Geothermal energy often evokes hot rocks and geysers, but also refers to one of the cleanest ways to cut greenhouse gas emissions from buildings, provide resilient infrastructure, and even reduce electricity use. Beginning with the basics and benefits of shallow geothermal heating and cooling, this session describes the opportunity to use the heat we already have—from the ground as well as from large buildings, refrigeration, and wastewater—to decarbonize our buildings.

We’ll uncover installations across Vermont that, as underground systems, are largely invisible and examples of systems operating across the continent. We’ll discuss what we can do in our colder climate and more rural state to capture and share local heat, the benefits it can create, and the kinds of policy, ownership models, and financing needed to implement this solution in Vermont.

Debbie New, a teacher and anthropologist by training, launched Vermont Community Thermal Networks in 2022 to put Thermal Energy Network solutions on the table in Vermont with a focus on maximizing local control and community benefits. She has coordinated coalitions and working groups dedicated to decarbonization of the thermal sector for the past ten years, including leading outreach to labor leaders, engagements with institutional investors and utility shareholders, research and educational initiatives on gas safety as well as hydrogen and biomethane, and strategy for legislative, regulatory, and grassroots climate and clean energy work.