If you've been following IGSHPA progress since the organization moved from Oklahoma State University to an independent nonprofit, hopefully you have noticed that IGSHPA is really starting to gain some serious momentum. July was no exception! With the addition of two new employees this month, Greg Kurtz and Lisa Lipe, confirmation of our keynote speaker, Alejandro Moreno, from the U.S. Department of Energy at the annual conference, the announcement of an even larger selection of presenters for the conference (11 tracks, 49 workshops, Annual General Meeting, Leadership Address, and joint workshops with NGWA), the reintroduction of of GeoOutlook Magazine, and much more, IGSHPA is "moving earth"! I sincerely hope that IGSHPA members are seeing an increase in value of their membership as we grow to help the industry become a mainstream choice for heating and cooling.
With the recent staff additions, you will see an acceleration in training development. We've had great progress already with a very passionate and energetic training committee and subcommittees. However, all of these members are volunteers. The staff additions are geared towards providing direct support to the committee members and chairs. As we get closer to announcing the first few training modules, you will see articles on the new courses. The ultimate goal is to create modular training for greater accessibility and a better fit for workforce development as the industry grows. Our first two modules, installation technician and service technician, will be ready at the beginning of the year.
As we head into Fall, members will see even more changes, including the addition of two new board members, a manufacturer sector director and a utility sector director, bringing the IGSHPA board of directors to seven members.
Stay cool as we head into August (hopefully by using the constant temperature of the Earth)! Thank you for reading the July IGSHPA News.
Jeff Hammond
Executive Director
International Ground Source Heat Pump Association
jeff@igshpa.org
IGSHPA Welcomes New Employees
Join us in welcoming the newest IGSHPA Employees, Greg Kurtz and Lisa Lipe!
Greg Kurtz will be responsible for providing support to IGSHPA staff and members for technical projects such as training development, interfacing with subcontractors for database development, and working with training and standards committees.
Greg has over 40 years of experience in the ground source heat pump industry including positions at ClimateMaster, Enertech, FHP/Bosch, Geo-Flo, and WaterFurnace, as well as owned/operated an HVAC contracting business in Ohio. His most recent position at PoolPak provides great insight into specialty applications that ties in nicely with the work needed at IGSHPA.
Lisa Lipe is the Administrative Assistant for IGSHPA. Her responsibilities include overseeing the production of GeoOutlook Magazine, assisting in member inquiries, and grant writing.
Lisa spent the last year working and helping at her children’s school and before that working as an office manager for a non-profit in Springfield, IL. Before returning to work, she spent 13 years being a stay-at-home-mom. She is very excited to be joining IGSHPA full time, and is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the IGSHPA team!
2023 Conference Keynote Speaker & Agenda Announced
We are excited to share with you that the Keynote Speaker for our 2023 Annual Meeting will be Alejandro Moreno, from the U.S. Department of Energy.
Alejandro Moreno is the Acting Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at the Department of Energy. In this role, he leads the Department’s efforts to advance the development of renewable energy, sustainable transportation and fuels, and clean, low-carbon buildings and industry. His office oversees $3 billion annually for cutting-edge research across the US national laboratory system, private industry, and universities, as well as extensive partnerships with other federal agencies, state and local governments and energy sector leaders to understand and support the clean energy transition.
Previously, he led the Department’s Renewable Energy division and Water Power office. In addition to his roles at DOE, he has served in the energy groups of the World Bank and International Finance Corporation, where he designed and led regulatory reform programs to spur investment in clean energy and rural electrification. Mr. Moreno holds a Bachelor’s degree from Stanford University and a Master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies.
Alejandro's keynote address will be Wednesday, December 6 at 11am.
Our 2023 Agenda is now available to view on the IGSHPA website here. Be sure to check it out so you can start planning which dynamic workshops you want to attend! Get registered, become an exhibitor, or learn about advertisement and sponsorship opportunities by going to our 2023 Conference Page.
Thank You Conference Sponsors!
IGSHPA is thrilled to announce the re-launch of GeoOutlook Magazine! We are hard at work trying to get our first issue out for Fall 2023. We are asking our very talented members to share their writing skills with us for our upcoming editions! If you have an article that you have written or have an industry topic that you have been wanting to get out in front of folks, WE WANT TO SEE THEM!
