Ariel view of Gundersen Sparta Clinic and parking lot.

From the Earth

Geothermal Energy

Geothermal taps into the Earth’s natural heat to generate energy. We leverage thermal energy to adjust water temperatures and efficiently heat and cool our buildings. Here, we continue to utilize what is naturally available to us to lower energy use, which drastically reduces our dependence on fossil fuels and exposure to fuel price volatility.

Learn more about renewable energy

The untapped energy beneath our feet

A geothermal heat pump uses the earth as either a heat or cooling source. The system takes advantage of the moderate temperatures underground to greatly improve the efficiency of our heating and cooling (HVAC) equipment. Our geothermal heat pump resulted in savings of 70 to 80 kBTU per square foot annually—by far the largest energy-saving component of the building.

Geothermal energy closed loop system illustration

Let's dig in

How geothermal works

During the winter, water from the geothermal wells is sent to the geothermal heat pump. There, the energy from that water is used to add heat to the building. The water that had the energy removed is then sent back to the geothermal well to again have energy transferred to it from the earth. In the summer, the opposite occurs. The cool water inside the geothermal wells is sent to the geothermal heat pump, where energy is transferred from the building to the water. The warmed water is then sent to the geothermal wells to transfer its heat back to the earth. This results in an efficient way to cool the building.

Geothermal wells across our system

We use geothermal energy at many of our locations, including La Crosse, Elroy, Sparta, Tomah and Winona to help lower costs associated with heating and cooling air and water.

In La Crosse, we installed a 300-ton heat pump along with 156 wells buried about 400 feet underneath an employee parking lot. The heat pump saves 70 to 80 kBTU per square foot annually—by far the largest energy-saving component of the hospital.

At a depth of 400 feet, the ground is at a relatively constant temperature of 48 degrees, providing an efficient heating and cooling source year-round. This system drastically reduces our dependence on fossil fuels and exposure to fuel price volatility.

In 2024, the Elroy Clinic became a net-zero facility, producing as much energy as it uses. Sixteen geothermal wells are embedded beneath the parking lot, along with solar panels on the roof and extra insulation in the roof and the walls.

H2

News

Sustainability

Employee garden offers place to unwind, dig in the dirt

September 17, 2024

A terrace garden at Gundersen La Crosse Hospital has turned into a place of solace where employees can take a few minutes away from work.

Sustainability

Gundersen Elroy Clinic reaches net zero status on energy use

September 17, 2024

Earlier this summer, the new Gundersen Elroy Clinic achieved a milestone it was built for: producing as much energy as it uses, thus becoming a net zero facility.

Aerial view of Gundersen Onalaska Campus displaying rooftop solar panels.

Sustainability

Local partners launch 100% resilient and renewable energy healthcare campus project

September 10, 2024

Bellin and Gundersen Health System and Xcel Energy are creating an all-renewable energy microgrid on the Gundersen Onalaska Campus.

Sustainability

Gundersen St. Joseph’s welcomes community to new Elroy Clinic

January 22, 2024

Gundersen Elroy Clinic opened the doors to patients at its brand-new location on Jan. 15, a little less than a year after ground was broken.