OLA Consulting Engineers is proud to announce that the firm has received two Engineering Excellence Awards from ACEC New York for projects completed at Bard College. The awards recognize OLA’s work advancing high-performance building systems, energy efficiency, and long-term sustainability across Bard’s campus.
North Campus Passive House Dormitory Complex
The Platinum Award was presented for the North Campus Passive House Dormitory Complex, a Passive House Certified residential development designed to house 435 students across four dormitory buildings, a central communal building, and a Head House. The project totals approximately 130,000 square feet.
OLA provided mechanical engineering design for a geothermal HVAC and domestic water heating system paired with a high-performance building envelope. Together, these systems reduce overall energy use by 50% and achieve a 55% Energy Use Intensity (EUI) savings, supporting Bard College’s commitment to sustainable campus growth and low-carbon design.
Stevenson Library Geothermal Conversion
OLA also received a Gold Award for the Stevenson Library Geothermal Conversion, an HVAC retrofit project serving the 57,500-square-foot campus library. The project replaced oil-fired heating equipment and aging cooling systems with a geothermal solution.
The conversion eliminates approximately 14,000 gallons of oil use annually, reduces CO₂ emissions by 127 tons, and establishes a replicable model for future HVAC system upgrades across the campus.
These two projects reflect OLA’s continued focus on high-performance building systems that balance energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and long-term operational value. OLA appreciates the opportunity to partner with Bard College in advancing its sustainability goals and implementing forward-looking engineering solutions.
The awards will be presented by ACEC New York at a gala held at New York Hilton Midtown on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
