Building codes, green certification and implementation issues, market challenges

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to provide a current state of affairs regarding the existing building codes in relation to thermoactive foundations, if any exist at all. This paper also explores regional incentives in the form of energy and carbon requirements for new structures as a potential driver for thermoactive foundation implementation. Two Green Certification programs, LEED and BREEAM, are discussed which both offer credit for shallow geothermal energy systems. The actual implementation of thermoactive foundation technology has proved to be challenging due to the complications arising out of the concept development stage and the coordination required among the various parties involved in the design stage. A discussion of these challenges and an outline of the deliverables needed of those in academia and industry in order to progress is included.