The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) and the Geothermal Exchange Organization (GEO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a framework for cooperation in the development of the geothermal heating and cooling industry in Canada and the U.S.

“This agreement will help promote and facilitate mutual cooperation and assistance between HRAI and GEO by providing services to our respective members relating to the North American market for residential and commercial geothermal heating and cooling equipment,” says Peter Steffes, chair of HRAI.

The MOU will promote and facilitate mutual cooperation and assistance between GEO and HRAI in providing services to their respective members — many of whom are common to both associations — relating to the North American market for residential and commercial geothermal heating and cooling equipment and other products within the scopes of both associations.

The agreement also provides clarity to the respective memberships on the ways in which the associations will work together in dealing with governmental and non-governmental entities in their respective countries.

The MOU was signed by Steffes and Ryan Dougherty, chief operating officer of  GEO, on Aug. 26, in Calgary, Alberta, during HRAI’s 48th annual general meeting.

 “The MOU is a logical next step in the evolution of our relationship with HRAI,” says GEO Chairman of the Board Joe Parsons. “GEO recognizes HRAI as the leading HVACR organization in Canada and ideally suited to supporting the interests of the geothermal sector in the Canadian marketplace.  We look forward to working with HRAI in what appears to be a very promising growth market for our technologies.”

Among other things, GEO will be working with HRAI to help prepare the industry to respond proactively to the challenges and opportunities presented by the transition to a low carbon economy by positioning geothermal technology as a viable marketplace solution.

GEO is a non-profit trade association representing the interests of the geothermal/ground-source heat pump industry across the U.S. GEO advocates the technology to government, industry and the public, educating leaders about the economic, national security and environmental benefits of geothermal heat pumps for residential, institutional and commercial applications.  To learn more, go to www.geoexchange.org.