LONDONDERRY, N.H. — Bosch Thermotechnology, a division of Robert Bosch North America, announced the launch of a national geothermal awareness campaign today, Earth Day 2015, to raise public awareness and understanding of geothermal heating and cooling and its environmental benefits.

The public campaign is designed to further understanding and acceptance of geothermal technology as a renewable form of energy and help to advance the industry and its stakeholders — equipment manufacturers, drillers, installing contractors, industry associations, residential home developers, and homeowners. It will culminate in a national day of recognition for geothermal scheduled for Oct. 20, 2015.

The campaign’s centerpiece is a dedicated website (www.GeothermalDay.com) which features information and activities relating to geothermal along with an educational video and interactive children’s activities. Tandem social media and public relations outreach efforts will engage stakeholders and consumers in all aspects of geothermal and its benefits.

The website features the following elements: Geothermal 101 video; introduction to geothermal technology; geothermal features and benefits; information and guidance for homebuyers and homeowners; industry professionals section; homebuilder-property developer section; Kids Loop section of fun materials and activities (ages 5-13); parents and educators section; and list of resources.

Bosch’s is engaging with geothermal industry partners and stakeholders in support of its campaign through participation in campaign efforts and in-kind support. While acknowledging its own stake in the industry — Bosch is a manufacturer of ground and water-source heat pumps used in geothermal applications — the campaign’s goal is to create broad awareness for an industry that remains today at less than 10 percent market share for all heating and cooling business in North America.

“At Bosch, in keeping with a core value to advance environmental friendly product solutions worldwide, we certainly do believe in geo and we are committed to it,” said Vitor Gregorio, president of Bosch Thermotechnology Corp. “This website concentrates more information about geothermal than is currently available elsewhere, and as the campaign advances we will be adding more elements.

“We are reaching out to young people with this effort because we see geothermal as an essential form of renewable energy to bequeath to future generations,” he added. “It’s especially important for this campaign to reach children of school age because they represent our future. We need to instill this awareness in them so they can make geothermal energy tomorrow’s reality.”

The industry has been historically restricted by higher upfront costs to install the underground loop heat exchange element, but new solutions to the upfront cost challenge are now emerging. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), geothermal ground-source heat pumps are one of the most energy efficient, environmentally clean, and cost-effective space conditioning systems available.

For more information, visit www.GeothermalDay.com.

Publication date: 4/20/2015

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