On 18 September 2008, Jacinta Allan, the Victorian Minister for Regional Development opened Stage 1 of the Wangaratta High School project. Of particular interest was the Geoexchange system that has been installed to provide heating and cooling for the new building.
Rex Price, the Acting Principal of Wangaratta High School, believes the Geoexchange solution is the major piece in their energy efficiency strategy, which also includes passive design features such as appropriate building orientation, double glazing and insulation.
The Geoexchange system is expected to provide the required air conditioning for the school at 25 % to 50 % of the cost of a conventional air conditioning system.
The Geoexchange installation at Wangaratta High School was funded through the ‘Four Seasons Project’ administered by Regional Development Victoria.