HomeMy WebLinkAboutMVP Library GSHP AEA Grant App R7 - CBJ FINALRenewable Energy Fund Round VII
Grant Application - Heat Projects
AEA 2014-006 Application Page 1 of 29 7/2/2011
Application Forms and Instructions
This instruction page and the following grant application constitutes the Grant Application Form
for Round VII of the Renewable Energy Fund Heat Projects only. If your application is for
energy projects that will not primarily produce heat, please use the standard application form
(see RFA section 1.5). An electronic version of the Request for Applications (RFA) and both
application forms is available online at: www.akenergyauthority.org/REFund7.html.
• If you need technical assistance filling out this application, please contact Shawn Calfa,
the Alaska Energy Authority Grant Administrator at (907) 771-3031 or at
scalfa@aidea.org.
• If you are applying for grants for more than one project, provide separate application
forms for each project.
• Multiple phases for the same project may be submitted as one application.
• If you are applying for grant funding for more than one phase of a project, provide
milestones and grant budget for each phase of the project.
• In order to ensure that grants provide sufficient benefit to the public, AEA may limit
recommendations for grants to preliminary development phases in accordance with 3
ACC 107.605(1).
• If some work has already been completed on your project and you are requesting
funding for an advanced phase, submit information sufficient to demonstrate that the
preceding phases are completed and funding for an advanced phase is warranted.
• If you have additional information or reports you would like the Authority to consider in
reviewing your application, either provide an electronic version of the document with
your submission or reference a web link where it can be downloaded or reviewed.
• In the sections below, please enter responses in the spaces provided, often under the
section heading. You may add additional rows or space to the form to provide sufficient
space for the information, or attach additional sheets if needed.
REMINDER:
• Alaska Energy Authority is subject to the Public Records Act AS 40.25, and materials
submitted to the Authority may be subject to disclosure requirements under the act if no
statutory exemptions apply.
• All applications received will be posted on the Authority web site after final
recommendations are made to the legislature.
• In accordance with 3 AAC 107.630 (b) Applicants may request trade secrets or
proprietary company data be kept confidential subject to review and approval by the
Authority. If you want information is to be kept confidential the applicant must:
o Request the information be kept confidential.
o Clearly identify the information that is the trade secret or proprietary in their
application.
o Receive concurrence from the Authority that the information will be kept
confidential. If the Authority determines it is not conf idential it will be treated as a
public record in accordance with AS 40.25 or returned to the applicant upon
request.
Renewable Energy Fund Round VII
Grant Application - Heat Projects
AEA 2014-006 Grant Application Page 2 of 29 7/2/2013
SECTION 1 – APPLICANT INFORMATION
Name (Name of utility, IPP, or government entity submitting proposal)
City & Borough of Juneau
Type of Entity: Local Government Fiscal Year End June 30, 2014
Tax ID # EIN 920038816 Tax Status: For-profit Non-profit X Government ( check one)
Date of last financial statement audit: January 15, 2013 for FY12 ending June 30, 2012
Mailing Address
155 South Seward Street, Juneau AK 99801
Physical Address
155 South Seward Street, Juneau AK 99801
Telephone
(907) 586-5240
Fax
(907) 586-5385
Email
Kim_Kiefer@ci.juneau.ak.us
1.1 APPLICANT POINT OF CONTACT / GRANTS MANAGER
Name
Kim Kiefer
Title
City Manager
Mailing Address
155 South Seward Street, Juneau AK 99801
Telephone
(907) 586-5240
Fax
(907) 586-5385
Email
Kim_Kiefer@ci.juneau.ak.us
1.2 APPLICANT MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Please check as appropriate. If you do not to meet the minimum applicant requirements, your
application will be rejected.
1.2.1 As an Applicant, we are: (put an X in the appropriate box)
An electric utility holding a certificate of public convenience and necessity under AS
42.05, or
An independent power producer in accordance with 3 AAC 107.695 (a) (1), or
X A local government, or
A governmental entity (which includes tribal councils and housing authorities);
Yes
or
No
1.2.2 Attached to this application is formal approval and endorsement for the project by
the applicant’s board of directors, executive management, or other governing
authority. If the applicant is a collaborative grouping, a formal approval from each
participant’s governing authority is necessary. (Indicate Yes or No in the box )
Yes
or
No
1.2.3 As an applicant, we have administrative and financial management systems and
follow procurement standards that comply with the standards set forth in the grant
agreement (Section 3 of the RFA).
Yes
or
No
1.2.4 If awarded the grant, we can comply with all terms and conditions of the award as
identified in the Standard Grant Agreement template at
http://www.akenergyauthority.org/veep/Grant-Template.pdf . (Any exceptions
should be clearly noted and submitted with the application.)
Yes
or
No
1.2.5 We intend to own and operate any project that may be constructed with grant
funds for the benefit of the general public. If no please describe the nature of the
project and who will be the primary beneficiaries.
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Grant Application - Heat Projects
AEA 2014-006 Grant Application Page 3 of 29 7/2/2013
SECTION 2 – PROJECT SUMMARY
This section is intended to be no more than a 2-3 page overview of your project.
2.1 Project Title – (Provide a 4 to 7 word title for your project). Type in space below.
Mendenhall Valley Library Geothermal HVAC System
2.2 Project Location –
Include the physical location of your project and name(s) of the community or communities that will
benefit from your project in the subsections below.
2.2.1 Location of Project – Latitude and longitude, street address, or community name.
Latitude and longitude coordinates may be obtained from Google Maps by finding you project’s location on the map
and then right clicking with the mouse and selecting “What is here? The coordinates will be displayed in the Google
search window above the map in a format as follows: 61.195676.-149.898663. If you would like assistance obtaining
this information please contact AEA at 907-771-3031.
Mendenhall Valley Library will be located at Dimond Park in the Mendenhall Valley, Juneau AK
99801. The latitude and longitude coordinates of the project are 58.377756,-134.588592.
2.2.2 Community benefiting – Name(s) of the community or communities that will be the
beneficiaries of the project.
The community of Juneau will benefit from this project.
2.3 PROJECT TYPE
Put X in boxes as appropriate
2.3.1 Renewable Resource Type
Wind to Heat Biomass or Biofuels
Hydro to Heat Solar Thermal
Heat Recovery from Existing Sources X Heat Pumps (geothermal)
Other (Describe)
2.3.2 Proposed Grant Funded Phase(s) for this Request (Check all that apply)
Pre-Construction Construction
I. Reconnaissance X III. Final Design and Permitting
II. Feasibility and Conceptual Design X IV. Construction and Commissioning
2.4 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Provide a brief one paragraph description of the proposed heat project.
The City & Borough of Juneau is proposing the design and construction of a geothermal HVAC
system to serve the heating and cooling needs at the new Mendenhall Valley Library (formerly
called the Dimond Park Library in prior AEA grant request). The community of Juneau recently
received a $7 million grant from Alaska Department of Co mmerce, Community and Economic
Development to construct the new library in Juneau’s Mendenhall Valley. The City & Borough
of Juneau Assembly is interested in reducing the carbon footprint of Juneau and reducing the
operating costs of their facilities. The use of a geothermal HVAC system rather than traditional
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Grant Application - Heat Projects
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oil-fired boilers and chillers provides an opportunity to achieve both goals of the City & Borough
of Juneau and to expand the use of renewable energy in city facilities.
2.5 PROJECT BENEFIT
Briefly discuss the financial and public benefits that will result from this heat project, (such as reduced fuel
costs, lower energy costs, local jobs created etc.)
