TECHNICAL FEATURE watched more closely than others to ensure system quality. Lessons Learned in Leander Other lessons include the following: * The owner must be willing to invest in long term economic value. * The owner must periodically evaluate the program. * Results should be based primarily on measured energy indicators like ENERGY STAR. * The owner must employ quality technical and maintenance personnel. * Cooperation and respect among the owner, contractors and designers are critical. * High quality and flexible design engineers are critical. * The maintenance staff can provide valuable information regarding system quality and should be an integral part of the design team. * Though many years of experience high quality ground loop contractors have made impressive enhancements to vertical loop installation effectiveness. * Simple unitary loop GSHPs in schools have demonstrated impressive performance results in a very warm central Texas environment. References www.info.hotims.com/49809-21 42 ASHRAE JOURNAL ashrae.org O CT O B E R 2 0 1 4 1. ESL. 2012. Energy Star Labeled K-12 Schools in Texas Owned by Leander ISD. http://tinyurl.com/k8dnsug. 2. MEP. 2012. American Constructors Payout Records, Leander ISD, MEP Engineering, Inc. 3. Ball, 2013. "Austin Area Closed Loop Geothermal Installations." Personal communication with Lonnie Ball. Ball Drilling Company. Austin, Texas. 4. EPA. 2010. "How the Rating System Works." Energy Star Portfolio Manager Overview. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. http://tinyurl.com/74cak5s. 5. HARC. 2012. Houston Advanced Research Center. Edwards Aquifer. http:// tinyurl.com/kqwxp3w. 6. Rawlings, P. 2013. "Loop field improvements." Geo Outlook 10(3). International Ground Source Heat Pump Association. 7. CAP. 2013. Energy CAP. Cost Avoidance Program. Leander, Texas.