Hopkinton committee hears $11M–$22M HVAC scenarios, weighs geothermal, timing and taxpayer impact

Summary

CMTA presented an ESCO assessment of Hopkinton’s middle- and high-school HVAC systems, recommending phased options (air-source, geothermal, or full replacement). Presenters warned high‑school boilers need renewal within 0–5 years and noted federal tax credits for geothermal reduce net cost if action is taken before 2031.

CMTA, the engineering firm hired to assess Hopkinton Public Schools’ facilities, told the school committee on Sept. 25 that the district’s middle and high schools face aging heating and cooling systems and several practical paths forward.

The firm presented three tiered options for the high school and middle school: a 'good' approach using air‑source heat pumps and limited upgrades; a 'better' option centered on a geothermal (water‑to‑water) heat‑pump central plant; and a more invasive 'best' scenario that would allow simultaneous heating and cooling building‑wide. The firm said the middle option offered the best 30‑year life‑cycle cost when combined with state and federal incentives.

CMTA said classroom monitoring showed temperatures as high as "about 83 degrees" in some rooms and described the…

Hopkinton committee hears $11M–$22M HVAC scenarios, weighs geothermal, timing and taxpayer impact

Summary

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