This report provides guidance to MURB developers on geothermal heating and cooling systems including energy and cost analysis, case study, and system development processes. Common barriers to entry are reviewed and described with the purpose of enabling a greater understanding of the potential challenges.
Energy modelling of an archetype multi-unit residential building demonstrates the energy and carbon benefits of geothermal systems as well as the cost savings when compared to a traditional 2-pipe fan-coil HVAC system. The analysis shows a 33% reduction in energy consumption, 47% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions, and 10% annual energy cost savings.