Columbia Association (CA) selected to pilot next-generation heat pump technology
Columbia Association (CA) is proud to be selected for a new pilot study with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). As part of the Commercial Building Heat Pump Accelerator, CA is partnering with the DOE and Rheem to pilot an advanced cold-climate heat pump at our Community Operations Center.
Commercial heating and cooling account for up to 40% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Next-generation cold climate heat pumps are a vital clean energy technology that can potentially reduce utility bills while also slashing harmful carbon emissions. For commercial buildings, heat pump air conditioners are estimated to reduce greenhouse emissions and energy costs by up to 50% compared with conventional air conditioners fueled by natural gas.
During a collaborative site visit, teams of scientists and engineers from Rheem, DOE and CA gathered to install the new system and launch the pilot.
“CA has long been a leader in environmental sustainability, with energy and resource stewardship programs earning national recognition from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the DOE,” says CA Vice President of Community Operations Jeremy Scharfenberg. “Now, we’re excited to build on that momentum by helping test next-generation clean energy technology designed to transform how commercial buildings are heated and cooled.”
Recently installed at CA’s Community Operations Center, the advanced heat pump unit will be monitored and optimized over the next two years under real-world conditions. CA’s team will continue to collaborate with scientists and engineers from Rheem and the DOE to evaluate the system’s efficiency, resiliency and performance, helping move clean energy technology forward for commercial buildings nationwide.