After successful implementation of geothermal heat systems at the Juneau Airport and Dimond
Park Aquatic Center, the community of Juneau is eager to utilize renewable energy in future
facility projects to reduce operational costs of the facility, maintain air and environmental quality
within the community, reduce the community’s dependence on outside energy sources, and
broaden the knowledge base required to construct and maintain geothermal systems in Juneau.
The project’s preliminary analysis found that there is sufficient area on site for a vertical
geothermal loop field. Since the library site is near t he operational geothermal loop field at the
Dimond Park Aquatic Center (DPAC), the subsurface conditions, heat transfer potential, and
recovery rate of the proposed loop field can be accurately ascertained without drilling an
exploratory well, thus reducing design costs. The project ’s preliminary analysis found that a
geothermal HVAC system would be less costly than traditional oil-fired boiler heat system and
electric chillers for building cooling when evaluated on a life cycle cost basis over a twenty year
period. Since the new library facility is envisioned as a 50+ year facility, the decision to utilize a
geothermal HVAC system should provide economic benefit to the community of Juneau well
beyond the life cycle cost analysis study period.
The operational savings generated by a geothermal HVAC syst em will enable the City and
Borough of Juneau to allocate more funds towards library programs and other city needs. The
site specific nature of the geothermal HVAC system will reduce the carbon footprint of the
Mendenhall Valley Library. When compared to a traditional oil fired heat system, the
geothermal HVAC system eliminates oil combustion exhaust fumes, the hazards associated with
transportation and storage of fuel oil, and the pollution and energy expenditures associated with
shipping of fuel oil. When compared to a traditional electrical heat system, the geothermal
HVAC system places a significantly lighter burden on the community’s overtaxed electrical
infrastructure and capacity, thus reducing the need for new development of regional hydro-
electric resources and helps keep electric utility rates lower through reducing periods of high
demand when oil-fired generators are used by the local electrical utility to meet electrical
demand. When compared with bio-fuel heat generation systems the geothermal HVAC system
provides lower heating costs, eliminates bio-fuel combustion exhaust fumes, and the pollution
and energy expenditures associated with shipping of the bio-fuel. The elimination of exhaust
fumes is of particular importance at the facility as the Mendenhall Valley is subject to residential
burning bans several times each winter and any reduction to exhaust generation improves air
quality for valley residents.
The use of a geothermal HVAC system at a public library will increase public awareness of
renewable energy alternatives within the community, and possibly on a larger scale. The
construction and operation of the geothermal HVAC system will provide experience to local
contractors and City and Borough of Juneau maintenance st aff that could translate to reduced
construction and maintenance costs for future geothermal HVAC systems.
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2.6 PROJECT BUDGET OVERVIEW
Briefly discuss the amount of funds needed, the anticipated sources of funds, and the nature and source
of other contributions to the project.
It is estimated that design and construction of the geothermal loop field and HVAC system at
Dimond Park Library will cost $875,000. The City and Borough of Juneau intends to utilize
local sales tax to fund 20% ($175,000) of the project funding wit h Alaska Energy Authority
Renewable Energy Grant funds to comprise the remaining 80% ($700,000) of the project funds.
2.7 COST AND BENEFIT SUMARY
Include a summary of grant request and your project’s total costs and benefits below.
Grant Costs
(Summary of funds requested)
2.7.1 Grant Funds Requested in this application $ 660,000
2.7.2 Cash match to be provided $ 165,000
2.7.3 Total In-kind match to be provided (sum of lines below) $ 0
Biomass or Biofuel inventory on hand $
Energy efficiency improvements to buildings to be
heated (within past 5 years or committed prior to
proposed project completion)
$
Other In-Kind match to be provided $
2.7.4 Other grant funds to be provided $ 0
2.7.5 Other grant applications not yet approved $ 0
2.7.6 Total Grant Costs (sum of 2.7.1 through 2.7.4) $ 825,000
Project Costs & Benefits
(Summary of total project costs including work to date and future cost estimates to get to a fully
operational project)
2.7.7 Total Project Cost Summary from Cost Worksheet, Section
4.4.4, including estimates through construction.
$ 825,000
2.7.8 Additional Performance Monitoring Equipment not covered
by the project but required for the Grant Only applicable to
construction phase projects. *~$15,000 in BAS controls and
monitoring equipment is included in the Total Project Cost. See
Section 9 for supporting documentation.
$ 0*
2.7.9 Estimated Direct Financial Benefit (Savings) – based on
energy savings over 50 year life of geothermal loop field
when compared with traditional HVAC system
$ 1,630,000
2.7.10 Other Public Benefit If you can calculate the benefit in terms
of dollars please provide that number here and explain how you
calculated that number in Section 5 below.
~$27,000 annually or
~$540,000 over a 20 year
period
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Grant Application - Heat Projects
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SECTION 3 – PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLAN
Describe who will be responsible for managing the project and provide a plan for successfully
completing the project within the scope, schedule and budget proposed in the application.
3.1 Project Manager
Tell us who will be managing the project for the Grantee and include contact information, a
resume and references for the manager(s). In the electronic submittal, please submit resumes
as separate PDFs if the applicant would like those excluded from the web posting of this
application. If the applicant does not have a project manager indicate how you intend to solicit
project management support. If the applicant expects project management assistance from
AEA or another government entity, state that in this section.
Nathan Coffee, City & Borough of Juneau Project Manager, is overseeing the design and
construction of the project. His resume and references are attached.
Janella Lewis, City & Borough of Juneau Accountant, is overseeing the project funding and will
provide financial reporting to grant agencies. Her resume and references are attached.
3.2 Project Schedule and Milestones
Please fill out the schedule below. Be sure to identify key tasks and decision points in in your
project along with estimated start and end dates for each of the milestones and tasks. Please
clearly identify the beginning and ending of all phases of your proposed project.
Please fill out form provided below. You may add additional rows as needed.
Milestones Tasks
Start
Date End Date
Schematic Design
Complete Schematic Design including land use,
permit , ROW issues, environmental assessment ,
cost estimate and verification of feasibility analysis
6/30/13 8/30/13
50% Design
Complete 50% Design & Cost Estimate, Resolve
Land Use, Environmental, Permit, and ROW
issues
9/1/13 11/1/13
95% Design
Complete 95% Design & Cost Estimate, Update
Economic Analysis based on final design, Finalize
Operations Plan
11/1/13 2/14/14
Apply for Permits Apply for Permits 3/10/14
3/10/14
Receive Permit Approvals Receive Permit Approvals 4/25/14
4/25/14
Bid Documents
Perform final review of design and specifications.
Perform constructability review. Incorporate all
comments into bid documents
2/14/14 3/10/14
Advertise for Construction Bids Complete Division 0 specifications, print bid
documents, and advertise for construction bids. 3/10/14 4/3/14
Award Construction Contract
Evaluate bids; issue Notice of Award; get CBJ
Assembly approval to award construction
contract; get Contractor bonds, insurance
certificate, subcontractors, and other required
information; sign agreement and issue Notice to
Proceed
4/4/14 4/15/2014
Review Construction Submittals Review Construction Submittals 4/15/14 6/15/14
Contractor Mobilization Mobilize construction materials and equipment to 5/31/14 6/13/14
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Grant Application - Heat Projects
AEA 2014-006 Grant Application Page 7 of 29 7/2/2013
the site and begin work
Site Preparation
Clear and grub site for well field installation.
