Pace Energy and Climate Center Supports Development of Code for Geothermal Energy Systems
by Akinola Afolarin, Institute for Energy Democracy Fellow, Pace Energy and Climate Center,
In the summer of 2024, the Pace Energy and Climate Center at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Pace University (the Center), and the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), jointly published Chapter 17 of the Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC) as a standalone document (IAPMO/UMC/Chapter 17-2024). This document is intended to address the critical need for enforceable safety provisions for geothermal district ambient temperature loop systems and draws upon the Center’s expertise in geothermal energy systems.
This version of Chapter 17 follows the 2024 edition of the Uniform Mechanical Code (Chapter 17) and may be used in any jurisdiction seeking to adopt standards for geothermal energy systems and ambient temperature loops. These systems include district-wide geothermal energy systems and district ambient temperature loop systems that circulate ground-ambient-temperature water to be used in end-use buildings as a thermal source or sink, via water source heat pump or reversing chiller. In addition, this Standard also addresses many critical issues in geothermal energy systems and ambient temperature loops such as Specific System Components Design, Ground-Heat Exchanger Testing, Geothermal Ambient Temperature Loops (ATL), and ATL Distributed Energy Systems Design Requirements as well as other design requirements.
References to chapters of the 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code have been written to refer to the corresponding code as adopted by the local jurisdiction. Accordingly, this document can be considered for integration into local codes based on any of the model codes commonly adopted by local jurisdictions in the United States and other countries. Sample legislation included in the document recommends that jurisdictions wishing to adopt Chapter 17 of the Uniform Mechanical Code as an enforceable regulation governing plumbing systems by reference should include in their ordinance the legal basis for adoption and implementation of the Chapter.
While speaking on this joint effort, the CEO of IAPMO, Dave Viola, had this to say: “With the Pace Energy and Climate Center’s long history of focusing on renewable energy and decarbonization, along with IAPMO’s leadership in the geothermal district systems with its consensus-based Uniform Mechanical Code, this joint effort greatly strengthens our industry,”
Former Executive Director of the Pace Energy and Climate Center, Craig Hart, who led the Center’s collaboration with IAPMO, stated that “IAPMO’s leadership in standards development for district geothermal systems meets an urgent need among municipalities seeking to accelerate the adoption of clean heating and cooling technologies, and Pace is very happy to support IAPMO in developing a standard that can support those municipalities.”
Pace Energy and Climate Center is excited to have collaborated with IAPMO on this project in continuation of its research and development of much-needed policy solutions to climate and energy crises around the world.