Ground source project will cost 26% less than expected

In Iowa, West Hancock High School in Britt budgeted $2.7 million for its new geothermal heating and cooling system. However, when construction begins in May, the estimated project costs will be lower than originally anticipated, by some $700,000. The bid from Woodruff Construction, accepted in March, was just over $2 million. The school district is no stranger to geothermal, with both West Hancock Elementary and Middle School facilities currently operating geothermal systems. A study done in 2009 found that the high school’s 50-year-old boiler system was nearing the end of its life and inefficient. The district was also required to improve the building’s electrical system, which was completed in 2009, and fresh air intake.