SVL

Commercial HVAC

SVL News

Geothermal at Scale: Unlocking Smarter Ground Loop Solutions with Brightcore Energy

← Back to News

The Future of Commercial Geothermal HVAC Systems

As commercial buildings push toward electrification, decarbonization, and long-term energy efficiency, geothermal HVAC systems are becoming one of the most talked-about solutions in the commercial HVAC industry. In a recent SVL Coffee Break webinar, Brightcore Energy joined SVL to demonstrate how advanced geothermal engineering, intelligent ground loop design, and innovative drilling technologies are transforming what’s possible with modern geothermal systems.

Hosted by SVL President Jim Lubratt, the webinar featured Dave Hermantin, Senior Vice President of Geothermal Engineering and Innovation at Brightcore Energy, alongside Sam Chussid, Geothermal Sales Engineer. Together, they explored how Brightcore is redefining geothermal at scale through highly engineered geothermal systems designed for universities, healthcare facilities, commercial buildings, district energy systems, and thermal energy networks.

Why Geothermal HVAC Systems Continue to Gain Momentum

As energy costs rise and sustainability initiatives accelerate, geothermal heat pump systems are increasingly being evaluated as a long-term solution for commercial heating and cooling applications.

Unlike traditional HVAC systems that rely on fluctuating outdoor air temperatures, geothermal systems utilize the stable temperatures underground to provide highly efficient heating and cooling year-round. During the summer, heat is rejected into the ground. During the winter, stored thermal energy is extracted from the earth to heat the building.

This creates several major advantages:

  • Improved HVAC energy efficiency
  • Lower operating costs
  • Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
  • Long-term energy stability
  • Enhanced building electrification opportunities
  • Reduced dependence on fossil fuels
  • Better lifecycle economics for commercial buildings

Brightcore emphasized throughout the webinar that geothermal systems essentially function as a thermal battery — storing and transferring energy through the ground over seasonal cycles.

Brightcore Energy: Engineering Geothermal at Scale

Brightcore Energy specializes in highly engineered commercial geothermal systems designed to solve complex site constraints that traditionally limited geothermal adoption.

Rather than relying solely on conventional vertical bore field layouts, Brightcore utilizes advanced drilling technologies, 3D geothermal modeling, and angled drilling strategies to maximize geothermal capacity in limited land areas.

Advanced Geothermal Bore Field DesignBrightcore-Energy-Cover-Image

One of the most compelling examples shared during the webinar was Brightcore’s geothermal installation at Yale University’s Science Hill campus.

The project required approximately 2,000 tons of geothermal capacity while working within extremely limited site space and existing campus infrastructure. To solve this challenge, Brightcore designed an angled borehole system that allowed geothermal wells to fan outward underground while maintaining a compact footprint at the surface.

This approach provides several key benefits:

  • Maximized geothermal capacity in tight urban spaces
  • Reduced surface land requirements
  • Improved flexibility for retrofit projects
  • Enhanced thermal energy storage capabilities
  • Better integration with campus district energy systems

Brightcore demonstrated how angled geothermal drilling can transform narrow pathways, parking areas, and constrained urban sites into viable geothermal installations that would previously have been impossible using traditional bore field methods.

Geothermal Retrofit Solutions for Existing Buildings

Another major highlight of the webinar was Brightcore’s ability to install geothermal systems inside existing occupied buildings.

Using specialized compact drilling rigs developed from Scandinavian geothermal technologies, Brightcore can drill geothermal boreholes within parking structures, basements, and confined interior spaces.

One example discussed involved a New York City building where Brightcore installed geothermal boreholes inside the structure itself using miniature drilling equipment lowered into the building. This type of innovation dramatically expands the potential applications for geothermal retrofits in dense urban environments.

For building owners pursuing building decarbonization strategies, this opens new opportunities for:

  • Existing commercial building retrofits
  • Healthcare facility upgrades
  • University campus electrification
  • Urban high-rise geothermal systems
  • District thermal energy networks
  • Sustainable HVAC modernization projects

Intelligent Geothermal Monitoring and Energy Optimization

Brightcore also highlighted a major differentiator in their geothermal offering: long-term operational intelligence.

Traditional geothermal systems often lack continuous visibility into ground loop performance after startup and commissioning. Brightcore addresses this challenge through a proprietary monitoring dashboard and digital twin platform that continuously tracks geothermal system performance in real time.

The platform allows facility operators to monitor:

  • Ground loop temperatures
  • Thermal energy transfer
  • Seasonal performance trends
  • Building load behavior
  • Long-term geothermal optimization
  • System efficiency metrics

This proactive monitoring approach helps facilities maximize energy performance while supporting predictive maintenance and long-term operational reliability.

Commercial Geothermal Incentives and Tax Credits

The webinar also covered the financial side of geothermal adoption.

Brightcore explained how the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) remains one of the most significant drivers for commercial geothermal projects. Depending on project specifics, geothermal systems may qualify for substantial federal incentives that can dramatically improve project economics.

