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Last Updated on February 13, 2024 by Ryan John
Nestled in the heart of Newport, Rhode Island, the opulent mansions that once served as summer retreats for America’s wealthiest families are now at the forefront of a different kind of revolution. The Preservation Society of Newport County is leading an ambitious effort to blend preservation with technological upgrades so that Newport’s mansions are pioneering modern sustainability. This transition from gilded luxury to green innovation is not only preserving the past but also ensuring these architectural treasures contribute to a more sustainable future.
The Breakers: A Model of Geothermal Excellence
The Breakers, the Vanderbilt family’s illustrious summer home, has emerged as a beacon of sustainability with its advanced geothermal system. This system, a marvel of modern engineering, utilizes the Earth’s core-generated heat, brought to the surface through a network of tubes from wells drilled deep underground. The mansion’s geothermal initiative features 40 wells, each plunging 1,500 feet deep, leveraging the stable underground temperature to provide efficient heating and cooling.
How the System Works
The geothermal heat ascends through the mansion’s original air shafts—bricked-in risers ingeniously designed to distribute warmth throughout the opulent rooms across three floors. In summer, the system offers cooling by tapping into the underground’s cooler temperatures, significantly reducing the mansion’s carbon footprint and energy costs. Moreover, it addresses the critical need to maintain a stable environment inside the mansion, protecting delicate interiors from the detrimental effects of temperature and humidity fluctuations.
Geothermal technology relies on the underground’s consistent temperature, approximately 55 degrees year-round, to moderate the mansion’s climate. While some geothermal setups draw water from the ground, The Breakers uses a closed-loop system with a refrigerant that adjusts temperature below the surface before circulating it through the mansion. This process efficiently cools the air in summer and, with the aid of a heat pump, raises the temperature to a comfortable 65 degrees in winter.
The Geothermal Initiative at Chateau-sur-Mer
A prime example of this sustainable transformation is the installation of a geothermal climate-control system at Chateau-sur-Mer. This project is part of a broader initiative by the Preservation Society to reduce reliance on traditional energy sources and minimize the carbon footprint of these historic properties. The system involves drilling 21 wells, each 425 feet deep, to utilize the constant underground temperature for heating and cooling the mansion. This innovative approach has led to a significant reduction in the use of heating oil, by as much as 80 percent at Chateau-sur-Mer, demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship without compromising the mansion’s architectural integrity​​.
A Vision for Sustainable Preservation
The Preservation Society’s broader sustainable vision encompasses more than just geothermal energy. It’s an ambitious plan to integrate green technologies across Newport Mansions, ensuring the protection of these cultural treasures for future generations while addressing contemporary environmental challenges. This approach demonstrates a pioneering spirit, marrying historic preservation with the urgent need for sustainable solutions.
Newport’s Mansions are Pioneering Modern Sustainability
The integration of geothermal systems across Newport’s mansions is a testament to the potential of combining historic preservation with modern sustainability practices. This initiative not only secures the architectural integrity of these landmarks but also positions them as leaders in the global movement toward environmental responsibility. As Newport Mansions continue to transition towards green energy, they serve as inspiring examples for historical sites worldwide to follow suit, proving that sustainability and historical preservation can go hand in hand.
Newport’s journey from gilded grandeur to green innovation marks a significant milestone in the preservation of its architectural heritage, ensuring that these symbols of America’s Gilded Age contribute to a sustainable future. By adopting advanced sustainable technologies, Newport’s Mansions are pioneering modern sustainability.
