by Henry Hundt, MPA, and Jody Andres, AIA LEED AP
This article originally appeared on the School Business Now website starting in May 2025 and is reposted with permission of the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO). The text herein does not necessarily represent the views or policies of ASBO International, and use of this imprint does not imply any endorsement or recognition by ASBO International and its officers or affiliates.
As school districts across the country pursue greener, more cost-effective building strategies, geothermal systems have emerged as a high-potential solution for heating and cooling.
But before you include it in your budget or bond plan, it is important to understand what geothermal really means in the school setting, and what it takes to design and install one.
Understanding the Terminology
The word “geothermal” can create confusion, especially when different systems are discussed in the same breath. Geothermal power plants tap into deep underground heat to spin turbines and produce electricity.