In Miami’s next big step toward reducing carbon emissions and decarbonizing our Oxford campus, ground was broken on the North Geothermal Project this summer. This project — expected to be completed by summer 2026  — involves drilling 520 geothermal wells under the Millett Hall south lawn and converting the North Chiller Plant to support the geothermal exchange. 

Geothermal exchange, which leverages the constant ground temperature at depth like a “thermal battery,” enables heating and cooling buildings without fossil fuels.

This north geothermal expansion is one of the final phases of Miami’s Utility Master Plan implemented in 2012. When complete, nearly all campus buildings will have transitioned from the legacy district steam system to geothermal exchange, simultaneous heating and cooling, or low-temperature Heating Hot Water, for heating and cooling. 

“More than a decade ago Miami University decided to start on a sustainability path and invest in geothermal technology  — since then we have already reduced our utility-based carbon footprint by more than 50%,” Miami University President Gregory Crawford said.

“It was an extraordinary vision back then to set us on the path to achieving carbon neutrality. As many institutions and organizations are now striving for this goal, we have a significant head start,” President Crawford said. 

Miami has realized significant savings too, with more than $100 million in accumulated cost savings from building improvements, conservation, and energy systems conversions since 2008. 

These energy systems conversions mean the campus is essentially “electrified,” needing only electric power, President Crawford explained. A new solar project, the Sharon and Graham Mitchell Sustainability Park with ground-mount solar panels above the Western Geothermal field, will help provide that electricity.

"With the support of the Board of Trustees for our Utility Master Plan back in 2012, we have realized tremendous success in reducing energy and operating costs and reducing carbon emissions," said Cody Powell, associate vice president for facilities. "We now have the infrastructure in place to support our first solar initiative, starting this spring."

The Sustainability Park will encompass the future Western Geothermal Solar Field, walking paths that connect to nearby trails in Miami University’s Natural Areas and signage detailing Miami’s journey to carbon neutrality.

President Crawford said the project will be finished by December 2025, with most of the work done by summer. “This project emphasizes our commitment to carbon neutrality – a goal made attainable by the generosity of donors and alumni like Sharon and Graham  Mitchell,” he said. “We are grateful for their leadership and vision in taking Miami to the next level.”

Sharon Janosilk Mitchell ‘73, former chair of the Miami University Board of Trustees,  championed the initial vision of the geothermal project in 2009. “We were inspired to work with Miami on the expansion of their sustainable energy program by adding solar to the already strong geothermal energy program we already have,” she said.

“It takes vision, investment, and ambition to create a long-term plan over decades that makes a big difference,” said David Creamer, senior vice president for finance and business services and an early advocate of the initiative. “That is what we did, and that is why we put Miami in such a strong position in terms of sustainability.”

Miami has a Gold rating from the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) and aims to reach Platinum in the coming years. Miami offers a wide range of sustainability programs, from academic courses to staff initiatives moving the campus culture toward sustainability.

The Miami 2040 Climate Action Plan, approved by Miami University's Board of Trustees in May, outlines the plan to reach carbon neutrality on the Oxford campus by 2024.  

“We are excited to be making such progress toward the goals set forth in the Miami 2040 Climate Action Plan — signed by President Crawford in May — and on our accelerated pathway to decarbonization of the Oxford campus,” Olivia Herron, director of sustainability, said. “We are national leaders in this area, driven by an ambition to create real change in sustainability and backed by substantial investments.