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Sunken Garden Geothermal Plant
Â鶹Æƽâ°æ completed a study to examine the possibility of adding a geothermal wellfield within the Sunken Garden on the Historic Campus. Geothermal systems present a valuable opportunity for substantial HVAC cost reductions, particularly with incentives available under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Geothermal systems are highly durable, with extended lifespans for both equipment and well fields, resulting in reduced replacement frequency. Their consistent operating rates contribute to more predictable energy billing, enhancing financial planning.
Though various utilities are located within this area (steam and chilled water, domestic, storm, sanitary, electrical, and IT), approximately 380 geothermal wells can be located on the site with careful coordination, translating to around 475 Tons of cooling, and 5,700 MBH of heating. Based on the understanding of the current demands of each building, this amount of thermal energy can offset early 50% of the heating and cooling demands of the (7) buildings encircling the Sunken Garden – James Blair Hall, Tyler Hall, Tucker Hall, Wren Building, Ewell Hall, Washington Hall, and McGothlin Hall. Combined with additional Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) are implemented across these facilities, the wellfield could offset 100% of the heating and cooling demands and completely decarbonize these facilities.
Project Details
- Project Number: 204-18822-000
- Construction Value: $32,105,000 (preliminary estimate)
- Project Value: $25,870,000 (preliminary estimate)
- Fund Source: State
- Project Start Date: October 2026
- Construction Start Date: TBD pending state authorization and funding
- Finish Date: TBD pending state authorization and funding
- Project Manager: TBD
- Design Team: TBD
- Contractor: TBD
Progress
A cost verification report has been received from the commonwealth approving detailed planning funds in the amount of $1,803,000 per item C-28 of the FY2027 Budget Bill.
Building Committee
Ann Kildahl, Director of Sustainability
Catherine Mountjoy, AD of Capital Budgeting & Financial Planning
Dan Pisaniello, University Architect
Marc Kelly, Executive Director of Facilities Operations
Mack Whitehead, AD of Mechanical & Energy Systems
Tim Dean, Director of Design & Construction
TBD, Project Manager
Aerial photo of the existing Sunken Garden
Example photo of geothermal drilling from a previous project completed at Barksdale Field
Example photo of geothermal drilling from a previous project completed at Barksdale Field