Got an event you want to see on the IGSHPA calendar? Let us know!
Email Sally Stephens at Sally@igshpa.org
Message from the Executive Director
Welcome to the July newsletter! There is so much happening this summer at IGSHPA that it’s hard to include all of it in this short article. The biggest news of the summer is the announcement of IGSHPA’s new training and certification program (see article below). The IGSHPA training committee has been working for the past three years on “modularizing” the Accredited Installer course (i.e., it will become four courses), while IGSHPA’s contract with CSA Group has created an all-new accredited training and certification program. As the industry grows, jobs will become more specialized, and the new training format will focus on specific jobs vs. more general training courses. Learn more atigshpa.org(select “Training” menu -- or go directly by clickinghere).
July is an exciting month for the GeoOutlook magazine. Watch your Inbox for the release of the July edition at the end of the month. The magazine format has changed from an e-book format to a magazine format, which should be easier to read, and we have even more articles and information in this edition. The format change is based upon member suggestions. Thank you for your feedback!
Also in July,igshpa.orgwas updated to include all of the latest information on the 2026 Annual conference (select “Conference” menu -- or go directly by clickinghere). Registration is now open, along with hotel reservations, sponsor opportunities, exhibitor space, the conference presenter abstract form, and even a preliminary agenda. The 2026 conference promises to be the best one yet!
At the beginning of the month, we were trying to navigate the reconciliation bill (tax credits) and its impact in the U.S. We’re still trying to determine how the changes will affect the industry, but with the help of GeoExchange, we will continue to keep members up to date (see article below).
And, we’re not slowing down! Stay tuned to your Inbox for more exciting news and have a great summer!!
Sincerely,
Jeff Hammond
Executive Director
International Ground Source Heat Pump Association
jeff@igshpa.org
New IGSHPA Training & Certification Program!
If you missed the July 9 IGSHPA Town Hall webinar, you will want to view the recordingto learn about the exciting new offering. IGSHPA has partnered with CSA Group on new accredited training and certification programs. The two organizations have long worked together to support the GSHP industry. CSA and IGSHPA developed courses comprise over 20 choices to empower professionals to become experts in the technology!
Just this morning, the IGSHPA website has been updated to reflect the new training courses. For more information, go toigshpa.organd check out the training menu. You will see all of the new courses listed. Over the next 6 months, IGSHPA curriculum and certificate/certification programs will be completely updated, making them more accessible and easier to navigate, while including the most up-to-date information and best practices. The 10 self-paced courses are available now!
When you're on the training pages, notice that the new courses have substantial discounts for members. One more reason to become a member!
U.S. Tax Credit Updates
Thanks to Ryan Dougherty’s (GeoExchange) tireless advocacy for Ground Source (Geothermal) Heat Pump technology and GSHP incentives, we are beginning to get a better understanding of the implications of the reconciliation bill that recently passed in the U.S. We are working closely with GeoExchange to keep members up to date. There are some aspects of the bill that we do know for sure and other areas that we are not entirely clear about. Below is a summary of what we know at this time.
What we know:
The residential tax credits (section 25D) will expire at the end of 2025. Systems must be installed by December 31, 2025, to qualify for the tax credit.
The commercial tax credit (section 48) is still applicable through 2034 with a gradual decrease in percentage in 2033 and 2034.
Direct payments to non-profits and schools is still in effect in section 48.
Section 179D (deductions for high efficiency lighting and building improvements) will end for projects beginning after June 30, 2026.
What we are still trying to determine:
The law creates an exemption from IRS policy known as limited-use property doctrine and allows commercial geo systems to now be leased by third parties, including leases to homeowners. More work needs to be done to determine the particulars of ground heat exchanger leasing, but our hope is that these new business models will ramp up quickly and help offset the loss of 25D.
The bill may require adjusting the way in which accelerated depreciation is calculated on a project. This is still unclear and is being investigated.
Keep an eye on your inbox for our next edition of GeoOutlook Magazine coming the last week in July!
August Dig Deeper
Join us August 22, 2025 at 10:30 CDT for our next Dig Deeper webinar! This month we will hear from Lance MacNevin from The Plastics Pipe Institute who will go over Using the PPI Plastic Pipe Design Calculator for GSHP systems. Register here.
The PPI Building & Construction Division Plastic Pipe Design Calculator was launched in 2015 to help plumbing and hydronic designers and was updated in 2021 to add HDPE geothermal piping materials and typical GSHP antifreeze fluids, including methanol. It continues to be updated with new pipes and new functions. BCD Design Calculator.
The BCD Calculator can be used to estimate pressure drop through pipes and fittings, the volume of water and antifreeze required to fill piping loops, expected thermal expansion/contraction, and the static water column pressure that results in vertical heat exchangers.
In this Dig Deeper, Lance MacNevin, P.Eng., Director of Engineering for PPI BCD, will demonstrate using the BCD Calculator to select pipes, fluids, and fluid temperatures to perform several important calculations. He will explain the math behind the Calculator and where the piping data comes from, and is open to questions and suggestions for how to improve this free online tool for GSHP designers.
Lance is the Director of Engineering for the Building & Construction Division at the Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI). He has been in the plastic pipe industry since 1993, involved with applications such as hydronic heating and cooling, geothermal, plumbing, and fire protection systems. Lance earned his IGSHPA accreditation in 2008 and has been closely involved with the geothermal industry ever since, with a focus on the piping materials used for ground loops, including codes and standards. He serves on technical committees within ASHRAE, ASPE, ASTM, AWWA, CSA, IAPMO, ICC, IGSHPA, and RPA, is a voting member of the CSA C448 TC and participates in the IGSHPA Standards Committee.
July 29, 2025: Accredited Installer Training with Jacquie Scherer- Get your Accredited Installer certification with one of IGSHPA’s Certified Trainers! This in person AI course will be held in Troy, NY at Energy Catalyst Technologies.
Cost Varies depending on materials. Please note that class size is limited. Once the roster is full, registrants will be placed on waitlist. Go here to register.
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