We have partnered with BNP Media for distribution! That means that all GeoOutlook content (your articles & advertisements) will be distributed to thousands that subscribe to other publications such as The Driller, ACHR NEWS and more. Don't forget that IGSHPA members can take advantage of a special offer (see below) to advertise in GeoOutlook AND our 2023 Conference Program Guide for a discounted price!
Submissions for articles and advertisements can be sent to info@igshpa.org. The Fall 2023 publication deadline for submissions is August 10, so get your pieces in! Some submissions may be held for the next edition once we have enough article for the upcoming edition.
Double your advertising reach by taking advantage of this special offer!
IGSHPA is bringing back the GeoOutlook Magazine! IGSHPA members can advertise in both our 2023 Annual Conference Program Guide AND Fall 2023 edition of GeoOutlook Magazine for one discounted price. Send your request and ad to info@igshpa.org. Ad submissions must be received by August 10.
IGSHPA Member Pricing for GeoOutlook Magazine AND Annual Conference Program Guide:
**1/4 page in Annual Conference Program, 1/4 page in GeoOutlook Magazine:
IGSHPA MEMBER SPECIAL PROMOTION
IGSHPA Members: $450 -- Savings of $210
**1/2 page in Annual Conference Program, 1/2 page in GeoOutlook Magazine:
IGSHPA MEMBER SPECIAL PROMOTION
IGSHPA Members: $800 -- Savings of $400
**Full Page in Annual Conference Programs, Full Page in GeoOutlook Magazine:
IGSHPA MEMBER SPECIAL PROMOTION
IGSHPA Members: $1500 -- Savings of $700
Full Page Back Cover Annual Conference Program, Full Page Back Cover GeoOutlook Magazine:
IGSHPA MEMBER SPECIAL PROMOTION
IGSHPA Members: $3000 -- Savings of $1400
If you are not an IGSHPA member and would like to take advantage of this special offer, please contact info@igshpa.org.
Member Pricing for GeoOutlook Advertising ONLY:
**1/4 page in GeoOutlook Magazine:
IGSHPA Members: $330
**1/2 page in GeoOutlook Magazine:
IGSHPA Members: $600
**Full Page in GeoOutlook Magazine:
IGSHPA Members: $1100
**Full Page Back Page GeoOutlook Magazine:
IGSHPA Members: $2200
NON-MEMBER Pricing for GeoOutlook Advertising ONLY:
1/4 page for GeoOutlook Magazine: Non-Members $800
1/2 page for GeoOutlook Magazine: Non-Members $1500
Full page for GeoOutlook Magazine: Non-Members $2800
Full Page Inside Cover for GeoOutlook Magazine: Non-Members $4000
Exhibitor, Sponsorship, and Advertisement Opportunities are ALL AVAILABLE!
Get your brand out in front of thousands by exhibiting in the Geothermal Pavilion, advertising in the Program Guide or becoming a sponsor! Go to https://igshpa.org/igshpa-annual-conference-2023/ for all things Conference related!
The Plastics Pipe Institute, Inc. (PPI) has released a new Model Specification document that provides guidance to specifiers, engineers, designers, and others about selecting, specifying and installing plastic piping materials for ground source geothermal systems. Prepared by PPI’s Building & Construction Division, PPI MS-7 Model Specification for Plastic Piping Materials for Ground Source Geothermal Applications applies to plastic piping materials for open- and closed-loop, horizontal and vertical, direct-buried, and submerged water-based ground-source geothermal heat exchange systems.
PPI MS-7 includes detailed specifications for four plastic piping materials which have been proven in ground-source heat exchange systems: HDPE, PE-RT, PEX, and PP (PP-R and PP-RCT). According to PPI, the definitions, terms and other information can be readily used in bid documents, for example. The model specification provides language related to pipe and tubing materials, fittings, and joining procedures. Installation and pressure testing recommendations are also provided. It complements another PPI document, PPI TN-55Plastic Piping Materials for Ground Source Geothermal Heating and Cooling Applications.
“High-density polyethylene (HDPE) has been the primary piping material used in geothermal ground loops for decades and is a proven resource for this application. The product standards and specifications for HDPE piping, however, have evolved in recent years, so a specifier that uses outdated language for piping systems may inadvertently specify a product that no longer exists in the market, or one that is simply less capable than the current state-of-the-art.” explained Lance MacNevin, P. Eng., director of engineering for PPI's Building & Construction Division. “Also, two other types of HDPE-based piping materials, PEX and PE-RT, are now approved in model codes for geo ground loop and are important options for certain projects. In addition, PP-R and PP-RCT piping systems are recommended for indoor piping.”
