Session 4: Designing the Network: Storage, Distribution, and Integrated Thermal Solutions
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Session four of the CampusEnergy2026 Thermal Energy Networks workshop consisted of these presentations:
| 10:35 am – 10:55 am | District Geothermal Opportunities and Challenges at Union College - Laura Christie, CHA Solutions; Marc Donovan, Union College Presentation Description: This presentation examines the design of a networked geothermal energy system on the campus of Union College in Schenectady, NY, as part of the institution’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality. The College’s existing district energy infrastructure —including steam and chilled water systems— provides a foundation for integrating geothermal technologies. Networked geothermal offers a solution suited to the unique historic campus environment but not without its own challenges. A key focus is the growing demand for residential cooling, which by its nature increases electric load. Geothermal systems address this need by providing efficient cooling with significantly lower impact on the electric grid as compared to conventional air conditioning. |
| 10:55 am – 11:15 am | Beyond the Pipes: How Thermal Networks Advance Equity, Resilience, and Conservation - Cary Smith, The GreyEdge Group Presentation Description: Thermal energy networks (TENs) are shared “invisible” infrastructure that meet multiple institutional and municipal needs, from energy resilience and emissions reduction, to improved local air quality and water conservation. By providing clean heating and cooling without combustion, TENs eliminate reliance on gas appliances, reducing local air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions (ACE, 2024; Building Decarb Coalition, 2024). Because they can also deliver cooling, TENs displace the need for water-intensive evaporative systems. Several networks report water savings of 18%-46%, totaling millions of gallons annually — a crucial benefit in arid regions where chillers are being phased out (SmartCitiesDive, 2024). These co-benefits extend TENs’ value beyond emissions goals to include public health, water security, and intergenerational sustainability. |
| 11:15 am – 11:35 am | How University At Albany Is Integrating Energy, Hydraulic, Borefield, And GIS Modeling To Create A Dynamic And Implementable Multi-Year Phasing & Funding Plan For A Decarbonized Thermal Energy Network - Indu Lnu, University at Albany; Joseph DiSanto, Ramboll Presentation Description: The presentation will discuss the technical tools that University at Albany is leveraging to create a dynamic and implementable thermal energy network master plan. Tools include energy models to understand building level loads and opportunities, hydraulic models to determine ideal locations for energy hub and extent of piping modifications, borefield modeling to analyze both heat exchange and energy storage capacity at varying timescale, and GIS tools for data collection, phasing, funding plan, and status documentation for a multi-year migration to low temperature district system. |
| 11:35 am- 12:15 pm | Session 4 Q&A Panel – Panelists Include:
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Keywords: Thermal Energy Networks (TENs)
Laura Christie, PE
Project Engineer
CHA Consulting, Inc
Laura Christie currently serves as a project engineer on the Renewable Thermal Energy Solutions team at CHA Consulting. In this role, she specializes in geothermal systems, both standalone system design and feasibility and design of community heat pumps systems. Laura is a Professional Engineer licensed in New York State with 5 years of experience as a mechanical engineer.
Marc Donovan
Director of Facilities and Campus Planning
Union College
Marc Donovan is the Director of Facilities and Campus Planning at Union College as well as being a Union College alumnus. He has served in his role for 12 years and is responsible for utilities management as well as all utilities construction projects. Additional items under his purview include campus master planning, new campus construction, renovations, physical space improvement projects, building services and maintenance, and grounds and landscaping.
Cary Smith, CEM CEA CGD CGI AEE Fellow
Chief Financial Officer
The GreyEdge Group
Cary Smith (CEM CEA CGD CGI AEE Fellow) worked as a Drilling Engineer and related fields in the Oil and Gas Industry from 1972 to 1997. During that time his specialty was advanced and high temperature drilling fluids and drilling optimization. Cary has worked in the GSHP industry since 1997 and has been involved in the design and implementation of over 40,000 tons (140 MW) of installed capacity in North America. He is president and CEO of Sound Geothermal. SGT is a design engineering firm, manufacturer's representative, and distributor for ground source heat pump equipment and accessories. The company is active throughout the western United States and has projects in a total of 31 states. Cary pioneered many hybrid and district energy systems. His projects range from HUD housing to industrial facilities and University Campuses to NASCAR facilities. In 2016 Mr. Smith became a founding member of The GreyEdge Group. The GreyEdge Group LLC includes eight top individuals and firms in the Ground Source Industry from the US, Canada, and UK. Consisting of PEs, hydro-geologists, drilling & system mechanical contractors, commissioning/verification specialists, project managers, modeling professionals, and financial experts.
Indu Lnu, LEED-AP, CEM, CMVP
University Energy Officer
University at Albany
Indu is the Energy Officer at University at Albany and has served in this role since 2008. She is a LEED accredited professional, Certified Energy Manager and Certified Measurement and Verification Professional. She holds an undergraduate degree in Architecture and a master's degree in construction management. She worked in architecture, construction, and ESCO firms for 10 years prior to joining UAlbany and is knowledgeable and passionate about climate action and sustainability planning, large scale renewable energy projects, high performance net zero energy all-electric buildings, energy conservation and behavioral change programs, digital transformation, and workforce development.
Joseph DiSanto, PE, CEM
Project Manager
Ramboll
Joe DiSanto, PE, CEM, is a Project Manager at Ramboll Energy with 19 years of expertise in energy master planning, decarbonization, building energy conservation, and technology assessment. He led the University at Albany's Net Zero Campus Carbon Neutral Roadmap, utilizing building energy models, hydraulic modeling, district system modeling, and borefield modeling to transition to a low temperature district system.
Ted Borer
Energy Plant Director
Princeton University
Edward “Ted” Borer is the founder and president of Borer Energy Engineering, LLC, a consulting firm offering life-cycle-cost-reduction and carbon-reduction guidance and training to institutions and organizations who serve the energy industry. He recently retired after 30 years as Energy Plant Director for Princeton University where he helped develop the university’s path to carbon neutrality. He has over 40 years of experience in the power industry, starting in the nuclear industry in the early 1980’s. He is a registered Professional Engineer and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering and earned the CEM, CEP, and LEED-AP certifications. He is a director of the International District Energy Association and a founding member of the Microgrid Resources Coalition. He speaks regularly on energy topics and has published numerous articles in trade magazines, and peer-reviewed journals as well as book chapters in textbooks about Combined Heat and Power, and Microgrids. He has provided briefings for members of the US Senate, a United Nations SDG-7 event, and all five FERC commissioners. Contact: ted@borerenergy.com / 609-731-2327
Rob Neimeier
Client & Market Officer
Ramboll
Rob Neimeier, Client & Market Officer at Ramboll – Rob Neimeier has 33 years of consulting experience including program and project management for public and private higher education, public agencies, and municipalities with energy reduction and climate action goals. He works with many State University of New York (SUNY) campuses to develop and implement energy master plans focused on decarbonization and transitioning from fossil fuels to alternative low carbon energy supply technologies to align with the New York State Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). Rob also works with NYSERDA on Thermal Energy Network Potential in NYS and the NYS Department of Public Service (DPS) on efforts related to the Utility Thermal Energy Network and Jobs Act.
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