Some 41% of schools across the nation—or about 36,000 schools—have HVAC systems that must be updated or replaced, according to the Government Accountability Office. While this poses many challenges, from uncomfortable and distracted learning environments to increased transmission of viruses among students and even school closures, many districts are realizing that action must be taken. They are also increasingly turning their focus to more sustainable solutions, such as ground source heat pump systems, or GSHPs.

Nearly 500 schools around the country have installed GSHPs for more efficient heating and cooling. They are not only providing superior classroom comfort, but the schools are benefitting from lower operating and maintenance costs, energy efficiency and leading by example in terms of lowering carbon footprint and making sustainability a key priority.

GSHPs leverage the earth’s constant underground temperature to provide more efficient heating and cooling year-round. This is particularly helpful in climates that experience extreme cold or heat. The GSHP exchanges heat with the earth through a ground heat exchanger. It moves the heat from the earth into the building in the winter and draws heat from inside and discharges it in the summer. 

GSHPs are also ideal solutions because they provide an opportunity to heat or cool individual classrooms or specific areas, rather than the entire building. Electricity consumption is reduced by 25% to 50% compared to traditional heating and cooling systems. There are also major financial savings over time. 

Take a school district in Lincoln, Nebraska that outfitted four elementary schools with GSHPs awhile back and is now realizing the savings. They realized heating and cooling costs that were $144,000 a year less than traditional heating and cooling systems. The savings would reach $3.8 million over just 20 years, according to a report published by the U.S. Department of Energy. Surely, the money saved on energy costs can be invested in educational resources or other improvements to the school’s infrastructure.

When schools install GSHPs, they are also leading by example and teaching the next generation about current environmental concerns and ways in which they can help shape a more sustainable future. The lessons are invaluable, from real-life concepts taught about these systems to encouraging students to explore additional ways in which they can reduce their carbon footprints.

Furthermore, there are a wide range of tax incentives available to schools interested in taking advantage of GSHP systems. GEO-NII is proud to help lead the way and guide schools on how to install these systems while offsetting initial costs. At GEO-NII, we recognize the importance of educating the next generation and providing the framework for a more sustainable planet.