Rochester, Michigan based Oakland University’s Human Health Building has received a $2.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to install a state-of-the-art geothermal heating system. The 161,000 square foot structure, expected to be complete in2012, will house OU’s School of Health Science and School of Nursing, bringing two schools under one roof.
The building’s geothermal heating system will include a roof mounted, solar thermal hot water array designed to provide the facility with summer dehumidification of ventilation air, as well as cooling, heating and domestic hot water. Jim Leidel, energy manager for OU facilities management, say the geothermal system will reduce energy related carbon emissions and is expected to cut the building’s energy costs in half.
The Department of Energy grant represents a portion of $338 million in Recovery Act Funding that will support 123 geothermal field development and research projects in 39 states. OU’s grant is one of 37 projects classified as ground source heat pump demonstrations, which will showcase environmental friendly heating and cooling technology in buildings managed by public and private entities.
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