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Colorado Mesa University has implemented an advanced geothermal heating and cooling system since 2008, saving over $15 million in energy costs. The system consists of hundreds of boreholes drilled 500 feet underground, which tap into low-temperature thermal energy.

This network allows the university to heat and cool buildings efficiently, requiring approximately half as much energy compared to similar structures. It facilitates load sharing between buildings, with a coefficient of performance ranging from 3.6 to 8.9.

The system also reduced annual water consumption by 10 million gallons. The initiative has garnered interest from over 80 Colorado communities seeking to develop similar systems.