Potential benefits include:

  • Federal geothermal tax credits
  • Energy efficiency incentives
  • Utility rebate opportunities
  • Decarbonization funding programs
  • Long-term utility savings
  • Reduced total cost of ownership

Brightcore’s engineering and financial modeling teams help clients optimize geothermal system design to maximize available incentives while balancing long-term performance goals.

The Future of Geothermal and Thermal Energy Networks

One of the clearest messages from the SVL Coffee Break webinar was that geothermal is no longer limited to niche applications or large suburban campuses.

Through advanced drilling methods, intelligent system design, and operational analytics, Brightcore Energy is helping commercial HVAC professionals rethink what geothermal can accomplish in dense urban environments, existing facilities, and large-scale thermal energy networks.

As building owners continue pursuing decarbonization, electrification, and energy resilience goals, geothermal systems are positioned to become an increasingly important component of sustainable HVAC design.

Learn More About Brightcore Energy Geothermal Solutions

If you missed the webinar or would like to learn more about geothermal HVAC systems, angled drilling technology, thermal energy networks, or commercial geothermal design, contact your local SVL sales engineer to explore how Brightcore Energy can support your next project.

Don’t Miss the Next SVL Coffee Break

SVL Coffee Break webinars provide practical engineering insights for today’s commercial HVAC professionals. Each session features real-world applications, emerging HVAC technologies, energy efficiency strategies, and expert industry perspectives across topics including:

  • Geothermal HVAC systems
  • Hydronic systems
  • Decarbonization technologies
  • Indoor air quality solutions
  • Data center cooling
  • Thermal energy networks
  • Commercial HVAC innovation

Opt-in to SVL marketing emails to receive upcoming Coffee Break invites and on-demand recordings.

Learn More About Brightcore Energy

Contact Us

Contact Us

    Reason for Contacting

    Get in TouchBillingEventsTraining/SeminarLiterature/Graphics/LogosEngineering ProjectsOther



    This will close in 0 seconds

    Parts Inquiry



      This will close in 0 seconds

      Equipment Inquiry



        This will close in 0 seconds

        Shipping Date/IOM Manuals/Wiring Diagrams Request



          This will close in 0 seconds

          Question for Sales Engineers



            This will close in 0 seconds

            Service Contact



              This will close in 0 seconds

              Aftermarket Parts




                This will close in 0 seconds

                General Job Application




                  This will close in 0 seconds

                  Hydronics Contact Form



                    This will close in 0 seconds

                    Viral Mitigation Contact Form



                      This will close in 0 seconds

                      Jim Lubratt

                      President & Chief Executive Officer

                      Jim Lubratt has been president of SVL since 2006. He first joined the company as a sales engineer in 1992 and was made a partner in 2000. He holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Southern Methodist University and first entered the HVAC industry as a marketing engineer for a heat pump manufacturer in Texas.

                      In addition to his role at SVL, Jim is vice president of AQC Industries, LLC, a manufacturer of specialized underground ductwork systems. He is also an investor and board member for Hydromx, Inc., a manufacturer of heat transfer nanofluids, and Crotega, Inc., creators of personal and building security solutions.

                      Jim and his wife, Tracy, met in college and married in 1993. They have three children, two of whom have graduated college in Texas, while their youngest is attending Grand Canyon University in Arizona.

                      Outside of work, Jim places a priority on his faith, family, friends, and fitness. He enjoys helping people-supporting charities, time with his wife and kids, road-biking with friends and efforts to stay physically fit.

                      A message from Jim on the achievements of SVL

                      SVL started in February 1967 by Charlie Schwab and Craig Vollhaber. Schwab-Vollhaber, Inc. (as it was named at the time) steadily grew and, in 1985, welcomed Paul Lubratt as another partner, becoming Schwab-Vollhaber-Lubratt, Inc. SVL’s founders had the determination to build the most talented, customer-focused HVAC representative in the Midwest. Our original drive and passion still shape the company and culture to this day. The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined efforts of every individual. From humble beginnings, SVL founders paved the way to industry success with hard work and determination. “Today, SVL is strongly organized with great people to lead our industry forward as we are challenged with fast-paced changes to reduce our environmental impact,” says Jim. Now, 55+ years later, SVL is under the leadership of two new principals who share the same vision and drive that has propelled SVL throughout the years. Built on a foundation of integrity, Jim Lubratt, and Charlie Vollhaber strive to ensure opportunities for personal growth, improved work environment, and shared life enrichment. The achievements of our organization are the results of the combined efforts of every individual.

                      This will close in 0 seconds

                      Charlie Vollhaber

                      Executive Vice President & Officer

                      Charlie Vollhaber is a third-generation employee at SVL, as a grandson of company co-founder Craig Vollhaber and son of former CEO Todd Vollhaber. Charlie holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering and an MBA, both from the University of Minnesota. He became an outside salesman for SVL in 2013, was made a partner in 2019, and then executive vice president and officer in 2022.

                      He grew up playing sports, including football, basketball, golf, and track, and enjoys the competitive nature of the HVAC industry. “I like that no two days are ever the same as there are always questions to answer and problems to solve,” he says. “Most of all, I enjoy working with great people and coordinating together on challenging projects to achieve positive results together.”

