One of the best and most exciting examples of Heartland’s commitment to being environmentally responsible is in the remodeling plans for the 6445 Administration Building. The building is being remodeled to make use of a geothermal heating and cooling system, which is the most efficient, environmentally clean and cost effective system available.
A geothermal system is different from a traditional furnace or boiler in that it transfers stored heat from the ground rather than producing heat. The ground below frost line maintains a fairly stable temperature. It is warmer than the atmosphere in winter and cooler in the summer. Geothermal systems take advantage of the natural constant temperature of the Earth. During winter when the ground temperature is warmer, geothermal heat pumps use the Earth’s soil (or groundwater) to recover the Earth’s heat. In the summer, the opposite occurs and the pump returns heat to the cooler ground source.
The biggest benefit of geothermal heat pump systems is that they use 25–50% less electricity than conventional heating or cooling systems. According to the EPA, geothermal heat pumps can reduce energy consumption—and corresponding emissions—up to 44% compared to air-source heat pumps and up to 72% compared to electric resistance heating with standard air-conditioning equipment. There are several different systems available in geothermal technology and each has its advantages depending on the location, size and age of the building to be heated. The specifics of the plan for 6445 will be outlined in future Connection issues.
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