Some prices are worth paying

By Marlo Campbell

Jan. 1, 2009

I find the current public debate about geothermal systems to be both fascinating and maddening.

From an environmental perspective, the technology is undeniably exciting because it eliminates the need to use fossil fuels to heat or cool one’s home and therefore, reduces a typical household’s greenhouse gas emissions by up to six tonnes a year.

Geothermal systems — sometimes referred to as ground-source heat pumps — rely on solar heat stored in the ground; forcing this energy through a series of buried coils in order to regulate a building’s temperature in much the same way as the coils of a refrigerator operate.

It’s a growing trend in Manitoba. We lead the country in per capita installations (about 6,000 systems have been installed throughout the province to date), a rate that’s tripled in the past four years and one which the Manitoba Geothermal Energy Alliance predicts will double again in the next two.

The stumbling block — which inevitably pops up in any discussion on the subject — is that a geothermal system doesn’t come cheap, with installation costs starting around $22,000.

Recognizing this, the provincial government announced a new program last week that will offer rebates of $2,100 to $3,000 to encourage individual homeowners to make the switch.

Combined with other federal grants, Manitobans can expect to see up to $5,600 coming back to them, and according to Jim Rondeau, Manitoba’s minister of science, technology, energy and mines, this means that an initial investment in a geothermal system could be paid off in about seven years.

But for some people, that’s not good enough. For some people, geothermal is simply “not worth it” because of the higher front-end cost.

If you can’t get your money’s worth right away, they argue, then what’s the point of doing it?

It’s the same argument that often gets applied to other green technology — hybrid cars, for example — but one that’s problematic, as it implies that financial cost is the only way to measure worth.

It’s not. Geothermal systems are extremely energy-efficient and significantly better for the environment than traditional heating/cooling systems because they conserve fossil fuels and reduce GHG emissions.

To me, that makes them worth it — even if they do cost more.

Obviously, some Manitobans (myself among them) are unable to afford a geothermal system, even with the province’s new rebate program. But to dismiss the technology because it costs more is to forget that sometimes, the more costly option is actually the better option.

Recycled paper costs more than the stuff made from virgin trees. Disposable food containers made from corn (yes, there is such a thing) cost more than those made from Styrofoam. Organic produce costs more, fairly traded coffee costs more, hybrid cars cost more, and yes, geothermal systems cost more.

But for some people, it’s worth it to spend the extra money — maybe because sometimes, people like to do what’s right.

For what it’s worth.