the nearby Montgomery Place property. The campus has support infrastructure such as street and path lighting, facilities for freshwater distribution, a site for receiving and treating sewage, and a fleet of maintenance and security vehicles. Other support infrastructure includes:
- Lighting: Since 2013, Bard has made considerable upgrades to its existing lighting stock, upgrading nearly 15,000 fixtures to LED.
Today, nearly 100% of Bard College’s interior and exterior lighting is LED. - Geothermal: Bard has been a leader and early adopter of geothermal, with some systems on campus dating to the late 1980s. Nearly half of the main campus buildings utilize geothermal technology for heating and cooling, and it is the default for all new construction projects. This accounts for over 40 buildings, including the new residences, Head House, and the Maya Lin Performing Arts Lab on north campus. As of 2025, there are over 630 geothermal wells across campus, hidden beneath our feet.
- On-site Solar: By Q2 2025, Bard will have over 1MW (megawatt) of Solar Photovoltaic capacity on campus, generating over 1,300,000 kWh of renewable electricity each year (or about 7% of Bard’s annual consumption).
- Controls Upgrades: several buildings have had complete overhauls of their HVAC controls, allowing for more automation and efficient use of equipment.
- Insulation/Weatherization: full or partial envelope renovations of several buildings, including added wall and attic insulation, new windows, or other air-sealing techniques
- Equipment Upgrades: as capital equipment reaches its end of life, it is replaced with a high-efficiency model.
Geothermal at Bard
Watch a timelapse of the construction of a cleaner source of energy for Bard’s campus.
Additional Partnerships
Bard has partnered with Project Drawdown to put into action a list of 100 climate change solutions. We participate annually in the Drawdown EcoChallenge, a three-week climate event.