Excavate as required to establish design top of
well field elevation.
6/14/14 6/30/14
Drill Boreholes and Install Vertical
Piping
Drill boreholes and install vertical piping. Backfill
boreholes. 7/1/14 8/14/14
Install Horizontal Piping and Backfill
Install horizontal piping and connect to bore hole
piping loops. Backfill horizontal piping trenches
and regrade site to finish design elevation to
provide additional coverage of horizontal piping
and tops of bore holes.
8/15/14 9/30/14
Install Boiler Room Equipment
Upon weathering in of library structure, install
boiler room equipment including pumps, chillers,
and related HVAC equipment.
11/1/14 2/15/15
Start-up, Training & Commissioning
of Geothermal HVAC Systems
Start-up mechanical system; provide training to
CBJ maintenance personnel on mechanical
equipment maintenance and operations;
commission of geothermal HVAC systems and
other building systems.
6/1/15 6/30/15
Operations Reporting
Provide ~5 years of operations and maintenance
reporting to AEA on an annual basis. Reporting to
include energy usage, generation, and cost
information as well as scheduled and
unscheduled maintenance required.
6/30/15 6/30/20
3.3 Project Resources
Describe the personnel, contractors, accounting or bookkeeping personnel or firms, equipment,
and services you will use to accomplish the project. Include any partnerships or commitments
with other entities you have or anticipate will be needed to complete your project. Describe any
existing contracts and the selection process you may use for major equipment purchases or
contracts. Include brief resumes and references for known, key personnel, contractors, and
suppliers as an attachment to your application.
The Request for Proposals for Design of the Mendenhall Valley Library was issued 06/24/2011.
The City & Borough of Juneau awarded design contract to MRV Architects on 09/16/2011 to
perform concept design and DCED grant application work. Unfortunately, the City & Borough
of Juneau and MRV Architects were not able to agree to t erms for follow-on design and
construction administration services. Thus, the City & Borough of Juneau moved on the second
ranked firm from the 2011 solicitation and agreed to terms with a joint venture of NorthWind
Architects and THA Architects in spring of 2013. The design team is comprised of the following
consultants:
• Architectural – NorthWind Architects and THA Architects
• Mechanical – Murray and Associates
• Energy & Commissioning – Alaska Energy Engineering
• Civil – R&M Engineers
• Electrical – Haight and Associates
• Structural – PND Engineers
• Landscape – Corvus Design
• Cost – HMS Cost Estimating
The construction contactor and subcontractors will be selected through the competitive bid
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process per the City & Borough of Juneau’s procurement regulat ions; therefore, information
regarding the construction contractors who will undertake the work is not available at this time.
Major equipment purchases are to be included in the const ruction contract.
3.4 Project Communications
Discuss how you plan to monitor the project and keep the Authority informed of the status.
Please provide an alternative contact person and their contact information.
Nathan Coffee’s office will be on the construction job site during construction. He will monitor
and record project progress for the duration of the Mendenhall Valley Library construction. He
will provide one or two page monthly status reports by email to the Authority that identify the
project progress, regulatory and compliance issues, possible delays, and photos of the work. He
will work with Janella Lewis of the City & Borough of Juneau Finance Department to include an
accounting of the monthly and overall project grant income and expenditures in the monthly
report. Quarterly reports will also be furnished that summarize the same project information on a
quarterly basis.
Nathan and Janella will also be responsible for providing additional submittal items as defined in
the Authority’s project agreement. Nathan will coordinate with the City and Borough of
Juneau’s Library and Maintenance departments to provide the appropriate operations and energy
use information after the project is placed in service.
3.5 Project Risk
Discuss potential problems and how you would address them.
Lack of sufficient funding for the construction of the geothermal HVAC system is a potential
problem for the project. In addition to needing to garner financial assistance from the Alaska
Energy Authority, the City & Borough of Juneau needs to receive favorable construction bids for
the work. Assuming funding is available the City & Borough of Juneau will investigate the
potential of bidding the Mendenhall Valley Library loop field work in conjunction with similar
work proposed at another CBJ facility or as a stand-alone contract to avoid the mark-ups of a
general contractor. If sufficient funding is not secured through the Alaska Energy Authority, the
City & Borough of Juneau may seek funding from other grant agencies or fund the project using
a portion of the DCCED library construction grant that was recently awarded to the City and
Borough of Juneau.
Another potential problem is the drilling of the well field. Unforeseen subsurface conditions
could be encountered that could impact the depth or layout of t he wells. Since an operational
loop field was recently installed nearby for the Dimond Park Aquatic Center, it is likely that
similar subsurface conditions exist on the proposed site, thus limiting but not eliminating
unforeseen subsurface conditions at the project site. However, should the loop field construction
encounter subsurface problems, increasing number of boreholes and reducing their depth are
potential mitigation strategies that could be employed to resolve the issue.
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Grant Application - Heat Projects
AEA 2014-006 Grant Application Page 9 of 29 7/2/2013
Another potential problem is generating the anticipated design energy transfer rates from the
geothermal HVAC system. Design parameters for sizing of the Mendenhall Valley Library
geothermal loop field are based on conservative conclusions drawn from review of the
conductance test and operations for the Dimond Park Aquatic Center loop field. However,
should actual performance of the loop field prove less favorable than design assumptions,
increasing number of boreholes is a potential mitigation strategy that could be employed to
resolve the issues.
Ultimately, performance of the geothermal HVAC system will not be precisely known until
system is in operation. A back-up electric boiler will be maintained in the library mechanical
room to ensure that sufficient heat for the library is available should the geothermal HVAC
system be shut down for repair or require supplemental heat to meet the heating load of the
facility.
SECTION 4 – PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND TASKS
• The level of information will vary according to phase(s) of the project you propose to
undertake with grant funds.
• If some work has already been completed on your project and you are requesting funding for
an advanced phase, submit information sufficient to demonstrate that the preceding phases
are satisfied and funding for an advanced phase is warranted.
4.1 Proposed Energy Resource
Describe the potential extent/amount of the energy resource that is available.
Discuss the pros and cons of your proposed energy resource vs. other alternatives that may be
available for the market to be served by your project. For pre-construction applications, describe
the resource to the extent known. For design and permitting or construction projects, please
provide feasibility documents, design documents, and permitting documents (if applicable) as
attachments to this application.
Due to the heat retention characteristics of subsurface soils, the amount of potential energy that can
be extracted utilizing a ground source heat pump system, albeit in small increments, is virtually
limitless. However, the high initial capital investment required for a heating loop and well field
has limited the use of ground source heat pumps in the Juneau area. As energy costs have risen in
recent years, the anticipated payback period for the invest ment of initial construction capital for a
geothermal HVAC system has decreased to the point where geothermal HVAC systems are
economically viable.
The primary cons of the geothermal HVAC system are the high initial capital investment and open
land area required to construct the system. These factors have limited the use of ground source
heat pumps in the Juneau area. Another con of the geothermal HVAC system is the slightly higher
annual maintenance expenditures required to operate the system when compared with conventional
HVAC systems. Unfamiliarity with geothermal HVAC systems could pose a bit of a con as
compared to operation and maintenance of traditional HVAC systems. However, since the
construction and operation of the Dimond Park Aquatic Center geothermal system, the City and
Borough of Juneau maintenance staff has become more knowledgeable with maintenance and
operation of such systems, thus mitigating the impact of this con. The lack of familiarity of local
contractors with the construction of a geothermal HVAC system is another con that is slowly being
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mitigated by the construction of multiple similar systems in the Juneau area. Recent construction
of heat transfer systems at the Juneau Airport, Dimond Park Aquatic Center, Lena Point NOAA
facility, and most recently Auke Bay Elementary School are making local contractors more
familiar with the construction requirements of such systems.
