Geothermal heating and cooling systems can reduce energy costs and dramatically improve efficiency.
A new affordable housing development in Southeast D.C. uses an innovative geothermal HVAC system to provide more efficient heating and cooling.
According to an opinion piece by Matthias Paustian and Glenn Hall in Greater Greater Washington, “The geothermal HVAC system, part of a $2.5 million pilot project funded by the DC Public Service Commission (PSC), uses a closed loop of water-filled pipes to provide highly efficient heating in the winter and cooling in the summer.The geothermal HVAC system, part of a $2.5 million pilot project funded by the DC Public Service Commission (PSC), uses a closed loop of water-filled pipes to provide highly efficient heating in the winter and cooling in the summer.”
Geothermal systems, in addition to reducing costs for residents, can make the grid more resilient by reducing electricity demand. “According to research from Transformative Strategies Consulting, municipalities across the US are pursuing this technology to lower household energy costs for residents, a strategy that can be replicated here in DC.”
According to the authors, “ It’s time to bring these clean energy systems, which can be integrated into both new and existing neighborhoods, to DC so that residents can access affordable energy without the safety risks associated with methane gas.”
Read the full story: A quiet revolution for low-cost heating and cooling emerges in DC’s Ward 8
Denver is building a sewage-powered thermal energy network
A proposed thermal energy network will harness heat from the earth and from wastewater to power renewable heating and cooling systems.
Oregon Requires Energy-efficient Heat Pumps in New Housing
A new state law is expected to save residents an average of $125 per month on energy costs.
Massachusetts Moves Toward Decarbonization
The state developed a framework for planning to phase out natural gas, denying industry calls to allow hydrogen and renewable natural gas.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.
Chicago breaks ground on $3 billion megadevelopment
The new neighborhood, titled Foundry Park, will one day host 3,700 residences.
Satanic Place Names
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California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO resigns after $600,000 scandal
Under Ian Choudri, the authority used taxpayer dollars to fund first class flights and trips to nightclubs.
Want to study the Missouri River? Soon, you may need unanimous approval from 10 states
Legislation would require 10 governors’ permission to study or build projects moving water outside the basin.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
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Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
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Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
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