Geothermal energy is having its moment. In the June 2026 issue of its monthly newsletter, the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University spotlights its commitment to sustainability with an article about its geothermal program. Amy Heuer writes:
“Beneath the Arnold Arboretum, a quiet clean-energy system is helping power plant science.
Outside the Arboretum’s state-of-the-art research facilities at Weld Hill, an invisible system is at work, quietly advancing a more sustainable future. Far beneath the soil, geothermal wells tap Earth’s steady underground temperature, circulating energy through highly efficient electric heat pumps to warm our laboratories in winter and cool them down in summer. For students, scientists, and visitors, the effect is seamless: comfortable spaces that support learning and discovery. But behind the scenes, this technology diminishes the Arboretum’s use of fossil fuels, reducing carbon emissions while aligning our research mission with our values for promoting environmental stewardship. Paired with on-site solar power, the system reflects our broader commitment to more resilient practices. Here at Weld Hill and across our landscape, sustainability is rooted in action, weaving together science, landscape, and operations toward a greener Arnold Arboretum.”
See the video tour of the Weld Hill geothermal facility.
Image from the Arboretum newsletter.