The primary pros of the geothermal HVAC system are the low energy consumption and the
environmentally friendly nature of the HVAC system. The geothermal HVAC system is projected
to be less expensive to construct and operate on a life cycle cost basis when evaluated over a 20
year study period. The anticipated energy savings over the anticipated 50 year life of the loop field
is over $1,600,000 when compared with traditional heating and cooling systems. Another pro of
the geothermal HVAC system at the Mendenhall Valley Library is the public acceptance and
recognition that will be brought to sustainable alternative energy technologies. This could lead to
broader use of similar heat systems elsewhere in the area. The expansion of such technology can
already be seen in Juneau with recent projects at the Juneau Airport, Dimond Park Aquatic Center,
Lena Point NOAA facility, and most recently Auke Bay Elementary School. Such a trend could
reduce the import of fuel oil for heating and eliminate t he exhaust associated with its combustion;
the reduction of hazardous exhaust is especially important in the Mendenhall Valley where
residential burn bans are imposed in winter months when air quality is sometimes poor. Another
pro of the geothermal HVAC system is the reduction in electrical consumption when compared
with electric heat systems. The reduction in electrical use allows AEL&P to reduce the amount of
diesel generated power provided to the area during peak usage and maintain the adequacy of the
existing hydroelectric infrastructure without further expansion.
4.1.2 For Biomass Projects Only
Identify any wood inventory questions, such as:
• Ownership/Accessibility. Who owns the land and are their limitations and restrictions to
accessing the biomass resource?
• Inventory data. How much biomass is available on an annual basis and what types
(species) are there, if known?
4.2.1 Basic configuration of Existing Heating Energy System
Briefly discuss the basic configuration of the existing energy system. Include information about
the number, size, age, efficiency, and type of generation.
The Mendenhall Valley Library is a new facility so there is not an existing system in place that the
proposed geothermal HVAC system will replace. The new geothermal loop field will consist of
twenty 350’ deep wells. The loop field will be divided into two separate loops each consisting of
ten vertical wells. Each vertical well will consist of a 1” plastic piping loop. Equipment within the
facility will consist of BAS controls, pumps, and two chillers. While the project could be
constructed using a single geothermal piping loop and chiller, the use of dual chillers and loops
will allow continued use of the system during scheduled and unscheduled maintenance or repair.
Two independent systems will also allow a system to be removed from service during seasons
where heating and cooling demands can be satisfied by a single chiller, thus allowing the chiller to
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operate closer to peak efficiency.
4.2.2 Existing Heating Energy Resources Used
Briefly discuss your understanding of the existing energy resources. Include a brief discussion of
any impact the project may have on existing energy infrastructure and resources.
The proposed geothermal HVAC system will use more elect ricity than an oil fired heat system, but
far less electricity than an electric heat system. Alaska Electric Light & Power (AEL&P) is a
privately owned, publicly regulated utility that provides power to Juneau. Currently, AEL&P
generates hydroelectric power at the Snettisham Dam and provides the power to Juneau via
suspended and underwater transmission lines. AEL&P recent ly completed construction of a
second hydroelectric facility at Lake Dorothy that increased the hydroelectric power capacity of
the Juneau area by 20%. Diesel generators provide additional power to Juneau in periods of
outage or high demand. Currently, AEL&P utilizes diesel generators during the winter to
supplement hydroelectric supply. This could increase in the future if heating oil price increases
drive residents to use electrical heat in lieu of oil. AEL&P’s hydroelectric capacity is currently
overtaxed by Juneau’s demand, so the addition of Lake Dorot hy’s power will help to align the
hydroelectric infrastructure capacity with that of local demand, but will not satisfy long term
demand in the community. It is City and Borough of Juneau policy to avoid utilization of
electricity for heat energy at new city facilities to avoid increasing the burden upon the AEL&P
hydroelectric infrastructure in an attempt to maintain affordable electricity for all Juneau residents.
The use of a geothermal HVAC system at Mendenhall Valley Library will marginally increase
electric consumption of the facility when compared wit h its projected consumption utilizing oil-
fired boilers. However, this increase in consumption is not significant enough to jeopardize ability
of the local utility infrastructure to meet the electr ic power needs of the community. A new
electrical service to the Mendenhall Valley Library was anticipated as part of the project regardless
of the construction of the geothermal HVAC system. The electrical service will be sized to meet
the required electric loads of the geothermal HVAC system as well as other electrical loads of the
facility.
4.2.3 Existing Heating Energy Market
Discuss existing energy use and its market. Discuss impacts your project may have on energy
customers.
Alaska Electric Light & Power (AEL&P) is a privately owned, publicly regulated utility that
provides power to Juneau and some surrounding communities. AEL&P also sells electrical power
to cruise ships and Greens Creek Mine. Due to the addition of the Lake Dorothy hydroelectric
supply and the small increase in electric consumption required by the heat pump system, the use of
ground source heat pumps at the Mendenhall Valley Library is projected to have little or no impact
on AEL&P customer rates.
The use of geothermal HVAC system at Mendenhall Valley Library will have little effect on other
energy markets such as oil and propane.
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4.3 Proposed System
Include information necessary to describe the system you are intending to develop and address
potential system design, land ownership, permits, energy efficiency and environmental issues.
4.3.1 System Design
Provide the following information for the proposed renewable energy system:
• A description of renewable energy technology specific to project location
• Optimum installed capacity
• Anticipated capacity factor
• Anticipated annual generation
• Anticipated barriers
• Basic integration concept
• Delivery methods
• Energy efficiency measures (building envelope)
This project proposes the design and construction of a geot hermal HVAC system to serve the
heating and cooling needs at the Mendenhall Valley Librar y. The system consists of the
following:
• Two closed-loop geothermal loop fields comprised of (10) 350’ deep wells each (20 total
wells) located on the Mendenhall Valley Library site,
• Underground distribution piping between the library’s mechanical room and the
geothermal loop fields,
• Mechanical room heat and cooling equipment including circulation pumps, chillers,
controls, and related equipment.
The proposed geothermal HVAC system will be designed to meet 100% of the facility’s peak
heating load; roughly 515,000 BTUH. Theoretically, the geothermal HVAC system could
generate 4,511,400,000 BTU of heat energy annually, but the City and Borough of Juneau will
regulate system operation utilizing automatic controls so that it only generates the heat and cooling
required to maintain comfortable ambient temperature wit hin the facility during the library’s hours
of operation.
An anticipated barrier to utilizing the geothermal HVAC system is the low operating temperature
of circulation fluid provided by the heat exchanger, thus requiring additional radiant surface area
in the heated space when compared to other standard fuel boiler systems. Several different radiant
heat approaches will be further investigated during design of the facility including but not limited
to standard fin tube radiators, forced-air heat systems, and radiant concrete slab on grade to
determine which design solution is most feasible to integrate with the geothermal energy source.
4.3.2 Land Ownership
Identify potential land ownership issues, including whether site owners have agreed to the project
or how you intend to approach land ownership obtain harvest contracts and access issues.
