Geothermal Heat Pump Proposal in APMA building at Brown

Sustainable design in the built environment is vital to combat the building and construction sector's significant contribution of 36% to global energy consumption and 39% to CO2 emissions. With heating and cooling accounting for half of a building's energy use, finding alternatives to fossil fuels is imperative. One promising solution gaining popularity is the use of geothermal heat pumps, leveraging the Earth's constant temperature beneath the surface. These pumps, now employing environmentally friendly refrigerants, offer an efficient and renewable energy source, leading to cost savings. The focus of a research project at Brown University involves designing a sustainable energy portfolio for the Applied Math building, exploring the selection of an appropriate Ground Source Heat Pump technology based on factors like climate, soil conditions, and cost-effectiveness. The project aims to balance energy efficiency and cost considerations while minimizing disruptions to student learning and schedules during installation.