NASHVILLE, TN – Renovations are underway at the Parkway Terrace Housing Development (196 N. 7th Street) and crews are breaking ground on a new geothermal energy system that will save residents money on their electric bills. Parkway Terrance is the first low income housing development in the state to go geothermal.
Geothermal uses 40-60 percent less energy than a standard heat pump and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. How does it work? Geothermal relies on the Earth’s natural thermal energy to heat and cool water underground.
Geothermal is gaining in popularity as residents and businesses alike look for ways to cut energy costs. This summer, Lipscomb University installed their first geothermal system to heat and cool the new Ezell Center for Biblical Studies. And in 2005, NES installed a 110-ton geothermal unit at the Governor’s Mansion. Metro Public Schools, the Tennessee Board of Realtors and the Concrete Association are also undergoing testing for geo-systems.
Other energy efficient initiatives with the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency (MDHA) include the new John Henry Hale Homes and Sam Levy Apartments. Both will be Energy Star certified and use high-efficiency heat pumps. Residents at Sam Levy have seen their electric bills drop by half.
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