You’ll still be warm in the winter and cool in the summer, but the annual bottom line will be more comfortable too, thanks to the new geothermal heating and cooling system planned for the renovated and expanded Essex Library building.A geothermal heating and cooling system is designed to take advantage of the earth’s own constant temperature. It works by cycling water through tubes that are run down deep bore holes. This “green” system is more efficient and economical, will reduce the library’s dependence on heating oil, and eliminates the need for 4-6 large (and noisy!) exterior air conditioning units. The Library’s system calls for 8 bore holes, drilled in the ground on the south side of the existing building, through which to run the tubing. Locating the bore holes was quite a feat of engineering in itself. Because of setback requirements in relation to nearby wells and septic systems, there were very few viable locations for these holes – only eight, in fact. And two of those locations are blocked by trees on that part of the library property, a crabapple tree and two large spruces. After lengthy consideration of the board, building committee, landscape designer, general contractor and several members of the Essex Garden Club, the building committee has recommended removing both the spruces and the crabapple tree. All three would have required extensive pruning and limbing up to enable the well-drilling truck to create the bore holes. What would have remained of the trees would have been difficult to maintain, possibly unhealthy, and certainly unattractive; all three trees are nearing or have achieved their full maturity, as depicted in the first image.

Before

After

As advised by the Garden Club, the Library will add a beautiful tree to the front landscape, an Amelanchier Canadensis, otherwise knows as a Shadblow or Serviceberry tree, as shown in the second image. Native to Connecticut, it gets its common name because it flowers as the Shad are running on the Connecticut River. A full set of images and information about the geothermal system and the new landscaping is available at the Ivoryton Library. While geothermal technology is not new, it is relatively novel in large commercial buildings in our area. We are very proud to showcase this green technology in Essex and invite you to learn more about it and our plans.