Emerson to Heat Campus with Carbon-Neutral Steam

Emerson, with the help of the College’s energy partner, Vicinity Energy, became the first college to commit to heating its entire campus with Vicinity’s eSteam, a zero emissions option that will help Emerson meet its goal to become carbon neutral by 2030.

Currently, the steam used to heat the campus accounts for about one third of the College’s greenhouse gas emissions, said Sustainability Director Jennifer Lamy.

“We are fortunate to have a partner in our long-time steam provider Vicinity, which is decarbonizing their steam production,” Lamy said.

With eSteam, Vicinity procures electricity from carbon-free energy sources, then uses it to power boilers and industrial scale heat pumps that create steam. The steam is stored for use during peak demand, and distributed to customers, such as Emerson, through underground pipes.

“Emerson is in a unique position as a small, urban institution, to work with partners in Boston to achieve our sustainability goals,” Lamy said.