Veregy was recently featured in the National Center on School Infrastructure website that highlights the benefits of energy savings projects using Ground-Source Heat Pump solutions. Below covers some of the benefits and success stories of these energy upgrades.
Ground-Source Heat Pumps: A Smart, Healthy HVAC Choice for K-12 Schools
As the climate changes and school facilities age, many districts face growing challenges: outdated HVAC systems that leave classrooms uncomfortably hot or cold, drive-up energy costs, and even contribute to poor indoor air quality. Students and educators deserve better environments that support health, learning, and resilience. That’s why a growing number of school leaders nationwide are turning to modern solutions like ground-source heat pumps (GSHPs) and why Veregy is proud to be paving the way for affordable, high-impact upgrades.
Why Ground-Source Heat Pumps Make Sense for Schools
Heat pumps don’t create heat by burning fossil fuels. Instead, they move heat into and out of buildings, using electricity to transfer warmth during winter and expel heat in the summer. This all-electric approach offers multiple advantages for schools:
- Healthier indoor air:Heat pumps release no on-site pollutants or gases, improving both air quality and safety for students and staff.
- Lower energy bills:GSHPs can be dramatically more efficient and reliable than legacy systems—saving schools money every month.
- Quiet, comfortable classrooms:Students learn better in environments that are comfortable and distraction-free.
- Cleaner energy:When paired with solar power (and battery storage), GSHPs can keep schools running during outages and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Long-term savings:Properly designed and installed, heat pumps require less ongoing maintenance and have lower life-cycle costs compared to conventional HVAC systems.
Districts can also benefit from Energy Savings Performance Contracts, enabling facility upgrades to be funded over time through the savings earned from improved efficiency.
Veregy Case Study: Ida Public Schools, Michigan
When Ida Public Schools faced failing boilers and stifling hot classrooms, their leaders worked with Veregy to assess options and structure a solution. By leveraging the federal tax credit, the district was able to secure a $3.12 million reimbursement, reducing the net cost of the new GSHP system from $7.8 million to $4.68 million. With improved comfort, cooling, and reduced long-term expenses, this investment delivered instant benefits for both students and the broader community. Learn more about this project by reading the feature article on National Center of School Infrastructure website.
A Path Forward for School Districts
Across the country, districts in all types of climates and communities are transitioning to GSHP systems with help from companies like Veregy. Our team has decades of experience guiding school leaders through the assessment, design, installation, and funding process for major facility improvements, ensuring every project delivers long-term value and maximum incentive capture. Veregy’s expertise in K-12 projects, procurement, and energy savings contracts ensures districts can modernize with confidence.
If you’re interested in learning more about how GSHPs can provide healthier, more affordable, and more sustainable learning environments for your district contact us today.
