- All Posts
- Aspen School District Advances Major Geothermal Heating and Cooling Project
Aspen School District Advances Major Geothermal Heating and Cooling Project
District and partners complete early field assessments as $5 million tax credit submission moves forward.
ASPEN, Colo. – Aspen School District is advancing a significant clean energy effort that will modernize heating and cooling across its campus through a proposed thermal energy network. The district, supported by McKinstry and regional partners, is preparing to submit a $5 million request under the Colorado Geothermal Energy Tax Credit Offering (GETCO) by the end of this month. The project has already secured meaningful funding through a grant from the Colorado Energy Office’s Geothermal Energy Grant Program and additional support from Aspen CORE — early investments that helped move planning and design forward.
If funded through GETCO, the project would become one of the largest K-12 geothermal heating and cooling installations in the state. The initiative comes as schools nationwide work to cut emissions, replace aging heating systems and stabilize long-term energy costs amid extreme weather. As a result, new public-sector incentives are accelerating geothermal adoption across Colorado’s public facilities. Aspen’s GETCO application positions the district to take advantage of a funding opportunity that may not be available again, with the project also eligible for up to 40 percent of total costs in federal support through existing geothermal tax provisions.
“The district is committed to creating healthier, more resilient learning environments while lowering long-term energy costs,” said Joe Waneka, director of operations and facilities at Aspen School District. “This effort shows what’s possible when strong partners come together to support our students and community.”
The proposed thermal energy network would reduce carbon emissions, add decarbonized cooling to the high school and elementary school and shift most campus heating to highly efficient ground source heat pumps. The final system is expected to include 150 to 300 closed-loop geothermal wells. Each well exchanges heat with the ground without using groundwater, and geothermal heating is four to five times more efficient than electric resistance systems.
Early field assessments completed over the Thanksgiving break provided valuable subsurface information to inform design and planning for the campuswide system. Although crews encountered challenging soil conditions, the work will guide future planning, shape design options and support the district’s long-term clean energy goals. These preliminary findings will be incorporated into ongoing project development and the district’s pursuit of federal funding.
“The initial test bore gave us valuable insight into the site’s subsurface conditions and the unique geology of the region. We’re applying those learnings as we move into planning and design. McKinstry and Bedrock will continue evaluating next steps, including the timing and configuration of any future work to ensure we’re best aligned with the drilling conditions,” said DJ Hubler, regional director of energy at McKinstry.
Supporting this work is a team of partners that includes McKinstry, which is leading design and feasibility efforts, including the investment grade audit and technical support for the grant submission. CLEER (Clean Energy Economy for the Region) is serving as the grant manager and owner’s representative. The GreyEdge Group and Bedrock Energy are contributing to planning, exterior loop design, coordination and subsurface analysis. Holy Cross Energy serves as a utility partner that may assist with funding and future grid upgrades.
Next steps include finalizing the GETCO application, integrating preliminary drilling results into design models and preparing for potential construction over the summers of 2026 and 2027, pending funding and board approval.
About Aspen School District
Located at 8,000 feet, surrounded by unparalleled natural beauty, Aspen School District views education as an adventure created from brave innovation, a world-class teaching staff and curriculum and experiential learning. Aspen School District cultivates inquisitive, resilient, and caring young people, enabling them to reach their highest academic potential through education that is rigorous, inclusive, and reflective of our mountain community values. For more information go to Aspenk12.net.
About CLEER
Since 2008, CLEER (Clean Energy Economy for the Region) has worked to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy, increase energy independence and reduce our contribution to climate change through clean mobility, renewable energy, and resource efficiency. CLEER is based in Carbondale, CO.
About McKinstry
McKinstry is a national leader in designing, constructing, operating and maintaining high-performing buildings. From new construction and ongoing operations to adaptive reuse and energy retrofits, the company provides a single point of accountability across the entire building lifecycle. McKinstry focuses on people and outcomes to ensure the built environment serves owners, operators and occupants alike. McKinstry is your trusted partner for the life of your building. Learn more at www.mckinstry.com.
# # #
Explore Other News
Aspen School District Advances Major Geothermal Heating a…
District and partners complete early field assessments as $5 million tax credit submission moves forward. ASPEN, C…
McKinstry and Gonzaga Partner to Build New Pathways for F…
Gonzaga University and McKinstry have worked alongside each other for years through student design projects, scholars…
McKinstry Expands Distributed Energy Resource Services to…
Electrons power our facilities and communities across the country. As we work to electrify everything, the need for m…
