News & Insights
Salas O’Brien experts share innovative energy transition strategies at CampusEnergy 2025
Get insights on energy transition and decarbonization for higher education from Salas O'Brien experts at IDEA's CampusEnergy 2025, February 3-6 in Boston.

Salas O’Brien is proud to partner with colleges and universities across North America in leading the energy transition. This February, our experts will share innovative strategies and real-world results at the CampusEnergy 2025 Conference, hosted by the International District Energy Association (IDEA). The event will take place February 3–6 at the Westin Boston Seaport District in Boston, Massachusetts.
Our team will join industry leaders and campus decision-makers to explore practical, impactful approaches to decarbonization. Through case studies and proven solutions, we aim to help campuses achieve their energy and sustainability goals.
Session details
Monday, February 3: Pre-Conference Workshop
Session 4: Geo-Exchange in Action
1:45–2:10 pm
Smith College – Phase 1 Geo-Exchange System in Operation
Ian Davies, Salas O’Brien
Justin Nash, Bond Building Construction, Inc.
2:10–2:35 pm
Ongoing Geothermal System Expansion at an Epic Scale
Jeff Urlaub, Salas O’Brien
Tuesday, February 4
11:15–11:40 am
An Aggressive Approach to Decarbonize a Dense & Growing Urban Campus
Angela Pakes, Salas O’Brien
Leah Bamberger, Northeastern University
4:45–5:10 pm
A Less-Daunting Approach to Campus Decarbonization
Doug Hammerle, Salas O’Brien
Don Van Winkle, Miami University
Wednesday, February 5
8:30–8:55 am
Amherst College: Decarbonization Plan, Implementation Year 3
Lindsey Olsen, Salas O’Brien
Aaron Haydon, Amherst College
These sessions will explore practical approaches to campus decarbonization, featuring case studies and insights from ongoing projects. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge on integrating sustainable energy systems within campus infrastructures.
For more information and to register, please visit the CampusEnergy 2025 website.
About IDEA
The International District Energy Association (IDEA) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit industry association founded in the United States in 1909. IDEA has extensive experience in highly reliable thermal networks, combined heat and power, thermal storage and clean energy management to optimize energy efficiency, emissions reductions, and sustainable solutions for mission-critical and community-scale markets.
About Salas O’Brien
Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and technical services firm focused on advancing the human experience through the built environment. Our team is engineered for impact, helping clients achieve critical goals, advancing our team members through growth and opportunity, and operating at the center of important global issues, including sustainability and decarbonization. We are a top firm as ranked by Engineering News-Record and Consulting-Specifying Engineer, and we have appeared for over a decade on the Inc. 5000 list of North America’s fastest-growing private companies.
For more details or to set up an interview, please contact Stacy Lake, Director of Corporate Communications.

Jeff Urlaub, PE
Jeff Urlaub brings a wealth of experience in campus electrification master planning. His expertise has been instrumental in the design of over 450 geoexchange projects, showcasing his deep knowledge in sustainable campus energy solutions. With a robust portfolio that demonstrates his breadth of knowledge and commitment to innovative sustainable solutions, Jeff continues to lead and inspire in the field of geoexchange engineering. Jeff serves as a Principal with Salas O’Brien. Contact him at [email protected].

Doug Hammerle
Doug Hammerle is a subject matter expert on campus utilities who works with clients on campus master plans. He spent the first part of his career on the client side as the Director of Energy Systems for Miami University. This experience empowered him with a deep personal perspective on the challenges higher education clients face. Doug is an expert in developing strategies that improve efficiencies and eliminate waste. Doug serves as a Vice President at Salas O’Brien. Contact him at [email protected]

Lindsey Olsen, PE, PMP
Lindsey Olsen is deeply experienced in campus sustainability and engineering projects. She specializes in helping campuses transition to newer generation, more sustainable technologies, and is skilled in decarbonization and program management. Lindsey holds a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Minnesota and a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies and Physics from Hamline University. Lindsey serves as a Vice President at Salas O’Brien. Contact her at [email protected].

Angela Pakes, PE, LEED AP
Angela Pakes brings over 25 years of expertise in sustainable design, risk assessment, resiliency planning, and strategic initiatives. Well-known for managing large-scale, complex projects and delivering impactful results, Angela’s ability to convene diverse stakeholders and foster collaboration underscores her success in driving decarbonization strategies and material reuse innovations. Angela serves as an Associate Vice President in Decarbonization for Salas O’Brien. Connect with her at [email protected].

Ian Davies, PE
With deep experience in engineering mechanical systems in the education, healthcare, and commercial sectors, Ian Davies helps clients improve energy-efficiency and achieve decarbonizations goals. Ian serves as a Senior Mechanical Engineer at Salas O’Brien. Contact him at [email protected].