Earth Source Heat
Cornell University’s Innovative Transformation of Energy Systems
Cornell's campus is where our core educational mission and sustainability values converge. The campus is employed as a living laboratory where faculty, researchers, students and staff can create, test and implement a variety of sustainability solutions. These serve as opportunities for education and engagement on a scale that demonstrates if and how research innovations can be deployed for the benefit of the region, the nation or the world.
Earth Source Heat is Cornell's version of a geothermal system that would use the earth's internal heat to warm the Ithaca campus. The project is a research collaboration across several academic departments along with campus facilities staff, and it is a major component of the university's goal of achieving carbon neutrality.
Cornell is changing the future of energy, food, transportation and more.
Campus Partners
Renewable Energy
Jefferson Tester studies sustainable energy systems with a focus on geothermal and biomass energy research.
Learn more
FACILITIES AND CAMPUS SERVICES
Rick Burgess oversees campus energy facilities with a focus on incorporating innovation and sustainability into university services.
Learn moreENERGY SYSTEMS
Lynden Archer studies polymers and nanomaterials for applications in electrochemical energy storage and energy systems.
Learn moreFACILITIES ENGINEERING
Steve Beyers is a civil and environmental engineer providing management support, including for geothermal and solar projects.
Learn more
ENERGY AND SUSTAINABILITY
Robert "Bert" Bland is an engineer specializing in district energy systems, sustainability planning, and biomass energy.
Learn moreGEOPHYSICS AND SEISMOLOGY
Larry Brown studies geotectonics and applies seismic reflection methods to explore the continental lithosphere.
Learn moreENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
Edwin "Todd" Cowen studies fluid mechanics, renewable energy and sustainability focused on environmental transport processes.
Learn more
STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY
Patrick Fulton combines hydrogeology, thermal geophysics, and geomechanics to study heat and fluid in fault zones.
Learn moreFACILITIES ENGINEERING
Ole Gustafson is a geologist with experience in supporting and planning sustainable geothermal heating and cooling systems.
Learn moreENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
Anthony Ingraffea specializes in the simulation and testing of engineered systems with a focus on sustainable technologies.
Learn more
GEOLOGICAL SCIENCES
Teresa Jordan studies geology with a focus on subsurface energy resources, including geothermal energy and shale properties..
Learn moreGEOPHYSICS
Matthew Pritchard studies geophysics, tectonics, and subsurface energy systems using satellite remote sensing.
Learn more