Geothermal heating systems completed at four Illinois schools

August 30, 2010

Geothermal heating and cooling systems have been completed at four schools in the state of Illinois.

The project in the Rantoul City School District 137 was partly funded by a $480,000 federal stimulus grant and during construction supported around 145 local jobs.

The school district installed geothermal systems to replace outdated heating and air conditioning systems at Eastlawn Primary Grade Level Center, Pleasant Acres Primary Grade Level Center, Broadmeadow Intermediate Grade Level Center and Northview Intermediate Grade Level Center.

Officials said the project would result in more than 118,000 therms of natural gas being saved, enough to heat approximately 125 homes for a year.

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn announced the completion of the project on Friday.

“Through the State’s Energy Plan, we are investing in projects that will support Illinois’ green industry and further our long-term energy goals,” said Governor Quinn.

“I commend Rantoul City Schools for recognizing the value of conservation measures like this in protecting the environment, saving money and making a more comfortable learning environment for their students.”

Program

The federal grant was awarded to through the Thermal Efficiency for Public Facilities program, a component of the State’s Energy Plan, administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).

“Conservation is good for the environment and makes good business sense,” said DCEO Director Warren Ribley. “This project is a great example of how organizations of all sizes can incorporate environmental stewardship into their business models while improving their bottom line.”

Illinois received over $100 million in ARRA federal recovery funding to implement the State’s Energy Plan, Illinois’ most comprehensive effort to date to address the state’s energy production needs.