The International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) and the National Ground Water Association (NGWA) have signed a memorandum of understanding to further enhance the relationship between the two associations and support the growth of the ground source heat pump market.

“With this MOU, we are in synchronization of our supporting work from the excavation of the Earth, design of the system, and enhanced marketing,” says Bob Ingersoll, IGSHPA director. “This is just the first step. We look to greatly strengthen our work and our member benefits as we all work closely together for the ultimate goals.”

IGSHPA and NGWA have similar interest to have the ground-source heat pump market thrive throughout the world and to have the highest qualified drilling contractors available to construct ground-source heat pump and/or groundwater source heat pump borehole systems so as to safeguard the groundwater environment.

With these common interests at the forefront, IGSHPA and NGWA have agreed to the following:

• NGWA and IGSHPA will collaborate in research, promotion and training activities related to open loop configurations using groundwater, standing column configurations using groundwater, horizontal borehole systems penetrating the generally recognized water table of a locale, and closed loop vertical borehole subsystems to the larger overall ground source heat pump installation.
• Technical committees and commissions shall exchange information on relevant and related technical and scientific matters.
• NGWA agrees to collaborate with IGSHPA to identify research investigation projects relevant to the geologic, hydro geologic, and/or drilling technology aspects related to ground source heat pump installation.
• Both organizations shall endeavor to harmonize statistical data reporting, should it occur, to achieve comparative data on a worldwide basis. 
• To support proper preparation of qualified drilling personnel to enter into the ground source heat pump sector, IGSHPA agrees to collaborate with NGWA to develop a pathway to the Certified Vertical Closed Loop Driller CVCLD designation. 

“This is an important evolutionary step for the longstanding collaboration between our organizations,” says NGWA Chief Executive Officer Kevin McCray.  “NGWA has advocated for ground source heat pump technologies since the 1970s.  Together with IGSHPA we believe we can advance wider acceptance and adoption of this tremendous technology.”

Established in 1987, IGSHPA is an association of companies, professionals and users dedicated to promoting the science, utility and use of geothermal ground-source heating and cooling technology. IGSHPA is an outreach unit of the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology at Oklahoma State University. For more information, visit www.igshpa.org.

NGWA is a nonprofit that supports responsible development, management and use of water resources. It’s comprised of groundwater professionals ranging from contractors to equipment manufacturers to scientists and engineers. For more information, visit www.ngwa.org.