Government buildings are the nucleus of daily community operations, from 911 centers to courthouses. Yet, many still rely on outdated systems that are energy-intensive, expensive to maintain and increasingly incompatible with today’s carbon neutrality goals.
As governments look to reduce utility costs and environmental impact, long-term energy efficiency is becoming a higher priority in facility design. However, deciding where to begin can feel overwhelming.
That’s where Wold Architects & Engineers comes in. Our integrated architecture and engineering teams help government leaders make sense of their options and identify sustainable systems tailored to their goals, risk tolerance and long-term needs. Whether planning a new facility or upgrading an existing one, these strategies can support energy savings, operational resilience and community sustainability targets.
In this blog, we break down three leading sustainable system options – geothermal, variable refrigerant flow (VRF) and CO₂ heat pumps – and how Wold works with governments to identify the solution that best meets their goals.
Many government buildings continue to rely on conventional heating and cooling systems, including gas boilers for heat and electric chillers for cooling. These setups are cost-effective upfront and widely available, but they rely on fossil fuels and often come with higher long-term energy costs.
Many government buildings continue to rely on conventional heating and cooling systems, including gas boilers for heat and electric chillers for cooling. These setups are cost-effective upfront and widely available, but they rely on fossil fuels and often come with higher long-term energy costs.
As states like Minnesota push toward carbon neutrality targets, such as its 2040 benchmark, these traditional systems are increasingly falling short. Transitioning to all-electric facilities is becoming essential for meeting future requirements and reducing climate impact. For governments facing rising energy bills, switching to more efficient systems can also provide long-term financial relief.
To improve both efficiency and resiliency, Wold often recommends ground-coupled, all-electric systems as a foundational strategy. These systems use the earth as a heat source or sink, reducing demand on the energy grid and increasing operational reliability. Many advanced HVAC solutions can be configured either as air-source or geothermal, depending on the site, climate and client goals.
Our team works closely with communities to explore which sustainable technologies best align with their infrastructure, operations and energy performance targets. Each system below offers unique benefits and trade-offs. When chosen thoughtfully, all three can support carbon-neutral goals and reduce lifetime building costs.
One of the most established approaches, refrigerant cycle heat pump systems are often configured as central plants that act like reverse-acting chillers. These systems distribute hot and cold water throughout a building and can also be deployed in smaller unitary formats.
These systems are especially effective for sites with ample land and clients committed to carbon neutrality. They deliver strong long-term performance and don’t rely on fossil fuels, though they do require a higher upfront investment and installation of a geothermal well field.
Wold has implemented this system type in several resilient, energy-conscious government facilities, including Lake County 911 in Illinois (which also includes solar), Hennepin County 911 in Minnesota, the Minnesota Emergency Operations Center and the Dane County Public Safety Communications Facility in Wisconsin.
VRF systems work by distributing refrigerant directly to zones throughout the building, allowing localized heating and cooling. While this technology has long been used internationally, it’s now gaining traction in the U.S. for its efficiency and flexibility.
VRF systems are a solid option for clients seeking electric-only systems with heat recovery. They offer impressive energy savings and user control, especially when paired with a geothermal loop for added efficiency and cold-weather performance. Without this pairing, they may require supplemental systems in colder climates.
Wold has explored various VRF configurations, including the City of Minnetonka Public Safety Facility system, which uses fluid coolers and boilers, and the Dakota County Crisis and Recovery Center, which uses a geo-coupled VRF system.
A newer entrant in the sustainability space, CO₂ heat pumps use carbon dioxide as a refrigerant. Unlike many air-source systems, these pumps perform well even in extremely cold conditions without requiring a geothermal well.
We recommend these systems for sites with limited space or shorter project timelines. Additionally, they can be paired with a geothermal loop to boost efficiency. While CO₂ heat pumps are still new in government applications, Wold has explored their use in education projects and sees growing potential as the technology matures.
Two innovative government projects currently in design – the South Minneapolis Community Safety Center and Woodbury Police and Public Safety facility in Minnesota – are pursuing this emerging solution. Both reflect a forward-thinking approach to sustainability by leveraging CO₂ heat pumps to meet evolving performance expectations and reduce long-term energy costs.
Determining the best system requires aligning with community priorities, operational demands and long-term budgets. That’s why Wold takes a consultative approach, helping clients early on in design weigh:
Sustainable design isn’t one-size-fits-all. It requires finding the right system for your facility, your budget and your community’s future. At Wold, we guide governments through the process with extensive expertise in both traditional and emerging technologies, helping clients make smart, resilient investments that last.
If you’re building from the ground up or modernizing outdated infrastructure, our team is ready to help you explore your options and plan for what’s next.
Looking to future-proof your government facility? Let’s talk about the right sustainable systems for your community’s needs.