Because geothermal systems significantly assist with decarbonization and deliver energy savings when heating and cooling buildings, this is the most exciting time in the geothermal industry in terms of market acceptance and new opportunities. Ground source heat pump systems are one of the most sustainable applications of plastic piping systems.
The team of experts from PPI member companies that developed MS-7 consulted with the latest model codes and standards from ASTM, CSA, IAPMO, ICC, IGSHPA, and NSF when developing the content. The new model spec also includes an entire section on Indoor Piping Products which are typically installed in mechanical rooms to connect the outdoor ground loops with heat pumps and hydronic distribution systems.
Additional information and data about piping materials used for both outdoor ground loop and indoor mechanical room piping materials is available from the PPI Building & Construction Division at www.plasticpipe.org/buildingconstruction.
The construction of large HDPE manifolds for a commercial geothermal system. The new PPI MS-7 provides detailed language for specifying both outdoor and indoor GSHP piping systems. Photo courtesy of Geosource Energy Inc.
Parallel HDPE pipes installed as part of a buried geothermal header system. Photo courtesy of Geosource Energy Inc.
Direct QR Code Link to PPI Model Specification MS-7
About PPI: The Plastics Pipe Institute, Inc. (PPI) is the major North American trade association representing the plastic pipe industry and is dedicated to promoting plastic as the materials of choice for pipe and conduit applications. PPI is the premier technical, engineering and industry knowledge resource publishing data for use in the development and design of plastic pipe and conduit systems. Additionally, PPI collaborates with industry organizations that set standards for manufacturing practices and installation methods.
IGSHPA, GeoExchange & NREL Survey on Industry Terminology
IGSHPA, GeoExchange and National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) are collaborating on research into the community consensus of ground source heat pump terminology. The results will be included in a report published at the end of 2024.
Click here for the link to a questionnaire on your preference for terms around ground source heat pumps that we kindly request you please complete by August 11, 2023.
We need your help and participation to improve public awareness, understanding and adoption of GHP technologies! Analysis that comes from this questionnaire will be used to promote and build the industry.The results will have broad visibility, helping to support development of our geothermal resources and technologies, and facilitate improvements to government policy and regulations. It will assist funding agencies to understand hurdles that the industry faces to structure new programs that address industry needs.
The survey is anonymous unless you choose to enter your contact information. If you have comments or would like to be contacted, please include the best method for contact, e-mail or phone number.
August Town Hall
Be sure to join us live on Zoom August 9th at 10:30 CT. This month we will hear from Terry Proffer with Major Geothermal sharing the Forensics & Redesign of 200,000 ft² Colorado High School.
Terry Proffer has been involved in the GSHP industry since 1992, after a career as a petroleum geologist starting in 1979 after graduating with a geology degree from Sul Ross State University, Alpine, Texas. He has designed closed loop systems for small residential applications to facilities exceeding 350,000 ft² of conditioned space, including various commercial, institutional, and military projects. Terry is the manager for Major Geothermal of Wheat Ridge, Colorado, a firm specializing in the design of closed loop ground heat exchangers, peer review, installation quality assurance, functional testing, and GSHP system forensics.
Town Hall and Dig Deeper Sponsorship Opportunities
Starting in 2023, IGSHPA is offering a new opportunity for members to get the word out about their products and services. IGSHPA Town Hall and Dig Deeper webinars may now be sponsored. Your logo will be prominently displayed on the opening slides and your company will be recognized by the moderator. Since webinars are recorded, anyone who views the webinar later on will see your logo, creating an advertising opportunity with longevity. Check out the advertising flyer here. Hurry! Sponsorships are going fast!
Upcoming Events
July 27, 2023: PPI Continuing Education Program- Designing PEX Plumbing Systems to Optimize Performance & Efficiency, Part 1- This course explains piping design methods that can provide faster delivery of hot water to fixtures, improve overall system efficiency, optimize use of materials, and improve installation efficiency. Design examples are illustrated and compared. Empirical test data is used to provide answers about the best ways to design PEX plumbing systems to optimize performance. Course content is based on PPI’s Design Guide: PEX Water Supply Plumbing Systems. Register here.
