Plymouth is expecting significant cost savings through implementing a big-ticket green item in one of its facilities.
The city is considering switching its heating and cooling system from natural gas to geothermal at its Cultural Center. The facility houses an ice rink, meeting rooms, banquet rooms, and its recreation department offices.
It would cost about $1 million to remove the existing mechanisms and install the geothermal units. Geothermal is seen as the top-of-the-line energy efficient heating and cooling system. The city expects to make its investment back within 8-12 years and then enjoy significant savings after that.
"The energy savings is what does it for us," says Paul Sincock, city manager for Plymouth.
The circa-1972 building at 525 Farmer Road is served by a boiler that runs on natural gas and electricity for heating. It also uses three 100-ton compressors for the refrigeration system to keep the ice sink cool.
The city expects to make a decision on the project by April 19.
Source: Paul Sincock, city manager for Plymouth
Writer: Jon Zemke
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