Earthheat – Commercial Projects

Humboldt Penguin

Humboldt penguins like their water between 50-60 degrees F. Considering Seattle’s climate, that means the water needs to be cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. But geothermal makes that easier. “The ground water alone is 52 degrees,” Maloney explains. The geothermal design for the pools operates on 2 stages with 2 compressors, one at a time, with a large tankless gas water heater as a third stage. Thanks to the temperate ground water, however, Maloney doesn’t think the system will ever need the third stage. The water-to-water heat pump also will cool the pool water on a reverse cycle in the event the water temperature rises above the desired temperature. This also operates in 2 stages.

Green Building

Consistent with our mission for a sustainable future, the new 21 Acres Center is an innovative building designed to Leadership in Energy And Environmental Design (LEED) standards targeting a Platinum rating. The building and its integrated systems provide lessons for the community to consider in lessening their own impact on the planet.

LEED Platinum goal

In addition to highlighting the City's dedication to urban water quality, the new facility is a showcase for the City's commitment to sustainable building practices and energy conservation. The City is pursuing LEED Platinum certification, the highest possible rating awarded under the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system. More information on LEED, the nationally recognized standard for green buildings, is available from the US Green Building Council.

Heat Source

The building uses ground source geothermal wells for the heating and air-conditioning source. No fossil fuels are used, and there will be no gas or propane bills. There are 140 wells that are 200 feet deep. The ventilation is a displacement air system that uses high-volume, low-pressure air brought in low to the room and exhausted high, this is allows for better indoor air quality and less noise.

Geothermal system

In addition to being built for function, the building was also built to be "green," Keegan said. "This building's utilities will be extremely efficient," he said. The building will use a geothermal system, which uses the warmth of the Earth to heat cisterns of water, which is then pumped through pipes in the building to warm it.