The Mendenhall Valley Library site is located within the community of Juneau in the Mendenhall
Valley. The library site is part of a larger parcel of land called Dimond Park that is owned by the
City & Borough of Juneau. There are not any known land ownership or access issues that would
jeopardize the construction of a geothermal HVAC system at the Dimond Park Library.
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4.3.3 Permits
Provide the following information as it may relate to permitting and how you intend to address
outstanding permit issues.
• List of applicable permits
• Anticipated permitting timeline
• Identify and discussion of potential barriers
The Mendenhall Valley Library and associated geothermal HVAC system construction will
require the following permits:
• Building Permit from City & Borough of Juneau Community Development Department
• Utility Permit from City & Borough of Juneau Community Development Department
Design documents will be submitted to City & Borough of Juneau Community Development
Department for permit review prior to advertisement for construction bids. A potential barrier to
timely issuance of the building permit is the lengthy review process that often accompanies public
works projects. However, due to the fact that the project is new construction, not a large facility,
and has a sufficient lead time between permit application and beginning of construction, the
permits for construction should be issued before beginning of construction.
4.3.4 Environmental
Address whether the following environmental and land use issues apply, and if so how they will
be addressed:
• Threatened or endangered species
• Habitat issues
• Wetlands and other protected areas
• Archaeological and historical resources
• Land development constraints
• Telecommunications interference
• Aviation considerations
• Visual, aesthetics impacts
• Identify and discuss other potential barriers
The proposed location of the geothermal loop field at the Mendenhall Valley Library site, a site
previously used as a gravel quarry and later filled with unsuitable soils, eliminates potential
environmental and land use issues that may arise if this were proposed on a virgin site. The site is
divided by a roadway into the portion where the building location will be located and the other
portion that will be used for parking and the geothermal loop field. The building portion of the
site does have a small ~.18 acre wetland that will be filled during removal of unsuitable soils and
construction of a building pad. Preliminary review by US Army Corps of Engineers resulted in a
determination that the wetland area does fall within their jurisdiction, but that it does not appear to
provide much in the way of critical habitat and can be filled without further remediation. Final
permitting via a nationwide permit is pending.
The portion of the site utilized for parking and the geother mal loop field was also filled with
unsuitable soils and organics, in particular large tree st umps, prior to City and Borough of Juneau
ownership. The DPAC geothermal loop field was constructed over similar soils that required
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casing of the first ~50 vertical feet of each borehole due to voids created by organics. The revised
project construction cost estimate reflects the additio nal cost of casing in the unit cost for the
vertical borehole construction. The additional cost for casing has been offset by reduction in the
overall number of boreholes by the project’s mechanical engineer resulting in a slight cost
decrease when compared to the project’s prior application.
Environmental or land use conflicts with threatened or endangered species, habitat and wetland
issues, archaeological and historical resources should not arise on the parking and geothermal loop
field portion of the site due to the prior use of the sit e. The infrastructure for the Mendenhall
Valley Library geothermal HVAC system is primarily below grade so aviation conflicts and
telecommunication interference are not anticipated. Since the majority of the proposed geothermal
HVAC system at the Mendenhall Valley Library will be concealed below grade or within the
building, no visual or aesthetic impacts are anticipat ed, in fact the elimination of unsightly above
ground oil storage tanks and retention area will enhance the project’s aesthetics. The portion of
the site utilized for the geothermal loop field will be restored and improved to serve as the parking
lot for the Mendenhall Valley Library project upon completion of the geothermal loop field
construction. The proposed geothermal HVAC system is a closed loop system utilizing non-toxic
heat transfer fluid so environmental impacts and risks are minimal over the life of the system.
4.4 Proposed New System Costs and Projected Revenues
(Total Estimated Costs and Projected Revenues)
The level of cost information provided will vary according to the phase of funding requested and
any previous work the applicant may have done on the project. Applicants must reference the
source of their cost data. For example: Applicants records or analysis, industry standards,
consultant or manufacturer’s estimates.
4.4.1 Project Development Cost
Provide detailed project cost information based on your current knowledge and understanding of
the project. Cost information should include the following:
• Total anticipated project cost, and cost for this phase
• Requested grant funding
• Applicant matching funds – loans, capital contributions, in-kind
• Identification of other funding sources
• Projected capital cost of proposed renewable energy system
• Projected development cost of proposed renewable energy system
Total Anticipated Project Cost = $ 825,000
Total Project Cost - Design & Permitting Phase = $ 154,000
Total Project Cost - Construction, Commissioning, Operat ing Phase = $ 671,000
Requested Grant Funding = $ 660,000
Applicant Matching Funds = $ 165,000
Other Funding Sources
City & Borough of Juneau
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Projected Capital Cost of Proposed Renewable Energy System = $675,000
Projected Development Cost of Proposed Renewable Energy System = $150,000
4.4.2 Project Operating and Maintenance Costs
Include anticipated O&M costs for new facilities constructed and how these would be funded by
the applicant.
(Note: Operational costs are not eligible for grant funds however grantees are required to meet
ongoing reporting requirements for the purpose of reporting impacts of projects on the
communities they serve.)
The projected annual operating and maintenance costs for the proposed geothermal HVAC system
at the Mendenhall Valley Library are ~$20,250; ~$7,750 for elect ricity and ~$12,500 for routine
maintenance. The geothermal HVAC system is projected to decrease annual energy costs
~$427,000 over a twenty year period when compared with a tradit ional HVAC system; an energy
savings of roughly $21,350 per year. Grant funding for operations and maintenance of the
geothermal HVAC system at the Mendenhall Valley Library is not requested. Operations and
maintenance of the system will be funded and performed by the City and Borough of Juneau.
4.4.3 Heat Purchase/Sale
The heat purchase/sale information should include the following:
• Identification of potential energy buyer(s)/customer(s)
• Potential heat purchase/sales price - at a minimum indicate a price range
• Proposed rate of return from grant-funded project
This project does not provide the opportunity to purchase or sell heat energy. All energy generated
by the geothermal HVAC will be utilized by the library facility.
4.4.4 Project Cost Worksheet
Complete the cost worksheet form which provides summary information that will be considered in
evaluating the project.
See attached cost worksheet for a summary of the project costs.
Assumptions regarding the construction cost of the geothermal loop field are based on bid and
construction results from unit price bids for similar work at Dimond Park Aquatic Center. The
Dimond Park Aquatic Center project was bid in the spring of 2009 with the work occurring in the
summer of 2009. These construction costs were escalated 17.5% for the proposed Mendenhall
Valley Library loop field work to be undertaken in summer of 2014.
Fees for consultant design and inspection services were derived from fees associated with work for
the Dimond Park Aquatic Center work. Since conductance data is available from Dimond Park
Aquatic Center less than ¼ mile from the library site, no test wells or conductance tests are
included in the scope of the design of the loop field.
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Renewable Energy Source
The Applicant should demonstrate that the renewable energy resource is available on a
sustainable basis.
