The City of Knoxville’s new Public Works Service Center being built on Loraine Street will have a closed-loop vertical geothermal heat pump that will save energy and reduce air emissions – thanks in part to a $240,000 state grant.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau on Monday announced more than $3.1 million in grants to fund energy-efficiency projects for local governments and municipalities, utilities and state entities across Tennessee.

One of the 38 Clean Tennessee Energy Grants is for the City of Knoxville’s new Public Works Complex, which is pursuing LEED certification and will incorporate many environmentally-friendly design features – such as a green rooftop, the geothermal heat pump, and LED and natural lighting.

The complex, to be built in three phases over five years on a brownfield site, will modernize and consolidate existing City Engineering Department and Public Service Department facilities, allowing the City to provide better services with greater efficiency. The new complex also will include a public meeting space, which will be available to community and civic groups.

”We’re greatly appreciative of the state’s Clean Tennessee Energy Grant,” said Christi Branscom, Deputy to Mayor Madeline Rogero and the City’s Chief Operating Officer. “The closed-loop vertical geothermal heat pump is a key design component. Annual energy savings are estimated to be roughly 32,952 kWh, with savings of $160,000 in avoided boiler/cooler tower costs.

“The best part: This heat pump will reduce our air emissions by more than 45,000 pounds of carbon dioxide every year. There are so many exciting initiatives happening in Knoxville related to energy efficiency and reducing emissions, and we’re proud to be helping to lead the way.”