                      Outside of work, Charlie enjoys spending time with his wife, Lesley, and their three boys. He’s also fond of golfing, traveling, and attending concerts and sporting events. One of his favorite quotes is from the book of Philippians: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count other more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Because HVAC and construction is such a team effort, he says, “this mindset helps to create positive results in a vast majority of situations.”

                      A message from Charlie on the culture of SVL

                      “At SVL, we strive to cultivate a unique culture that revolves around finding and empowering exceptional individuals. We believe in equipping our team members with the right tools and resources to succeed.

                      As we’ve grown the business, we have deliberately maintained a small firm culture, fostering an environment where collaboration thrives. We encourage open dialogue and promote a sense of comfort among our employees, allowing anyone to ask questions and seek guidance from anyone else, regardless of their level within the organization.

                      We foster a workshop-like atmosphere where everyone’s contribution is valued. Presenting your work to another individual or a group of teammates provides a platform for collaboration, where ideas are shared, dissected, and improved collectively. We firmly believe in the power of mentoring and provide various avenues for both formal and informal guidance. Whether it’s through structured training programs or casual conversations, we encourage team members to discuss a wide range of topics, from work-related successes or issues to everyday personal life topics.

                      In summary, our culture is built on the foundation of attracting exceptional individuals, empowering them with the necessary tools, and fostering a collaborative environment where mentorship and growth thrive. We are committed to creating an atmosphere where every team member feels supported, valued, and encouraged to reach their fullest potential.”

                      This will close in 0 seconds

                      Al Gramse

                      Vice President of SVL Service Corporation

                      Al Gramse has been in the HVAC industry for over 30 years. He began as a service technician.  Then over his career worked in technical support, building automation, then service manager prior to his current role.

                      How did Al end up in the HVAC industry?  “After high school, I took a couple years to figure out what I wanted to do.   Where I was working at the time, a grumpy old coworker, who I didn’t get along with, walked up to me and said ‘What are you doing here?  Go back to school.’”  I said, “For what?”  He said “There’s a tech school down the street.  Go down there and pick something that interests you”. Then he walked away.  That weird interaction, with someone I didn’t get along with, sent me down a 30-year path in the HVAC industry.   Never underestimate the potential of a little encouragement.   Even if it is from a strange source.

                      Al has been with SVL for 15 years and is the head of our SVL Service division. “The people here are some of the best in the industry,” Al says. “A bunch of team-oriented, knowledgeable, go-getters.” His personal mantra is “figure it out,” “Do a little fact-finding on your own. Use your own brain before you use someone else’s. But know when to ask for help.” he prescribes. “It’s amazing what you can accomplish on your own if you dig in a little bit.”

                      Outside of work, Al has lots of outdoor hobbies, including hunting, fishing, and motorcycling, though his favorite pastime is simply hanging out with family.

                      This will close in 0 seconds

                      Jennifer Roach

                      Director of Marketing, Events & Administration

                      More than just a creative director, Jen brings 30 years of marketing and leadership magic to SVL. Her journey began in the trenches of graphic design, quickly evolving into crafting eye-catching campaigns for iconic brands like Target, Gabberts, Gander Mountain and Camping World. As a seasoned director and agency veteran, she honed her skills with recreational vehicle giant Parts Unlimited before leading creative teams at HOM Furniture and, ultimately, landing at SVL during a crucial growth phase.

                      Jen thrives on "servant-leadership," empowering her team and fostering a culture of trust and mutual respect. "It unlocks their potential, fuels creativity, and leads to work we're all proud of," she says. "I want my team to care, collaborate, and push boundaries together."

                      When not shaping impactful campaigns, Jen enjoys weekend adventures with her husband, Scott, and son, Crew. Their lives are a tapestry of shared passions, from bike rides and baking experiments to cheering on Simley High School wrestlers. And with her recently built forever home in Cottage Grove, her free time now includes a new, thrilling chapter: weekend renovation warrior!

                      This will close in 0 seconds

                      Mike Ruff

                      Vice President of Information Technology

                      Mike Ruff, the Vice President of Information Technology at SVL Inc., is a seasoned professional with an impressive 24-year tenure in the IT industry. His journey in the field is marked by extensive experience and expertise in various domains, including serving as a Cloud Architect focusing on Azure Software as a Service (SaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), and both B2B and B2C solutions. Mike’s skills extend to being a Security Architect, where he has honed his knowledge in safeguarding digital assets, and he is also proficient in the Microsoft 365 stack, virtualization, routing, switching, and wireless technologies.

                      Beyond his professional roles, Mike is deeply passionate about technology in all its forms, which is evident in his career and personal hobbies. His love for technology is not just limited to his work but also spills over into his leisure activities. In the summertime, Mike enjoys the thrill of riding his motorcycle, embracing the freedom and adventure it brings. When winter arrives, he switches gears to snowboarding, seeking the excitement and challenge of the snowy slopes. These hobbies reflect Mike’s dynamic personality and continuous pursuit of technically engaging and physically exhilarating activities.

                      Mike Ruff's blend of professional expertise and personal passions make him a unique and valuable asset to SVL Inc., embodying a perfect synergy of technical acumen and a zest for life's adventurous aspects.

                      This will close in 0 seconds