Energy Savings Project

NPS photo

About the Project:

In 2015, the National Park Service (NPS) began planning to modernize Independence National Historical Park's antiquated, failing, and inefficient heating and cooling system. Much of the park's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment dates back at least 50 years. Beginning in April 2024, the park will start construction on this $14 million project, funded by the Great American Outdoors Act's Legacy Restoration Fund, to preserve the park's landmark buildings and provide comfort for the almost five million people who visit them annually as the park prepares for an influx of visitors associated with the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.

One way this project will improve the efficiency of the park's heating and cooling system is by eliminating the current system's need for high-pressure steam to be transported 2.5 miles to the park (with the steam condensate waste eventually disposed into the city sewer system) and creating a new closed loop system that will generate hot water that will be pumped through multiple buildings and recycled. These updates, along with multiple HVAC equipment repairs and replacements and the automated systems that control them, will ultimately reduce both the park's energy consumption and utility costs. The new system will also allow the park to more readily and efficiently upgrade its heating and cooling systems as technology evolves in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Will construction impact my visit to Independence National Historical Park?

• Some temporary and intermittent closures are likely, but this project will not impact visitors touring Independence Hall or visiting the Liberty Bell Center. Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center are open from 9 am until 5 pm daily.

Why can't the park upgrade its heating and cooling system using exclusively renewable energy sources such as wind or solar?

• The NPS is using a US Department of Energy tool called a Utility Energy Service Contract (UESC) to accomplish this important project. While the park is disconnecting from the city-wide natural gas and carbon-fuel powered steam system to a localized steam system, unfortunately, converting to wind or solar was not feasible under the UESC nor able to adequately meet historic preservation and conservation needs. However, the new system created by the project will reduce the park's overall energy consumption and costs. The upgrades will also allow us to more easily adapt the system in the future as technologies evolve.

How is the park working to reduce its carbon footprint in other areas?

• The NPS is committed to promoting clean and efficient energy solutions that reduce reliance on fossil fuels. You can learn more about the NPS's Green Parks Plan online. The park has completed, or has undertaken, the following projects to advance the NPS Green Parks Plan:
  • The park is replacing the electric resistance heat system at the Free Quaker Meeting House with a more sustainable air source heat pump.
  • The gas boiler at the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site is being replaced with an air source heat pump.
  • The heating system at the Declaration House will be decarbonized with an electric boiler.
  • The geothermal heating systems at Deshler-Morris and Bringhurst Houses (Germantown White House) were recently renewed with a lifecycle replacement of the heat pumps.
  • The park will be installing solar panels at the Liberty Bell Center to help power the building.
  • The park uses electric vehicles and is installing EV charging stations.
  • 100% of the electricity used by the park comes from renewable sources.

What is a Utility Energy Service Contract?

• Authorized by the Energy Policy Act (42 U.S.C. § 8256), a utility energy service contract (UESC) is a tool provided through the Department of Energy’s Federal Energy Management Program. UESCs provide a streamlined approach for federal agencies to contract with local utility companies for energy management services, including energy and water efficiency improvements and energy demand reduction. You can learn more on the Department of Energy's website.