Think Non-Profits Can’t Afford an Energy Upgrade? Think Again!
Geothermal Installation at Teen Empowerment
We Can’t Do That Here…Can We?
It all began with a bold question: What if Teen Empowerment (TE) could design their own space?
Since 2003, TE has been a pillar in the community, empowering and employing youth in underserved neighborhoods; but their old building no longer met the growing needs of the organization, or the dreams of the youth who were integral in designing the new space.
To make this dream a reality, TE launched an ambitious capital campaign. Funders were eager to support the initiative, inspired by TE’s proven community impact and the passion of their youth ambassadors. The campaign built momentum quickly, eventually securing full funding for the new building.
Project Highlights
Donor Appeal
Visual Improvement
Energy Efficiency
Once the space was secured, just down the road from their existing building, TE wanted to power it sustainably, efficiently, and cost-effectively. They consulted with SWBR, a local architect firm that determined geothermal could be a good fit for the property in terms of landscape, efficiency, and cost savings.
A Beacon of Hope
Teen Empowerment was impressed with the geothermal installation process, which took just a few months from scoping and drilling the first test well to breaking ground and completing construction. Fewer wells than anticipated were needed-four instead of eight-demonstrating the efficiency of the system.
When completed, the new building served as a physical beacon of hope to the surrounding community, showing what passion and dedication can accomplish. TE staff, youth, and neighbors all benefited from a cleaner, healthier environment, aligning with TE’s mission to promote equity, peace and justice.
“When we set out to design this building, we wanted to consider community values, but we also wanted to think about environmental values and doing this right. When we found out that it was also a cost savings in the long run, it made perfect sense for an organization of our size.” -Doug Ackley, Executive Director
The Contractor’s Perspective
David Beinetti, AIA, Principal and Business Development Lead at SWBR, who was included on the Rochester Business Journal’s Power List for Environmental Leaders in 2024, praised TE’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. SWBR incorporates energy management, conversion and efficiency into their consulting approach and are currently involved with a number of energy efficiency projects, including solar and geothermal as well as all-electric public housing projects.
A simple conductivity test confirmed that TE’s site was ideal for geothermal, and careful planning meant minimal disruption during installation. SWBR observed that TE’s geothermal installation met their mission of “disruption” or paradigm shifts, since going geothermal breaks the mold of the old way of thinking around gas systems as traditional energy sources, making way for innovation and progress. By choosing geothermal, TE set an example for other nonprofits, showing that innovative energy solutions are accessible and practical.
The Bottom Line
Converting to geothermal energy was a smooth process for Teen Empowerment that enhanced their mission and made for a cleaner environment for the surrounding community. Early results show cost benefits, with further reductions expected as the system operates over time.
Thanks to available rebates and funding incentives, as well as the potential for fundraising through community support of such efforts, seemingly impossible dreams are now possible for non-profit organizations across the region and beyond.
Photos by Lauren Petracca