Annual average resource availability. 4,511,400 MBtu max. output for geothermal loop field
Unit depends on project type (e.g. windspeed, hydropower output, biomasss fuel)
Existing Heating Energy Generation and Usage
a) Basic configuration
i. Number of generators/boilers/other 2 oil heat boilers
ii. Rated capacity of generators/boilers/other
iii. Generator/boilers/other type Sectional boilers
iv. Age of generators/boilers/other New
v. Efficiency of generators/boilers/other ~80% efficient
b) Annual O&M cost (if system is part of the Railbelt grid, leave this section blank)
i. Annual O&M cost for labor ~ $10,000/ year for boilers, chiller and associated equipment
ii. Annual O&M cost for non-labor ~ $23,125 for oil, electricity, and miscellaneous materials
c) Annual electricity production and fuel usage (fill in as applicable) (if system is part of the
Railbelt grid, leave this section blank)
i. Electricity [kWh] Geothermal HVAC eliminates ~148,000 kWh from electric HVAC system*
ii. Fuel usage
Diesel [gal] Geothermal HVAC eliminates ~5,000 gallons of oil from oil HVAC system*
Other *Note that geothermal HVAC system eliminates oil or electricity (not both)
based on comparison with each HVAC system option.
iii. Peak Load 515 MBH
iv. Average Load ~230 MBH
v. Minimum Load 0 MBH – minimal use of system during mild temperatures and closed facility
vi. Efficiency Oil ~80% efficient : Electric ~95% efficient : GSHP ~320% efficient
vii. Future trends
d) Annual heating fuel usage (fill in as applicable)
i. Diesel [gal or MMBtu] ~5,000 gallons from oil heat system*
ii. Electricity [kWh] ~148,000 kWh from electric HVAC system*
iii. Propane [gal or MMBtu]
iv. Coal [tons or MMBtu]
v. Wood [cords, green tons, dry tons]
vi. Other
Proposed System Design Capacity and Fuel Usage
(Include any projections for continued use of non-renewable fuels)
a) Proposed renewable capacity
(Wind, Hydro, Biomass, other)
4,511 MMBH max. annual output for geothermal loop field
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[kW or MMBtu/hr]
b) Proposed annual electricity or heat production (fill in as applicable)
i. Electricity [kWh] This project will not produce electricity
ii. Heat [MMBtu] 675 MMBtu based on library operating hours
c) Proposed annual fuel usage (fill in as applicable)
i. Propane [gal or MMBtu] 0
ii. Coal [tons or MMBtu] 0
iii. Wood or pellets [cords, green tons,
dry tons]
0
iv. Other ~73,750 kWh electricity for geothermal HVAC system
operation annually
Project Cost
a) Total capital cost of new system $675,000
b) Development cost $150,000
c) Annual O&M cost of new system $20,250
d) Annual fuel cost $7,750 for electricity
Project Benefits
a) Amount of fuel displaced for
i. Electricity 15,600 kWh
ii. Heat 5,000 gallons of heating fuel
iii. Transportation
b) Current price of displaced fuel $3.67 per gallon
c) Other economic benefits Estimated $27,000 annual health benefit
d) Alaska public benefits Electric infrastructure relief : independence from oil :
Reduce pollution : GSHP education
Heat Purchase/Sales Price
a) Price for heat purchase/sale ~$.09/kWh : no heat energy sales from this project
Project Analysis
a) Basic Economic Analysis
Project benefit/cost ratio ~$21,350 annual energy savings / $675,000 capital cost of project
Payback (years) ~34 years; however LCCA between geothermal and oil/electric HVAC
shows that project reaches break even cost at ~17 years.
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4.4.5 Building Efficiency
Please address the following items related to the proposed location of the heating project. If
more than one building will be impacted, please address this information for each building.
• Building name: Mendenhall Valley Public Library
• Type or primary usage of the building: Public Library
• Location: Dimond Park, Juneau Alaska
• Hours of operation*: 10 AM to 8 PM Monday through Thursday
10 AM to 7 PM Friday
10 AM to 6 PM Saturday
12 PM to 5 PM Sunday
*Hours of operation of existing valley library located in rented space in Mendenhall Mall. One
of the reasons for constructing a stand alone facility was to increase operating hours, especially
for evening events, meetings, and special programs that are currently limited by mall hours of
operation.
• Single structure or multiple units: Single structure
• Total square footage: 20,600 GSF
• Electrical consumption per year: estimated 15,600 kWh for HVAC operations
• Heating oil/fuel consumption per year: estimated 5,000 gallons for heating operations
• Average number of occupants: 4-6 staff will occupy the facility at any given time.
Patron use fluctuates dramatically with time of day, special events, meetings, etc. The
current leased valley library facility experienced 15,475 patron visits during the month of
June 2013. Historically, 20-30% growth in overall use accompanies construction of a
new library in an existing service area. With the new Mendenhall Valley Library being
more than twice the size of the existing leased facility, a 30% or more increase in patron
use is anticipated.
• Has an energy audit been performed? When? Please provide a copy of the energy audit,
if applicable. No, because the building is not constructed yet.
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• Have building thermal energy efficiency upgrades been completed? No, because the
building is not constructed yet. However, an energy efficient envelope is a key
component of the Mendenhall Valley Library LEED certified design goals.
o If applicable, please provide evidence of efficiency improvements including cost
and anticipated savings associated with upgrades.
o Estimated annual heating fuel savings
• If the building is not yet constructed please provide evidence of the value of planned
building envelope efficiency investments beyond typical construction practices. Include
anticipated savings associated with efficiency investments if available.
The Mendenhall Valley Library is being designed to meet a minimum of LEED certified
design requirements. One of the LEED goals identified in the design contract is that the
building’s energy usage be 30% the baseline established by Appendix G of
ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2007, a standard that is based on air source heat
pumps, not oil-fired boilers typically utilized in past construction projects. Energy
conservation strategies under consideration in the project design include the following: LED
lighting, day lighting controls, CO2 sensor controlled fresh air supply, heat recovery loop on
exhaust air system, BAS control of lighting and HVAC systems for scheduled setback during
unoccupied hours, geothermal heat and cooling system, triple-pane windows system, highly
insulated building envelope, and air infiltration testing as part of the building commissioning.
SECTION 5– PROJECT BENEFIT
Explain the economic and public benefits of your project. Include direct cost savings,
and how the people of Alaska will benefit from the project.
The benefits information should include the following:
• Potential annual fuel displacement (gallons and dollars) over the lifetime of the evaluated
renewable energy project. In order for the applicant to receive credit for heating fuel
displaced the applicant must provide the most recent invoice for heating fuel purchased.
• Anticipated annual revenue (based on i.e. a Proposed Heat Purchase Agreement price,
RCA tariff, or cost based rate)
• Potential additional annual incentives (i.e. tax credits)
• Potential additional annual revenue streams (i.e. green tag sales or other renewable
energy subsidies or programs that might be available)
• Discuss the non-economic public benefits to Alaskans over the lifetime of the project
The proposed geothermal HVAC system is projected to save ~$427,000 in energy when
compared to a conventional oil/electric HVAC system over a 20 year study period. It is
projected that a conventional oil heat system will require 5,000 gallons of fuel oil to meet the
Mendenhall Valley Library’s annual heating load. Over a 20 year period the proposed
geothermal HVAC system will eliminate the consumption of 100,000 gallons of fuel oil.
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The proposed geothermal HVAC system is projected to reduce annual energy expenditures
approximately $15,300 when compared to conventional oil/electric HVAC system. As cost of
fuel continues to escalate disproportionately to the cost of electricity in Juneau (historically 6%
per year escalation for heating fuel oil while only a 2% annual increase for electricity), the
annual energy savings will increase. While the project does not generate revenue through the
generation of electrical power, the ability of the geothermal HVAC system to meet the heating
needs of the Mendenhall Valley Library utilizing an inexpensive renewable energy resource will
allow the City and Borough of Juneau to allocate operating revenue elsewhere.
