URI 2010 Climate Action Plan

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initial cost. If such a system would be viable, the methane could be used at our current steam plant, or at a proposed combined heat and power plant.

Geothermal

A geothermal system may be installed to heat and cool spaces within a building. The system taps the constantly flowing foundation drainage system and run the ground water through heat exchangers to cool and heat lower level spaces. Cost savings are very conservative and depend on drilling depth and any changes in the size of the system. Though a complete analysis and design of the small scale system was performed for possible installation in the new pharmacy building, the geothermal system will not be included as part of the construction plans. In the future, a geothermal system should be considered as a possible renewable energy source for new buildings and/or buildings undergoing major renovation.

URI Climate Action Plan

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