A geothermal system being installed at Roxbury Community College.

Harnessing earth’s energy: Using geothermal heating for efficient comfort and sustainability

Carrie Quagliaroli and Johanna Hall co-authored an article in NEREJ entitled “Harnessing earth’s energy: Using geothermal heating for efficient comfort and sustainability." All New England states are making efforts to achieve reduced or Net Zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and develop clean energy and climate plans for the future. Continue reading

A map showing the historic and current alignment of Baker Brook.

Modeling & Green Infrastructure Design Helps Reduce Nuisance Flooding in Major Commercial Area

Andrew Walker, PH, CFM and James Pearson, PE co-authored an article in Stormwater Solutions entitled “Modeling & Green Infrastructure Design Helps Reduce Nuisance Flooding in Major Commercial Area." Climate change-driven increases in future precipitation are predicted to make flooding worse, leading to a redesign of the John Fitch Highway that will make the community more climate resilient. Continue reading

A parking garage.

Sprinkler Design Challenges for Electric Vehicles in Parking Garages

Ahmed Ibrahim authored an article in High Profile entitled “Sprinkler Design Challenges for Electric Vehicles in Parking Garages." With the market for electric vehicles projected to grow from 2.5 million units in 2020 to 31.1 million units in 2030, concerns about public safety related to their lithium-ion batteries have also increased. The problem arises when a short circuit occurs in these batteries. Continue reading

A variable refrigerant flow heat pump unit.

A Primer on Whole-Building Electrification

Johanna Hall and Sam Alpert co-authored an article in NEREJ entitled “A Primer on Whole-Building Electrification." What is building electrification? Electrification is the process of transitioning building systems, processes, and components to be powered by electricity rather than by various fossil fuels like oil or natural gas and can be a critical component in efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Continue reading

Powerlines along a rural road.

What Lies Beneath: Utility Coordination Challenges on Roadway and Bridge Construction Projects

Jim Forbes authored an article in Roads & Bridges entitled “What Lies Beneath: Utility Coordination Challenges on Roadway and Bridge Construction Projects." Roadway and bridge construction projects can be challenging. But also having to relocate existing utilities out of the way of these projects prior to the start of construction can add a whole new dimension to the challenges. Continue reading

UMass Lowell students measure the diameter of a honey locust.

Using Grant Funding to Promote Tree Equity in Lowell

Doris Jenkins authored an article in Massachusetts Planning entitled “Using Grant Funding to Promote Tree Equity in Lowell." American Forests, a non-profit conservation organization dedicated to protecting and restoring healthy forest ecosystems, defines “tree equity” as having enough trees in an area such that everyone can experience the health, climate, and economic benefits that they provide. Continue reading