Those who have been considering making a change to cleaner, more sustainable heating options for their homes or commercial spaces have probably tossed around the idea of geothermal heating. However, some of us are still in the dark about how these systems work and what the benefits and expenses will be. If you’re considering pursuing this idea, or just want to learn more about how geothermal heating works, the next installment of the WNY Sustainable Energy Association’s Reitan speaker series is a great place to start.
This evening, Wednesday, April 18, the organization will host Jens Ponikau, Geo designer for Buffalo Geothermal Heating (BGH). BGH is a geothermal design and installment firm that installs between 50-60 geosystems per year in the Buffalo and Western New York region. As a native of Germany, Ponikau already had plenty of experience in the field before he came to Western New York. He is an International Ground Source Heat Pump Association accredited geothermal installer with a degree from the University of Hamburg, Germany. After installing 120 geosystems abroad, he came here and helped found Buffalo Geothermal Heating in 2008. Since that time, he has taught seminars on geothermal technologies and has made public appearances on the radio, in schools, and at the home show to share his knowledge on geothermal energy.
Ponikau’s lecture, “Everything you wanted to know about geothermal heating, but were afraid to ask,” will take place at 7 p.m. at Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center (which happens to have an active geothermal system implemented), located at 341 Delaware Avenue. The lecture will be free and open to the public. For more information, call 716-854-1694 or visit the WNYSEA website.
