CSA Group has released a new C448 bi-national standard aimed to assist those involved in the design and installation of ground source pump systems for commercial and residential buildings.

There are a lot of geothermal heat pump (GHP) standards, guidelines and best practices out there, but stakeholders in the Bi-national Standardization process identified a need for a common, neutral, third-party accredited process for the design and installation of GHP systems. After years of effort, the C448 Bi-national Standard has been published. 

Through a license agreement, the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) will use C448 as a training benchmark.

The Standard was developed by subject-matter experts across North America with a vision to harmonize differences between existing resources, simplify referencing in regulations and contracts, incorporate the latest advancements, clarify compliance using standards language, and provide credibility through development of accredited neutral standards.  

The Bi-national Committee included leaders from industry associations, utilities, drillers, installers, manufacturers, regulators, designers, engineers and researchers. With a performance-based approach, best practices and requirements from equipment and material selection to commissioning and decommissioning are now included under one cover.

CSA Standards is a standards-based, neutral, not-for-profit organization serving industry, government, consumers and other interested parties in North America and the global marketplace. Focusing on standards and codes development, application products, training, advisory and personnel certification services, the organization aims to enhance public safety, improve quality of life, preserve the environment and facilitate trade. CSA Standards is a division of CSA Group, also consisting of CSA International, which provides testing and certification services for electrical, mechanical, plumbing, gas and a variety of other products. For more information, visit www.csagroup.org.