Washington, DC development receives grant for community geothermal system

Rendering of the Barry Farm development in Washington, DC (source: POAH)

Carlo Cariaga 7 Nov 2023

The mixed-use, mixed-income Barry Farm development in Southeast Washington, DC has been awarded a $2.5 million grant by the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia to incorporate a community geothermal system. This will be the first pilot project in Washington, DC to support a large community heat pump system, and aims to replace fossil fuel space conditioning systems, improve and modernize the District’s energy delivery system, and make strides in clean energy.

Barry Farm is being developed by Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH), in partnership with Brightcore Energy and Engenium Group. Brightcore Energy had also been involved in a closed-loop geothermal test project at the Columbia University.

The Barry Farm development will have 900 residential apartments, 40,000 square feet of new retail/service uses, open spaces, and significant new public infrastructure. Of the 900 rental and for-sale housing units, 380 will be designated as public housing replacement units. The development is set to benefit from a community geothermal system in terms of energy efficiency, operational efficiency, sustainability, and cost savings.

“At POAH, we recognize that managing the environmental footprint is a critical piece of the preservation mission,” said Deanna Savage, POAH Vice President for Construction. “Reducing energy consumption saves money for both POAH and the residents in our communities and is key to providing durable, health and high-quality housing.”

Last September, POAH broke ground on the first building in its multi-phase development, the Asberry, a mixed-use building with 108 units of affordable rental senior (55+) housing and approximately 5,000 square feet of commercial space. This will be the first on-site building to be delivered under the New Communities Initiative at Barry Farm, a historically significant project for African Americans in Washington because the neighborhood was originally established in 1867 as the first African-American homeownership community in the District for newly freed slaves.

“We’re very excited to be a part of a project that encompasses many elements of sustainability from passive house design to, now, a geothermal system. This opportunity prioritizes resilient and sustainable building design with an emphasis on community impact that we are proud to support. The dichotomy of a cutting-edge community geothermal system in such a historically significant location is such a unique and terrific opportunity”, said Mike Richter, President of Brightcore Energy.

“By installing a community geothermal system, we are partnering with the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia in order to advance building electrification and create a more sustainable community,” said Brandon Harwick, President & Managing Principal of Engenium Group. “Geothermal is advanced and progressive – just like our District. By implementing this community geothermal system, we’re staying true to DC’s mission to work towards a more innovative and clean future.”

Source: Business Wire