Established in 1987, International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) is a nonprofit, membership-based organization that advances Geothermal Heat Pump technology on the local, state, national and international levels. IGSHPA operates as an outreach unit of the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology (CEAT) at Oklahoma State University. IGSHPA is an association of companies, professionals and users dedicated to promoting the science, utility and use of geothermal (ground source) heating and cooling technology. IGSHPA accomplishes its mission by:
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Primary Efforts
IGSHPA is the main organization for establishing standards of practice and standards of design for Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) systems in the US. Companion organizations have been formed in association with IGSHPA in other countries and continents (see Associated Organizations below).
IGSHPA is also the only source of government acknowledged training and certification for GHP applications. Below is a list of the principal IGSHPA trainings and certifications currently provided.
Certifications and Trainings
IGSHPA provides professional training for engineers and contractors in the field of Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP). The following are the current certifications available in the GHP field:
A comprehensive training and certification program for contractors and engineers in the GHP industry. Having obtained an Accredited Installer certification is required for GHP work on most commercial construction jobs.
A thorough training on the science and practical application of Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) vertical GHEX. This course and certification is primarily for well drillers who wish to enter the GHP market with its unique technological and material requirements.
This is the premier certification available for engineers and other Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) professionals. It is a comprehensive training and test covering all aspects of the application of GHP systems for commercial use. See also Association of Energy Engineers who co-manages the CGD certification with IGSHPA.
Conferences
Each year the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) host annual conference for geothermal community representatives, including manufacturers, contractors, distributors, drillers and other industry resources.
Global Reach
IGSHPA is the lead organization taking the GHP knowledge globally. There are now chapters in many countries and on four (4) continents, including:
Research
Standards
IGSHPA sets and revises standards for Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) system installs based on ongoing research and field application results. These standards are accepted as the industry standard and are enforced and accepted by several of the leading engineering and HVAC bodies including: American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE), CSA Group
IGSHPA recently helped support a bi-national North American effort to establish a more comprehensive referenceable standard for Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) system design and installation under the auspices of the CSA Group. This effort has been given the designation CSA C448-15, Design and installation of ground source heat pump systems for commercial and residential buildings. This new standard has completed technical review and approval, but has not quite been published as of this entry.