Is a geothermal system good for the environment?
By taking the current, aging boilers offline, the university will be able to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide it adds to the atmosphere by a substantial amount—nearly 80,000 tons annually. The net result of switching to the geothermal system will allow Ball State to cut its carbon footprint by nearly half. There is no direct interaction between the water in the system and the earth, only heat transfer through the pipes. Ball State’s closed loop system will circulate water. In colder climates, similar systems require the use of an antifreeze such as propylene glycol, denatured alcohol, or methanol. Ball State’s system will not require any antifreeze and will use only fresh water. Implementing a university-wide geothermal system is part of Ball State’s longtime commitment to sustainability.
