Tobin Montessori and Vassal Lane School, Cambridge, MA

Water Source Heat Pumps off Geothermal Loop

The City of Cambridge has a goal of becoming a carbon neutral community by 2050. As such, new projects and major building are required to utilize building systems that are low or ultra-low energy systems. This new 272Ksf project was designed as a Net-Zero project, making it not only sustainable, but an important example of responsible stewardship. A geothermal well system with over 300 wellheads and photovoltaic panels over most of the roof area are included for self-generation of energy to condition the spaces. Annexair air-handling units were chosen based on their flexibility, focus on high quality components and features such as their new revolutionary thermo and bio composite casing systems with a lifetime warranty, and their R&D and focus on energy efficiency and integral refrigeration systems. All 11 air-handling units have enthalpy wheels for maximum energy recovery, variable speed EC fans & motors for highest efficiency movement of air and very low turndown speeds, and integral water source heatpumps with all variable speed compressors for the lowest energy use in creating the heating & cooling necessary for the building spaces.