GeoExchange BC addresses Power Smart Energy Managers at BC Hydro workshop

Power Smart Energy Managers discuss geoexchange opportunities with GeoExchange BC

On 28 October 2015 (as also previously in June 2015), GeoExchange BC co-delivered a presentation with BC Hydro representatives and took questions from attendees of the BC Hydro Power Smart Energy Managers Workshop.  Topics included performance of systems, the state of the geoexchange industry, strategic initiatives of the GeoExchange BC organisation, as well as information about / and distribution of the GeoExchange BC Professional Guidelines.

GeoExchange BC consults on new ITA driller certification program

New certification path for drillers meets geoexchange industry need

With support from the Ministry of Environment ('MOE'), with guidance from the Industry Training Authority ('ITA') and in collaboration with the BC Groundwater Association (BCGWA), GeoExchange BC is proud to announce a new certification path for geoexchange drillers in British Columbia.  Through GeoExchange BC's ongoing participation in the ITA's certification program, the much needed and previously lacking certification path for geoexchange drillers is now in place.

As a result, an individual in British Columbia can now become certified as a 'Geoexchange Driller' by challenging the certification which is overseen and administered by the ITA.  Individuals who wish to challenge the Geoexchange Driller certification must complete the Geoexchange Driller Challenge Application and submit it to the ITA.

For more information, please click here to visit the Industry Training Authority.

GeoExchange BC engages BC Hydro on electricity rate impacts

GeoExchange BC shares rate analysis findings

GeoExchange BC, as part of its advocacy efforts, provided input and recommendations to BC Hydro on the impact that current electrical rates and rate structures have on geoexchange deployment.

GeoExchange BC literature serves as basis for NGWA publication

GeoExchange BC heavily cited in NGWA's Guidance document on Hydrogeology and Its Impact on Large-Scale Geothermal Heat Pump Systems

The publishing arm of the (US) National Groundwater Association, NGWA Press, has published a new guideline entitled 'Understanding Hydrogeology and Its Impact on Large-Scale Geothermal Heat Pump Systems'.  This guideline is said by the NGWA to bridge the gap between existing HVAC literature and geothermal heat pump industry training and literature.

The GeoExchange BC Professional Guidelines Part-1 and Part-2 (of four parts) were quoted heavily in the preparation of the new NGWA material.

GeoExchange BC provides commentary on BC MOE Water Sustainability Act intention papers

Province's intention paper for Water Sustainability Act open to public review

The BC Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations have jointly released a set of papers describing proposed new policies related to groundwater licensing, well construction and maintenance, dam safety and compliance and enforcement.  These papers reflect the next step in the implementation of the 'Water Sustainability Act (WSA)' – the development of new regulations to address core water management functions.

GeoExchange BC prepared and submitted commentary to inform the development of the proposed act.

GeoExchange BC provides commentary on first round of BC Climate Leadership Plan

Province’s 'Discussion Paper' for Climate Leadership Plan open to first phase of public review

The Province of British Columbia prepared a Climate Leadership Plan to ensure it remains on the path to achieving 2020 and 2050 emissions targets.  In May 2015, government appointed a Climate Leadership Team of leaders from business, academia, environmental communities, First Nations and local governments. They provided advice and recommendations to government on the Climate Leadership Plan. Public feedback from the discussion paper process informed their ongoing work.

GeoExchange BC prepared and submitted commentary to inform the development of the proposed plan.

GeoExchange BC provides commentary on national CSA C448 standard

ANSI’s Makes Call for Comment on C448

In volume 46 (#28) of ANSI’s Standards Action publication, the Bi-national USA-Canada BSR/CSA C448-2015 standard 'Design and installation of ground source heat pump systems for commercial and residential buildings' is listed as being under ‘Call for Comment on Standards Proposals’ until 24 August 2015.

GeoExchange BC prepared and submitted commentary to inform the development of the proposed standard.

GeoExchange BC informs City of Vancouver's 100% Renewables report

Vancouver City Council passes motion to support 100% Renewable Energy in Vancouver

In March 2015 the Vancouver City Council re-committed to the long term goal of deriving 100% of its energy from renewable sources.  As part of the Greenest City Action Plan, City of Vancouver staff are currently developing a long range Climate Action Plan to meet the 100% renewables mandate.

GeoExchange BC met with city staff and provided commentary on a report intended to advise on the challenges, barriers, opportunities and potential actions for geoexchange (a.k.a. geothermal) to remain an essential component of the city's energy mix.

GeoExchange BC hosts Climate Action Secretariat at 6th Biennial Conference

Climate Director delivers hopeful keynote address at provincial geoexchange industry conference

Suzanne Spence, Executive Director of the Climate Action Secretariat, the entity mandated by the Ministry of Environment to lead the Climate Leadership Plan, delivered an upbeat keynote address to attendees of the 2015 GeoExchange BC Conference & Trade Show.  The event entitled 'Proven technology, Defined Implementation, Improving Capabilities, Forging Policy' took place at Surrey City Hall and was sponsored by the four largest municipalities in the lower mainland, namely the City of Burnaby, City of Richmond, City of Surrey, and City of Vancouver.

GeoExchange BC continued in its tradition of fostering strong relationships and advocating for geoexchange industry needs with members of the Climate Action Secretariat and the Ministry of Environment.