Geothermal technology: At the building site of 1 Java Street in Brooklyn, New York, it is always 55 degrees, even when the temperature outside is in the 90s in the middle of July.
This steady temperature below the ground will make the building in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, where people will live, livable.
Lendlease is building 1 Java Street, which will be the biggest multifamily building with “geothermal” heating and cooling in New York State. This building masterpiece should be finished by the end of
2025. It could set a national example for living in a sustainable way.
Geothermal technology uses the earth’s natural elements to cool and heat places and water without using window AC units or natural gas. Lendlease thinks that this new method will cut carbon emissions by 55% and get the 790,000-square-foot building to net zero greenhouse gas emissions.
To combat climate change, experts recommend green cooling solutions. Air conditioning and electric fans used 20% of the world’s electricity in a 2018 International Energy Agency research. This emphasizes the need for eco-friendly cooling methods. New York City and the Biden administration promote geothermal cooling to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Layth Madi, who is the senior vice president and head of development at Lendlease, said that the company’s goal is to be carbon neutral and reach net zero by 2025. Madi thinks that the sustainability of 1 Java Street will attract a lot of possible residents. This is because more and more people are becoming aware of climate change and its effects.
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Geothermal plumbing uses the steady warmth of the earth to pump water from deep below the building. This underground cooling device cools the water in a building when it’s hot outside. On cold days, the geothermal technology works well to heat water.
For the geothermal pipe system at 1 Java Street, workers are digging 320 holes that are each 4 inches wide and 499 feet deep. Geosource Energy, a Canadian company that put in the vertical geothermal pipes and made the holes for them, is in charge of these projects.
Geothermal energy is good in the long run, but it is hard to get started with. Madi said that the geothermal system added 6% to the cost of building the building. Getting the specialized tools andskilled workers needed for such a huge project is also difficult.
Geothermal technology, on the other hand, is becoming very common ver quickly. Costs should go down as more people build geothermal systems and as companies train more people. The geothermal technology should heat and cool the building without costing too much.
Lendlease didn’t say how much money residents would save on utilities. They stated that 30% of the market-rate apartments at 1 Java Street will be for low-income people. Tenants will work with the energy company to keep track of how much electricity they use and pay for it.
1 Java Street is the first geothermal building in New York, but the people who built it think it could be used somewhere else. Adam Alaica, who works for Geosource Energy, says that geothermal can be used anywhere that the ground can store and release heat. Even though prices and economic viability are a concern, geothermal is a good option for many places across the country.
Our Reader’s Queries
How does geothermal technology work?
Geothermal power plants harness the power of underground reservoirs by drawing fluids to the surface, which are then used to produce steam. This steam is then utilized to drive turbines that generate electricity. The three primary types of geothermal power plant technologies are dry steam, flash steam, and binary cycle.
What is the latest technology for geothermal energy?
Advanced geothermal systems, also known as closed-loop geothermal, are a promising technology for regions without traditional hydrothermal resources. These systems utilize specially engineered pipe networks to circulate water or other heat transfer fluids, rather than relying on subterranean rocks. This innovative approach offers a new solution for areas previously unable to access geothermal energy.
What are 3 disadvantages of geothermal?
While geothermal energy has its benefits, it also comes with a few drawbacks. One of the main concerns is the potential for emissions, as greenhouse gases below the Earth’s surface can rise to the surface. Additionally, the construction of large geothermal power plants can trigger surface instability, such as earthquakes. Another disadvantage is the high cost for electricity, as the setup cost can be higher than other forms of energy. It’s important to weigh these factors when considering the use of geothermal energy.
Is geothermal better than HVAC?
Geothermal systems have an edge over air source heat pumps due to their higher efficiency. This is because the temperature underground remains constant, unlike the air temperature that fluctuates, particularly during winters. This makes geothermal systems a reliable and cost-effective option for heating and cooling your home.