Evanston buildings install ground source heat pumps, attempt to boost energy efficiency  – Evanston RoundTable

Sustainable Geothermal Energy in Evanston

Introduction

This report highlights the use of geothermal heating and cooling systems in Evanston, Illinois, as a sustainable solution to reduce carbon footprints. It explores the installation process, benefits, challenges, and success stories of geothermal energy in the city.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Geothermal energy aligns with several SDGs:

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
3. SDG 13: Climate Action

Underground Heat Source

Geothermal energy in Evanston primarily utilizes ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) due to the absence of high-temperature reservoirs. GSHPs involve drilling holes and installing vertical loops connected to electric heat pumps in buildings.

Installation Process

• Holes are drilled approximately 20 feet apart and 100 to 400 feet deep.
• Two pipes, connected with a U-bend, form a loop inserted into each hole.
• Vertical loops are connected with horizontal pipes placed in trenches.
• The loops are connected to the electric heat pump in the building.

Functioning of GSHPs

In winter, the antifreeze fluid in the underground pipes transfers heat to the heat exchanger, warming the building. In summer, the heat pump removes heat from the building air and transfers it underground, cooling the building.

Global Adoption of GSHPs

The International Energy Agency reports an 11% growth in global sales of heat pumps in 2022. Approximately 50,000 geothermal heat pumps are installed in the US each year.

Success Stories in Evanston

House of Sustainability

The Revelles’ lakeside home showcases sustainable features such as solar panels and geothermal heating. The photovoltaic roof shingles produce 85% of the electricity used in the house, supporting the new GSHP.

Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

The seminary installed GSHPs in two buildings but faced challenges due to deficient technology and insufficient geothermal wells. The system did not provide adequate cooling and relied on campus steam for heating.

Evanston History Center

The historic Dawes House successfully implemented geothermal heating in 2013. The seven GSHPs, supplemented by electric heat, have provided efficient heating for nearly a decade.

Conclusion

Geothermal energy in Evanston offers a sustainable solution to reduce carbon footprints. While challenges exist, successful installations demonstrate the potential of geothermal heating and cooling systems in creating a greener future.

Links

• Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
• Homes That Work
• Evanston History Center

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs Addressed in the Article:

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
3. SDG 13: Climate Action

Targets Identified Based on the Article’s Content:

• Target 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
• Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management
• Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning

Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article:

• Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption
• Indicator 11.6.2: Proportion of urban solid waste regularly collected and with adequate final discharge out of total urban solid waste generated, by cities
• Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic, and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer, and development actions

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Explanation:

– The article discusses the use of geothermal heating and cooling systems as a renewable energy source, addressing SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).

– The specific target identified is Target 7.2, which aims to increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

– The indicator mentioned is Indicator 7.2.1, which measures the renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption.

– The article also highlights the importance of reducing environmental impact in cities and paying attention to waste management, connecting to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and Target 11.6.

– The indicator related to this target is Indicator 11.6.2, which measures the proportion of urban solid waste regularly collected and with adequate final discharge.

– Additionally, the article mentions the need to integrate climate change measures into policies and planning, aligning with SDG 13 (Climate Action) and Target 13.2.

– The indicator associated with this target is Indicator 13.2.1, which tracks the number of countries that have communicated capacity-building efforts for adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: evanstonroundtable.com

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