Sustainability group urges Hopkinton to choose geothermal for high‑school HVAC

Nicole Simpson, speaking as a member of the Sustainable Green Committee, urged the committee to pursue a ground‑source heat‑pump replacement at the high school rather than a like‑for‑like gas replacement.

"This is our chance to get it right and not lock in another 20 years of fossil fuel emissions and operating costs," Simpson said, arguing geothermal systems paired with solar generation can both lower long‑run operating costs and improve the learning environment by providing reliable heating, cooling and fresh‑air exchange. Simpson said the town sustainability manager has applied for a $500,000 Green Communities grant and that additional grants might be available if the town qualifies as a climate leader.

She framed the project as an investment the district must make now given the existing system’s age and suggested that taking action can avoid emergency replacements with narrower options. The committee heard the presentation from CMTA later in the meeting and did not take a formal vote during the public‑comment presentation.