Lifelong Learners: Geothermal: Sustainable Energy for Ball State

When the 1941 coal fired boilers gave out, Ball State leaders rather than sticking with old technology explored geothermal as an answer. Nearly 4,000 bore holes later Ball State became state of the art. Jim Lowe was in charge of the project and will take us through it step by step. Lear more about how this system heats and cools the campus.

Presenter: Jim Lowe, now retired, was the Associate Vice President for facilities planning and management. He served as the principal administrative officer responsible for the development and implementation of the University’s Campus Master Plan, space management, oversight for facilities planning, engineering and construction projects, the operation and maintenance of the University’s facilities, infrastructure, grounds, and the transportation department. Jim was also responsible for directing and leading the design and construction of Ball State’s Geothermal Conversion Project, and chaired the Ball State President’s Sustainability Working Group charged with evaluating campus sustainable initiatives. He also serves on the appointed Muncie Community School Board. He graduated from Kettering University (formerly General Motors Institute), with a BS Mechanical Engineering and is a licensed professional engineer. Jim came to Ball State University in 1987 after working for fourteen years at General Motors.

The Association of Lifelong Learners (ALL) is a group of retirees and community members interested in continuing to learn and engage with each other on a variety of educational topics. If you're not already a member, feel free to attend a meeting or two to see what we're about before making the commitment. Find out how to join by visiting us at www.bsu.edu/lifelonglearners