WASHINGTON — Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is working with the Geothermal Exchange Organization (GEO) and the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) on developing the first national certification standard for all primary personnel involved in the installation of geothermal heat pump (GHP) systems as defined in GHP System Discipline Classifications 07-06-2011. The standard will be designed to increase customer confidence in the technology, reduce the potential for improperly installed systems, and ensure product quality and performance.

ORNL is conducting a series of surveys on federal experience with GHP systems to identify common causes for faulty functioning of systems, and industry best practices for GHP system design, installation, maintenance, the key barriers that prevent wide application of GHP systems, and the qualifications and requirements of all personnel involved in GHP system deployment in federal facilities. Additionally, GHP industry stakeholder opinions of the current GHP discipline classifications and qualifications and requirements for GHP disciplines are also being surveyed.

For more information, go to www.ghpncs.org.

Publication date: 10/24/2011