The International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) has announced a transfer to the Geothermal Exchange Organization (GEO). In a release, the two groups say they will work together to advocate for the geothermal industry, acting as a strong, combined voice to impact policies at the federal and state levels.

The transfer moves IGSHPA from its longtime home at Oklahoma State University. IGSHPA will continue to operate as an independent affiliate of GEO.

“OSU is confident that IGSHPA will be well-served in its new home at GEO,” says OSU Assistant Dean Ed Kirtley. “The natural synergy between these two organizations will be further enhanced to create great benefits for the members of IGSHPA. GEO is a natural fit as a new home for IGSHPA and the geothermal heat pump industry is poised to capitalize on this new combined effort.”

IGSHPA will continue to develop and deliver training and standards that protect the integrity of the technology and ensure industry professionals have the skills, certifications, and accreditations to safeguard the proper design and installation of systems.

“This has been a long time coming and I am pleased we were able to accomplish this historic transition to an aligned industry association representing the entire breadth of stakeholders across the industry and a singular focus on increasing market adoption,” says Douglas Dougherty, president and CEO of GEO. “The efforts of these organizations can now be connected to inform and support one another. This cohesion represents a new chapter for the industry and will set the stage for growth for decades to come.”

John Thomas, CEO of WaterFurnace International and chair of GEO’s board of directors calls the move a “leap forward.”

“IGSHPA will continue to focus on its historical mission of technical training, standards development, and research,” he says. “The newly established IGSHPA board will operate independently as an affiliate of GEO, with a focus on serving the interests of the GHP industry membership. This is a positive new chapter in the path forward to continued growth for the GHP Industry.”

GEO is a 501(c)(6), non-profit national trade association advocating for the geothermal heat pump industry. Its mission is to educate policymakers and the public on the benefits of geothermal heating and cooling. For more information, visit www.geoexchange.org. IGSHPA is an affiliate organization of GEO and is the training and accreditation organization for the GHP industry. For more information, visit igshpa.org.