Due to a Department of Energy Grant, the Library Project Team revisited the energy options available for the new library. A presentation made to City Council on Tuesday, May 26 introduced geothermal technology and detailed the advantages/disadvantages of a conventional HVAC system versus geothermal heat pumps. City Council directed staff to use geothermal for the heating and cooling system to realize 20 - 25% energy savings over a conventional HVAC unit.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), geothermal heat pumps are the most energy-efficient, environmentally clean, and cost-effective systems for temperature control. Area school districts using geothermal technology have realized savings of up to 50%. The Library Project Team interviewed Energy Managers at the Arlington, Birdville, Frisco and Waxahachie school districts. All the officials highly recommended geothermal technology siting annual energy and maintenance costs.