SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Geothermal Exchange Organization (GeoExchange) has launched Mission Geo, a multi-faceted outreach and advocacy initiative to boost awareness, understanding, and adoption of geothermal heating and cooling through the use of ground-source heat pump technology. Mission Geo seeks to transform the HVAC landscape, a press release from GeoExchange said.

Leveraging the temperature of the earth, a ground-source heat pump (GSHP) transfers heat between the ground and a building to provide heating, cooling, and hot water by circulating a fluid through underground pipes that absorb or release heat, depending on the needs of the conditioned space.

Mission Geo will provide information to promote the advantages and benefits of ground-source heat-pump technology to builders, contractors, architects, designers, drillers, engineers, utilities, policymakers, the owners of commercial buildings, and consumers, the GeoExchange press release said.

“Ground-source heat pumps are a smart, proven, sustainable choice for heating and cooling,” said Eric Torykian, newly appointed executive director of Mission Geo. “These systems offer significant financial and environmental benefits, making them a sound investment and a better way to heat and cool buildings for homeowners and businesses alike. Mission Geo’s goal is simple: to drive the widespread adoption of geothermal heating and cooling.”

Mission Geo’s development efforts will include a blend of public relations, public affairs work, workforce education, and event sponsorships that aims to reach key stakeholders.

“Now is the right time to introduce Mission Geo as state agencies, utilities, and legislators are increasingly recognizing the value of ground-source heat pumps,” said Ryan Dougherty, president of GeoExchange. “Mission Geo will amplify this awareness, pushing for the regulatory and legislative support needed to accelerate geothermal heating and cooling adoption.”

Working in collaboration with the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA), Mission Geo will support workforce development programs to increase the number of trained HVAC contractors, drillers, engineers, designers, and other stakeholders in the design and installation of ground-source heat-pump technology.

“Ground-source heat pump technology offers significant growth opportunities for contractors, engineers/designers, architects, and drillers/excavators. The creation of lucrative careers in a growing industry is another compelling aspect of this technology’s expansion,” said Jeff Hammond, executive director of the IGSHPA. “Mission Geo will be instrumental in unlocking these new opportunities.”