The City & Borough of Juneau is not aware of additional annual incentives or revenue streams
that might be available due to the use of the proposed ground source heat pump system, but with
the increasing focus on energy independence such additional benefits may soon become
available. As owner/manager of the Mendenhall Valley Library, the City & Borough of Juneau
will continue to monitor these opportunities in an effort to enhance the facility’s cost recovery
efforts.
This project provides an opportunity for the City & Borough of Juneau and the public to learn
more about the economic sustainability and viability of ground source heat pumps. This project
could continue to shape the way the City & Borough of Juneau and the private sector address the
heating needs of future facilities. The renewable nature of this plentiful energy resource is
especially attractive to Juneau residents who recently experienced the economic hardship that the
loss of inexpensive hydroelectric power creates. Just as the loss of inexpensive hydroelectric
power due to avalanches brought greater awareness among all ages as to the importance of
energy conservation, the use of ground source heat pumps at the Mendenhall Valley Library
could bring greater enlightenment regarding alternative renewable energy sources. The lessons
learned from the construction and operation of the proposed geothermal HVAC system will
almost certainly increase local familiarity with the technology and should reduce construction
costs of future projects.
In addition to the great educational benefit to be derived from the proposed project, the
environmental benefit of eliminating the consumption of 100,000 gallons of fuel oil over 20
years of facility operation should not go unnoticed. From the elimination of environmental
hazards associated with oil extraction, transporting crude oil, transporting refined fuel oil, and
then storing it on site, to the elimination of the health hazards associated with air pollution from
the oil manufacturer and shipping to the health hazards associated with its combustion, it makes
the project seem worthwhile even if the geothermal HVAC system was not providing an
economic benefit.
In an effort to quantify the economic value of the project’s public benefit to Alaskans we have
utilized US EPA information below regarding the health risks associated with emissions from
oil-fired boilers and operation of diesel power equipment required to produce and transfer fuel
oil:
Excerpt from US EPA National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for
Industrial/Commercial/Institutional Boilers and Process Heaters
“The HAP emitted by facilities in the boiler and process heater
source category include arsenic, cadmium, chromium, hydrogen chloride
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(HCl), hydrogen fluoride, lead, manganese, mercury, and nickel.
Exposure to these substances has been demonstrated to cause adverse
health effects such as irritation to the lung, skin, and mucus
membranes, effects on the central nervous system, kidney damage, and
cancer.”
US EPA Report to Congress: Highlights of the Diesel Emissions Reduction Program estimated
that EPA grants for emission fuel usage reductions for diesel-powered vehicles and equipment
will generate ~$8 million in fuel savings and translate to public health benefits of $580 million to
$1.4 billion.
This project proposes to generate ~$20,550 in fuel oil savings annually by entirely eliminating its
consumption at the library site. Based on an extrapolation of the EPA’s estimated $580 million
over a 25 year period based on $8 million in annual fuel savings and assuming that 50% of
EPA’s estimated health benefit is a direct result of reduction in fuel usage, the annual public
benefit to Alaskans is ~$27,000 annually or ~$540,000 over a 20 year period (while a 20 year
period has been used for calculation purposes, the geothermal heat system could continue to
provide cost savings beyond 25 years to Alaskans).
In addition to economic benefits of this renewable energy source, the reduction of air
contaminants from traditional oil-fired heat system enhances air quality in Dimond Park and
greater Mendenhall Valley. The Alaska Legislature, Alaska Energy Authority, and City and
Borough of Juneau Assembly should be applauded for the foresight to provide funding for
renewable energy projects that provide long term economic and environmental benefits that this
project will provide to the community of Juneau.
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SECTION 6– SUSTAINABILITY
Discuss your plan for operating the completed project so that it will be sustainable.
Include at a minimum:
• Proposed business structure(s) and concepts that may be considered.
• How you propose to finance the maintenance and operations for the life of the project
• Identification of operational issues that could arise.
• A description of operational costs including on-going support for any back-up or existing
systems that may be require to continue operation
• Commitment to reporting the savings and benefits
The operations and maintenance of Mendenhall Valley Library will be provided by the City and
Borough of Juneau. City and Borough of Juneau operations are funded by local, state, and federal
contributions. The City and Borough of Juneau is committ ed to maintaining their public facilities
in a proactive manner. As part of the construction contract, the City and Borough of Juneau
maintenance staff will participate in training from equipment suppliers and installers to gain a
better understanding of the maintenance requirements of the ground source heat system
equipment.
Operational issues with geothermal HVAC system that could arise are primarily tied to the actual
heat generation of the geothermal loop field and recovery rates of the geothermal loop field during
times of peak heating loads. Further energy conservation measures from exterior envelope
improvements to CO2 sensors at large interior spaces to control fresh air introduction will be
considered during the design of the Mendenhall Valley Librar y project to mitigate potential
operational issues associated with the performance of the geothermal loop field.
Commissioning of the geothermal HVAC system and other building mechanical, electrical, and
control systems will be included in the professional ser vices agreement for the project. The
commissioning of all integrated building systems is essent ial for the building systems to interact as
designed and function in their most efficient manner. The Mendenhall Valley Library project will
be designed as a USGBC LEED project. As such, commissioning of the building mechanical and
electrical systems is not just recommended, it is mandatory. The City and Borough of Juneau
maintenance staff will also participate in the facility commissioning.
Monitoring of the facility’s energy consumption and cost s is also recommended to determine the
effectiveness of the ground source system and as a means to gauge the potential of ground source
heat pumps at other City & Borough of Juneau facilities. Geothermal HVAC system operations
will be monitored and reported to AEA, as required by the grant agreement. Currently, the City
and Borough of Juneau tracks energy consumption at their facilities, so monitoring and reporting
of the facility’s energy consumption will continue even after AEA reporting requirements are met.
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SECTION 7 – READINESS & COMPLIANCE WITH OTHER GRANTS
Discuss what you have done to prepare for this award and how quickly you intend to proceed
with work once your grant is approved.
Tell us what you may have already accomplished on the project to date and identify other grants
that may have been previously awarded for this project and the degree you have been able to
meet the requirements of previous grants.
The City & Borough of Juneau has performed a preliminary feasibility analysis and conceptual
design of the geothermal loop field design to establish t he viability of the proposed project. The
analysis showed that it is feasible to construct an appropriately sized geothermal loop field on the
proposed library site and that the project will reduce the operating cost of the facility.
The City & Borough of Juneau has also met with Alaska Electric Light and Power representatives
to review electrical costs and the impacts of future development on AEL&P electrical supply and
distribution infrastructure. The City & Borough of Juneau and AEL&P discussed strategies for
energy usage reduction through operating and design methods that could be employed at existing
and new facilities. AEL&P expressed concern over increasing demands on hydro-electric supply
infrastructure and the City & Borough of Juneau agreed to consider energy efficient alternatives
when designing improvements to city and school district facilities. The City & Borough of
Juneau and Alaska Electric Light and Power will continue to work together to reduce energy
consumption and associated costs at City and Borough of Juneau facilities.
On July 1, 2012, the City & Borough of Juneau received a $7 million grant from the Alaska
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development to construct the new library
in Juneau’s Mendenhall Valley. On October, 2, 2012 local voters approved a ballot measure to
extend the existing 1% sales tax to pay for the participat ing share of the Dimond Park Library
project and other capital projects. Upon voter approval, t he City and Borough of Juneau
Engineering Department began work with the consultant t eam toward completion of the project
design. It is the intent of the City & Borough of Juneau to advertise for bids and begin
construction of the Mendenhall Valley Library during the spring of 2014. The geothermal loop
field and associated heat pump system improvements will be included in the project design and
construction.
