Gail Borden branch to go green
November 18th, 2007The GBL’s branch library will be green, after all. At significantly higher cost…
In a reversal of a board vote this summer, the library board voted to stick with its vision of a “green” branch library. The board voted 6-0 to go forward with a geothermal heating and cooling system for the building.
In late summer, the board voted to table the geothermal system when engineers indicated it would take between 40 years and 180 years to recoup the initial costs.
Then, geothermal system vendors came back with reports estimating an 18-year payback. (source: Courier News 11/15/07)
That’s funny. They couldn’t sell it when the payback period was set at 40-180 years, so they adjusted the number down to 18. Bingo, sold!
When global warming hysteria dies down in a few years, the decision will look less prudent.
Actually, the Daily Herald posted a more detailed explanation why the figures were more attractive for the Geothermal system. The State of Illinois will chip in $70,000 toward the Geothermal system with a clean energy grant. Considering the library will be there for much longer than 18 years, this will definately be a benefit for taxpayers. The library gets a smaller, less risky overhead budget.
I think it is a strength that public institutions can look further than a couple years out.
Posted November 26th, 2007 at 3:07 pmThanks for the info, Todd.
Posted November 26th, 2007 at 6:48 pm