Schools with Geothermal Heat Pumps

With fluctuating gas prices, an increasing number of learning institutions are taking advantage of high-efficiency geothermal heat pump technology, which can both heat and cool their facilities. The technology also lets schools maximize the benefit of OPPD's electric rates, which are among the lowest in the nation. OPPD has not seen a rate increase in 10 years.

Schools are an ideal application for geothermal heat pump use. They have diverse energy needs, heating and cooling everything from large common areas to small classrooms. In addition, they have large land areas – playgrounds and ball fields – under which a geothermal loop system can easily be installed. Another advantage for schools is the flexibility of the system, which allows different temperature settings in different parts of the building, and avoids unnecessary heating and cooling of unoccupied areas.

Both the federal Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency have endorsed the geothermal heat pump system because it is the most energy-efficient and environmentally friendly HVAC system available.

Before installing a geothermal heat exchanger, OPPD conducts a building assessment to project potential savings for the school. After the school makes a decision to proceed with the geothermal heat pump system, OPPD conducts a geothermal conductivity test to accurately determine the properties of the soil and the depth and number of wells needed for the project.

Geothermal heat pump systems installations include:

Omaha Public Schools

• McMillan Middle School (magnet center)
• Rosehill Elementary School
• Belvedere Academy
• Miller Park Academy

OPS Schools with Geothermal Installations Under Way

• Wakonda Academy
• Beals Elementary School
• Walnut Hill Academy
• Fontenelle Elementary School
• Castelar Academy
• Washington Elementary School
• Kennedy Academy
• Marrs Elementary School
• Sherman Academy
• Saratoga Academy
• Northwest Middle School (new)

Bellevue Public Schools

• Lied Activity Center
• Welcome Center

Millard Public Schools

• Beadle Middle School
• Gretchen Reeder Elementary School
• Rohwer Elementary School
• Wheeler Elementary School

Elkhorn Public Schools

• Spring Ridge Elementary School
• Elkhorn Ridge Middle School

Westside Community Schools

• Westside High School

Metropolitan Community College

• Metropolitan Community College/LaVista Library

Westside High School
Geothermal Heat Pump Case Study

Westside High School Geothermal Heat Pump Case Study: Statistics show that by installing a geothermal heat pump system, Westside High School reduced its annual energy costs by $29,500, while adding 80,000 square feet of educational space during its recent renovation project. Westside energy personnel estimate that the school will save between $1.5 and $3 million in energy and maintenance costs over the next 20 years with this installation.

Contact:

Please call (402) 636-3536 in Omaha or 1-800-648-2658 outside the metropolitan area.

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