The City and Borough of Juneau has a successful track record of executing grant projects
expediently while meeting the requirements of the grant funding agency. This project will not be
an exception to this rule as the majority of the project’s funding is secured and the project is a
high priority within the community.
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SECTION 8 – LOCAL SUPPORT AND OPPOSITION
Discuss local support and opposition, known or anticipated, for the project. Include letters of
support or other documentation of local support from the community that would benefit from this
project. The Documentation of support must be dated within one year of the RFA date of July 2,
2013.
The City & Borough of Juneau Assembly implemented goals to reduce the city’s carbon
footprint, and the use of a geothermal heat source at Mendenhall Valley Library is in keeping
with this vision. The City and Borough of Juneau also requires all capital projects that exceed $5
million to be USGBC LEED certified projects. This requirement underscores the city’s
commitment to sustainable design and inclusion of renewable energy sources when feasible. The
City and Borough of Juneau is committed to construction of public facilities that can be operated
in an efficient, cost-effective manner and the use of a geothermal HVAC system is in keeping
with this goal. Thus, the City & Borough of Juneau Assembly supports the project grant request
for a number of reasons.
The City & Borough of Juneau has received positive public feedback regarding the construction
of geothermal loop fields at the Juneau Airport and Dimond Park Aquatic Center as the
community of Juneau supports the use of renewable energy, supports the reduction in exhaust
emissions, and supports the reduction of facility operating costs that these projects offer. Use of
geothermal energy in conjunction with the Mendenhall Valley Library project has already
received public support from various members of the public that voiced their approval during
public meetings during concept and schematic design of the library facility.
Limited opposition to the project typically stems from the belief or concern that the ground source
heat pump systems are not proven technology in Juneau. It is true that the Juneau Airport project
and the Dimond Park Aquatic Center have not been operational for extended periods, so that
operational data may not be indicative of actual long term operation and maintenance costs.
However, Alaska Electric Light & Power has utilized ground source heat pumps at their
headquarters in Juneau for a number of years. AEL&P expressed satisfaction with the
performance of the system and believes that the system was worth the initial investment.
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SECTION 9 – GRANT BUDGET
Tell us how much you are seeking in grant funds. Include any investments to date and funding
sources, how much is being requested in grant funds, and additional investments you will make
as an applicant.
Provide a narrative summary regarding funding sources and your financial commitment to the
project
The City & Borough of Juneau is requesting $660,000 in grant funds for the design and
construction of a geothermal HVAC system at the Dimond Park Library. The project is
estimated to cost $825,000. The City & Borough of Juneau plans to provide the remaining
$165,000 from local sales tax revenue.
Please provide a short narrative, and cost estimate, identifying the metering equipment, and its
related use to comply with the operations reporting requirement identified in Section 3.15 of the
Request for Applications.
Software reporting modifications and additional metering points will be added to the Mendenhall
Valley Library BAS to monitor key data points for evaluation and tracking of the geothermal
HVAC performance. Electrical usage data for brine pump and heat exchanger will be recorded
to determine total electrical consumption of GSHP system. Electrical consumption at back-up
electrical boiler will also be monitored to determine what, if any, extra heat is required for
normal building operations. Incoming and outgoing brine solution temperature and flow rate
will also be recorded to evaluate heat extraction by the heat exchanger to determine free BTUH
available for heating. Incoming and outgoing condenser water loop temperature and flow rate
will also be recorded to evaluate heat extraction by the heat exchanger to determine actual
BTUH to the building for heating (or cooling). The above BAS points will provide sufficient
data to calculate cost of power and heating efficiency of the system. A minimum of ten sensor
points will be required at ~$1200 per point plus ~$3000 in software modifications to track and
report data are estimated cost ~$15,000 for the metering cont rol systems.
Applications MUST include a separate worksheet for each project phase that was identified in
section 2.3.2 of this application, (I. Reconnaissance, II. Feasibility and Conceptual Design, III.
Final Design and Permitting, and IV. Construction and Commissioning). Please use the tables
provided below to detail your proposed project’s budget. Be sure to use one table for each
phase of your project.
Renewable Energy Fund Round VII
Grant Application - Heat Projects
AEA 2014-006 Grant Application Page 26 of 29 7/2/2013
PHASE III - DESIGN &
PERMITTING
Milestone or Task
Anticipated
Completion
Date
RE- Fund
Grant Funds
Grantee
Matching
Funds
Source of
Matching
Funds:
Cash/In-
kind/Federal
Grants/Other
State
Grants/Other
TOTALS
Complete Schematic Design
including land use, permit ,
ROW issues, environmental
assessment , cost estimate
and verification of feasibility
analysis
8/30/2013 $9312 $2328 $11,640
Complete 50% Design & Cost
Estimate, Resolve Land Use,
Environmental, Permit, and
ROW issues
11/1/2013 $13,680 $3420 $17,100
Complete 95% Design & Cost
Estimate, Update Economic
Analysis based on final design,
Finalize Operations Plan
2/14/2014
$ $5946
$29,730
Apply for Permits 3/10/2014
$1600 $400 $2,000
Receive Permit Approvals 4/25/2014
$2400 $600 $3,000
TOTALS $50,776 $12,694 $63,470
Budget Categories:
Direct Labor & Benefits $9240 $2310 $11,550
Travel & Per Diem $ $ $
Equipment $ $ $
Materials & Supplies $ $ $
Contractual Services $37,536 $9384 $46,920
Construction Services $ $ $
Other - Permits $4000 $1000 $5000
TOTALS $50,776 $12,694 $63,470
Renewable Energy Fund Round VII
Grant Application - Heat Projects
AEA 2014-006 Grant Application Page 27 of 29 7/2/2013
PHASE IV –
CONSTRUCTION,
COMMISSIONING,
OPERATION, & REPORTING
Milestone or Task
Anticipated
Completion
Date
RE- Fund
Grant Funds
Grantee
Matching
Funds
Source of
Matching
Funds:
Cash/In-
kind/Federal
Grants/Other
State
Grants/Other
TOTALS
Complete Bid Documents 3/10/2014 $1648 $412 $2060
Advertise for Construction Bids 4/3/2014 $4648 $1162 $5810
Award Construction Contract
4/15/2014 $2648 $662 $3310
Review Construction
Submittals 6/15/2014 $6000 $1500 $7500
Mobilize Construction
Materials and Equipment 6/13/2014 $54,000 $13,500 $67,500
Prepare site for well field
installation 6/30/2014 $59,712 $14,928 $74,640
Drill Boreholes and Install
Vertical Piping 8/14/2014 $174,352 $43,588 $217,940
Install Horizontal Piping and
Backfill 9/30/2014 $173,712 $43,428 $217,140
Install Boiler Room Equipment
2/15/2015 $114,040 $28,510 $142,550
Start-up, Training &
Commissioning of Geothermal
HVAC Systems
6/30/2015 $10,064 $2516 $12,580
Operations Reporting (~5
years of annual reporting) 6/30/2020 $8400 $2100 $10,500
TOTALS $609,224 $152,306 $761,530
Budget Categories:
Direct Labor & Benefits $31,160 $7,790 $38,950
Travel & Per Diem $ $ $
Equipment $ $ $
Materials & Supplies $ $ $
Contractual Services $38,064 $9,516 $47,580
Construction Services $540,000 $135,000 $725,000
Other $ $ $
TOTALS $609,224 $152,306 $761,530