Home / About / Thought Leadership / Case Studies / Leading the Way in Sustainable Fire Station Design
Wendel is proud to have contributed to developing two of New York State’s first all-electric, geothermal heat pump fire stations. Our projects in Beacon and Ithaca, NY signal the commitment that communities in this state feel toward climate action and decarbonization goals and set a new standard for sustainable design in public safety buildings. We are proud to say that the Ithaca Fire Station is now the winner of NY-GEO’s GEOSTAR 2025 Top Job Award in the Commercial category.
Civil Engineer
sransbottom@wendelcompanies.com
1.877.293.6335 ext 2034
The City of Beacon Fire Department is a blended department with career and volunteer firefighters who have been working out of three stations since the nineteenth century. The City wanted to explore consolidation for the Fire Department. Between 2006 and 2022, Wendel’s Mitchell Associates Architects completed five studies examining various options.
These options addressed a variety of factors, including space needs for all the departments and the process of transitioning from a volunteer to a career department. Options included building a new combined city/county building with a new fire station on a site shared with a new City Hall, a new combined city/county building with a drive aisle to Main Street, and a new combined city/county building with a pocket park. It was determined that renovations and additions to the centrally located Lewis Thompkins Hose Company Station were the most workable solution.
The station is 100% electric, carbon-free energy systems. It uses a ground-source heat pump system to maximize energy efficiency, and reduce operating costs, eliminating the need for a fossil fuel-based heating system. It has R-values well above code requirements, and high efficiency heat recovery ventilation.
The Ithaca East Hill Substation replaces the 1960s vintage College Town station. Wendel’s Mitchell Associates Architects was selected to program and design an innovative fire station to advance the City of Ithaca toward their rigorous climate action and equity goals. Wendel’s scope included structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection engineering. At the beginning of 2023, Wendel’s role expanded to provide Construction Management services. These services include preconstruction planning, estimating, and project management during construction.
When completed, a key sustainability element of this new fire station will be that it will be 100% electric, with carbon-free energy systems. The Fire Station will operate a ground-source heat pump system to maximize energy efficiency, reduce operating costs, and eliminate the need for a fossil fuel-based heating system. The 32-ton ground source geothermal heat pump system consists of eight 2.5 ton wells that are 500 feet deep and 4,500 feet of 1.5-inch piping.
The building will be entirely heated and cooled through a water-cooled variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system and a water-to-water heat pump serving in-floor radiant heating. Terminal fan coil units and ductless split units serve each space. An energy recovery ventilator (ERV) ventilates the apparatus bay. Domestic water is provided through an air-cooled heat pump water heater with electric backup.
The facility’s heating and cooling are managed through a combination of water-source Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) units and water-to-water heat pumps, both integrated with a geothermal loop located in the mechanical room. This system enhances efficiency, improves zoning, and introduces energy recovery capabilities. The GHP system also conditions outdoor air ventilation and generates hot water for radiant floors throughout the building, improving overall energy performance and occupant comfort.
Heating is critical in the apparatus room, where fire trucks are stored. Traditionally reliant on natural gas-powered overhead fan coil heating, the new method of having radiant floors heated by the GHP system will allow for more efficient warmth, quicker warm-up times, and a safer workspace. This innovative approach creates a more consistent and controlled environment for first responders and their equipment.
Significant sitework was necessary in response to being situated on a hill with a 25-foot grade change. Unforeseen soil conditions led to delays, particularly affecting sheet pile installation and GHP well placement. The team addressed these challenges by revising the construction schedule and implementing solutions, such as a self-contained pump unit to manage slurry and soil water. This resulted in a 75% recovery of lost time.
Engineers evaluated other sustainable options, including solar power and air source heat pumps (ASHP). However, dense tree coverage and extremely low winter design temperatures led to the decision to focus on the more effective GHP system.
The building has R-values well above code requirements, and high efficiency heat recovery ventilation.
Developing all-electric, geothermal heat pump fire stations in Beacon and Ithaca represents a significant step forward in sustainable design and climate action within New York State. These projects demonstrate Wendel’s commitment to innovative solutions in public safety infrastructure while aligning with community goals for decarbonization and operational efficiency. As both cities strive towards sustainable futures, these fire stations are exemplary models of how public facilities can lead the way in environmental responsibility and community engagement.