July 28, 2023: Dig Deeper Webinar with Daniel Booy- Topic: Modern Controls and Commissioning for Radiant Heating and Cooling Systems- Register here.
July 31, 2023: IGSHPA Member Award Nomination Deadline
August 9, 2023: IGSHPA Town Hall with Terry Proffer-Topic: Forensics & Redesign of 200,000 ft² Colorado High School-Register here.
August 25, 2023: Dig Deeper Webinar with U.S. Dept. of Energy-Topic: GHP Impact Analysis- Register here.
August 29, 2023: NGWA On the Ground Field Day- Join us at National Ground Water Association Headquarters to learn about the equipment and tools used to drill & install vertical ground loops and the proper procedures for grouting geothermal boreholes. Register here..
Additionally, ISCO Industries will be giving a hands-on participation that will focus on the two most common methods of thermal fusion applicable to the geothermal industry: manual butt fusion and socket fusion. All equipment and materials will be provided for your use. Upon completion, you will leave with an understanding of why HDPE is the absolute best material for geothermal installations.
September 5-7, 2023: In-Person Accredited Installer Training with WaterFurnace- Get your Accredited Installer certification with one of WaterFurnace’s Certified IGSHPA Trainers! This in person AI course will be held in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, location TBD. Register here.
Why Should My Company Join as an IGSHPA Business Member?
On the IGSHPA website, there is a list of benefits for business and corporate memberships, including a listing in the directory, voting rights for board elections and changes to the organization’s structure, discounts on conferences and publications, access to the member-only website, and more. However, IGSHPA membership for your organization is much more than the listed benefits. As our industry grows (and it appears to be on a strong trajectory!), consistency of message, quality design and installation, and unity as an industry is more important than ever. IGSHPA has made good progress in the past 2-1/2 years in its transition to an independent non-profit, but membership funding is a large portion of IGSHPA’s revenue. As membership expands, IGSHPA’s ability to add membership benefits via additional programs, hiring of staff, and participating in more industry events grows exponentially.
IGSHPA’s mailing list includes over 6000 e-mail addresses. We have 124 business and corporate members, and we are very thankful for the support! Imagine what we could do with 1000 members! Plus, imagine how many additional hits/leads your companies would receive from being part of a much bigger directory. Keep in mind that HVAC contractors and distributors may have funding available from heat pump manufacturers. We are aware of advertising cooperative funds available to offset IGSHPA membership from ClimateMaster and Enertech; other manufacturers may offer similar incentives, as well.
Effective January 1, 2023, only IGSHPA members will be listed in the IGSHPA directory. Certified individuals will only be displayed if they are an IGSHPA individual member or if their company is a business or corporate member.
In the past year, as IGSHPA has been implementing its new member CRM (Customer Relations Management) software, which has significantly better methods of managing member data and IGSHPA certifications. In the process, it was necessary to display all members and certified individuals (even certified individuals without an IGSHPA membership) in order to transition to the new directory. Now that the data has been “cleaned up” (i.e., we are able to associate business/corporate/individual memberships with certified individuals), we are moving back to the policy that has been in place over the years, where only IGSHPA members will show up in the directory. This will not affect individual memberships or business/corporate members, as they will continue to be displayed as long as their membership is current.
What does this mean for certified individuals? If you have an Accredited Installer (AI), Certified GeoExchange Designer (CGD), Certified Residential Designer (CRD), or Certified Geothermal Inspector (CGI) certification and have an individual membership or your company has a business/corporate membership, nothing will change. You will continue to be displayed in the Certified Individual Directory. The only caveat is that we may not know that you work for a company that is an IGSHPA member if your information has not been updated in the IGSHPA database. If you don’t show up in the directory after January 1 and you work for a company that is an IGSHPA member, please contact us at info@igshpa.org to have your information updated.
Sometimes certification and membership can be confusing. Renewing your certification does not include an IGSHPA membership; it only maintains your certification. Individuals can be certified; individuals can be an IGSHPA member; or individuals can be certified and a member. IGSHPA has special pricing of $50 per year for certified individuals to purchase an individual membership. Being an IGSHPA member provides many benefits, including being listed in the directory and being able to vote in board member elections. For more clarification, IGSHPA has created a document that explains the difference between certification and membership. Click here for more details.
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