Meltzer Center will feature AU's first geothermal heat pump system

In keeping with American University's commitment to sustainability, construction is underway for the new Alan and Amy Meltzer Center for Athletic Performance that will feature the first geothermal heat pump system or geothermal well-field system. This renewable source of heating and cooling is part of the design strategy to make the building both AU's first net zero energy and LEED Platinum building.

"Adding the first use of geothermal renewable energy to campus is an exciting step forward in AU's ongoing sustainability work and marks another important milestone as we continue to advance our commitment to sustainable progress. Building efficiency and renewable energy play an important role in campus sustainability and the new Meltzer Center will be an excellent example," says Megan Litke, Director of Sustainability.

The first of its kind on the AU campus, the geothermal system will take advantage of the relatively stable year-round 59°F temperature of the earth below the surface to help heat and cool the building. Engineers currently are drilling 85 vertical wells, each of which will be 500 feet deep, behind the Meltzer Center and on Reeves Field. Once completed, the wells will be covered entirely and hidden from view by grass and turf.