Two events on Wednesday, Sept. 25, will showcase the Shineman Center’s geothermal installations -- one of the largest in the state for this form of alternative energy.
The first event, running from 2 to 3:30 p.m., includes a lecture and tour, and is targeted toward other institutions and businesses interested in exploring geothermal opportunities. A 5 p.m. tour is more oriented toward those interested in learning more about geothermal, including homeowners who might want to explore what options might exist on a more modest scale.
Both events are a partnership between and HeatSmart CNY -- a community campaign to help people more efficiently heat and cool their homes through air sealing, insulation, and heat pump installation -- and the college's Office of Sustainability.
The 2 p.m. presentation in Room 175 of the Shineman Center by geothermal expert Jay Egg will look at innovations in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems that utilize heat pumps to efficiently heat and cool buildings and help buildings eliminate fossil fuel use.
The event includes a tour of the Shineman Center’s geothermal heating and cooling system, to see one of the largest installations in the state, and talk with Chris Carrick, energy manager at the Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board about New York State Energy Research and Development Authority programs available to help institutions design and implement efficient heat pump systems.
An author, trainer and sought-after speaker, Egg founded EggGeothermal in Florida in 1990 to provide geothermal HVAC systems. He currently focuses his professional efforts on geothermal exchange implementation, permitting, feasibility and variances and utility-scale geothermal exchange systems. Among his clients are international, federal, state and local governments, developers, associations, and private entities.
For more information or to register for the talk and tour, visit the event's Eventbrite page.
At 5 p.m., the campus and community are invited to tour the Shineman Center geothermal installations to learn how ground source heat pumps work. Installers chosen by the HeatSmart CNY alliance can discuss with homeowners what opportunities are available to upgrade homes to more efficient heating and cooling that is also less expense than oil or propane. For more information or to register, visit the event's Eventbrite page.
The HeatSmart CNY campaign is a partnership between the Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board and Alliance for a Green Economy, with support from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and many experts and volunteers.
Opening to the public in 2013, the Richard S. Shineman Center for Science, Engineering and Innovation serves the Oswego campus and community as a leader in sustainability and demonstrates the college’s dedication to the sciences in classes and in practice. The building itself showcases Richard S. Shineman’s experiential and interactive approach to learning, as well as innovative practices, to minimize the building’s environmental footprint. Thanks to the environmentally conscious options available, the Shineman Center was awarded a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design gold-level certification.