Are Electric Heat Pumps Ready to Replace Fossil Fuels?
Presenter: John Ciovacco, President of Aztech Geothermal, LLC
Date: Thursday, February 11, 2021
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Price: $10 AIA/Engineers $20 Non Members $5 Associate Members
Credits: 1 AIA HSW PDH
Platform: Zoom Webinar
Description: New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) indicates the state will effectively stop burning fossil fuels to heat buildings by 2050. And since most buildings present in 2050 are already built today, widespread challenges exist with incompatible HVAC distribution systems and the need for building electrical system upgrades. So, in the next 30 years the vast majority of NYS’s buildings will need to convert to electrically-driven space heating and hot water.
This program will examine the present state of heat pump technology to meet the challenge and identify gaps where technology advances or alternate solutions will be required. The information will be applicable to residential, multi-family and commercial sectors for both new construction and existing buildings. We will discuss the implications of this profound transformation for architects, engineers, mechanical contractors, equipment manufacturers, utilities, investors, developers and building owners. An update will be provided on the viability of geothermal district systems as an alternative to today’s natural gas networks. You will be made aware of the ever-increasing variety of utility and NYSERDA programs available to aid design professionals, contractors and building owners stay on pace with the State’s building electrification goals.
John P. Ciovacco, President of Aztech Geothermal, LLC. often serves as a resource to building owners, developers, construction companies, engineers, architects and investors regarding the latest renewable and energy efficiency technologies, government incentives and financing options. He chairs the educational sessions at NY-GEO’s annual heat pump conference which is widely regarded as the largest and most comprehensive in the nation. He has been a registered party to seven public utility rate cases (i.e., National Grid [Upstate], Central Hudson, O&R, ConEd, National Grid [Long Island], NYSEG/RG&E, and Corning Gas) representing the New York Geothermal Energy Organization (NY-GEO) as a board member. John serves on the Advisory Board for HEET, a Boston-based group advocating building electrification through GeoMicro Districts installed by existing gas utilities. Recently he was appointed to the NYS Department of Public Service’s Strategic Advisory Group for Building Electrification to help guide policy and regulations needed to meet energy and climate goals for New York. John is an IGSHPA Accredited Geothermal Installer, a Building Performance Institute (BPI) Certified Contractor, and a Certified Green Professional with the NAHB, and received his B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Union College.
Please join us for this fun and informative presentation.