Brightcore Energy is leading the way in transforming sustainable heating and cooling solutions in Washington, D.C., with the installation of the city’s largest community-scale geothermal system at Barry Farm—a historically significant redevelopment project in Southeast D.C. This $5.5 million installation marks a major step toward energy efficiency and decarbonization for affordable housing in the District.

A Historic Redevelopment Built with Long-Term Sustainability in Mind

Barry Farm, a once-thriving community with deep historical roots, is being redeveloped as part of D.C.’s New Communities Initiative to create a mixed-income, mixed-use neighborhood. The redevelopment includes 139 affordable apartments in the Edmonson building and 98 townhouse-style stacked flats, with a commitment to ensuring that returning Barry Farm residents have priority access.

Beneath the ground at Barry Farm, Brightcore’s team is installing 50 geothermal bore holes, each drilled 400 feet deep to take advantage of the earth’s stable underground temperature. This innovative system will circulate a water-based solution through a closed loop of piping, transferring heat to and from the ground to maintain comfortable temperatures year-round. During the winter, the system pulls heat from the earth to warm the buildings, while in the summer, it reverses, drawing heat away from the buildings and into the cooler ground—providing a reliable, efficient solution for climate control.

“This is a unique opportunity to bring a sustainable energy solution to a historically underserved community,” said Mike Richter, President of Brightcore Energy.

“Our goal is to lower operational costs and decarbonize, ensuring that affordable housing developments like Barry Farm benefit from long-term clean energy investments.”

The geothermal system will not only reduce the buildings’ energy use by an estimated 35% but will also cut annual carbon emissions by 24.5 tons compared to high-efficiency air-source heat pumps. Because residents of the affordable apartments pay 30% of their income on rent—including utilities—the reduced operational costs will help the project maintain long-term financial sustainability.

“This land is going to be locked up for decades,” said Cameron Best, Director of Business Development at Brightcore Energy.

“It’s critical to incorporate clean energy solutions now, ensuring these buildings remain efficient and resilient for the next generation.”

 

A Public-Private Partnership Driving Innovation

Brightcore Energy is proud to partner with Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH) and the D.C. Housing Authority, co-developers of Barry Farm, to bring this project to life. The installation is funded through a $2.5 million grant from the D.C. Public Service Commission and $3 million in financing from the D.C. Green Bank. Together, these partners are setting a new standard for integrating clean energy technology into affordable housing developments.

“This project isn’t just about energy savings,” said Maia Shanklin Roberts, Vice President of Preservation of Affordable Housing. “It’s about giving low-income communities access to the kind of clean energy investment that’s often reserved for wealthier areas.”

Paving the Way for Future Projects

Barry Farm is one of two pilot projects in D.C. testing the potential of community-scale geothermal systems. If successful, the model could be replicated in public housing redevelopments across the city, demonstrating that sustainable infrastructure can thrive even in dense urban environments. As Emile C. Thompson, Chairman of the D.C. Public Service Commission, noted, geothermal holds a distinct advantage over solar in that it provides 24/7 energy efficiency—operating regardless of weather conditions.

“This is a really innovative project,” Thompson said. “You don’t often see these systems in dense urban environments, so this is a unique opportunity to see how it works.”

A Commitment to Long-Term Impact

Brightcore Energy remains committed to advancing geothermal and other clean energy technologies that reduce carbon emissions, enhance energy efficiency, and provide sustainable solutions for communities. As the Barry Farm redevelopment progresses, Brightcore will continue to lead efforts that demonstrate the transformative power of renewable energy in creating more livable, affordable housing for all.

Read more in the official Washington Post piece here.