Parkway Elementary School Geothermal Conversion
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Overview
Parkway Elementary School is served by a geothermal HVAC system designed to improve energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and long-term mechanical system performance. The project converted the school from conventional HVAC equipment to geothermal technology through installation of a geothermal well field, high-efficiency heat pump equipment, and associated mechanical distribution infrastructure. Thompson Consulting Engineers provided mechanical design services for the conversion, integrating the new geothermal equipment with the facility’s building systems and controls. The geothermal system provides efficient heating and cooling while reducing energy consumption and supporting reliable, maintainable operation over the life of the facility.
Challenges
- Replacing existing HVAC infrastructure within an occupied school facility.
- Integrating a geothermal well field and hydronic distribution system with existing building conditions.
- Coordinating installation and system changeover to minimize disruption to school operations.
Goals
- Improve energy efficiency through implementation of a geothermal HVAC system.
- Enhance system reliability and long-term performance of the school’s mechanical infrastructure.
- Provide modern controls and system integration to support efficient operation.
Project Team
- Owner: Virginia Beach City Public Schools
Results
- Replaced conventional HVAC systems with a geothermal well field and heat pump-based system.
- Installed new distribution and mechanical infrastructure to support geothermal operation.
- Enhanced system performance through upgrades to controls and supporting mechanical systems.
