KING-TV reports that seven schools in Seattle will soon have the geothermal technology.
Construction is underway at Adams Elementary School in the Ballard neighborhood. Eighty wells are being drilled 350 feet deep. The system sends water underground where the temperature change produces energy to either heat or cool air in pipes.
The district anticipates $30,000 of savings on energy reduction every year for Adams Elementary. The total cost for the Adams Elementary project, which includes roof and seismic work, is nearly $3 million.
A state grant of a half-million dollars and a Seattle City Light rebate program are helping the school district pay for the project. The district says the money saved by not using fossil fuel energy will make up for the up-keep costs.
Mike Kennedy has been writing about education for American School & University since 1999. He also has reported on schools and other topics for The Chicago Tribune, The Kansas City Star, The Kansas City Times and City News Bureau of Chicago. He is a graduate of Michigan State University.
