Dominick Fortuna
Turner Construction Company | Senior Design Specialist - Turner Engineering Group
Speaker
Track F: Building Performance
Session F3: Building Envelopes and Systems
September 27, 2024 | 9:00 am - 9:30 am
Lessons Learned from Geo-Exchange System Constructions
A geo-exchange system has been incorporated into our recent building construction projects as a sustainable energy source.
Geo-exchange systems have advantages over conventional fuel-driven heating and cooling systems because they reduce overall operating and maintenance costs, increase safety, improve indoor air quality and comfort, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions even though it requires upfront capital costs for installation.
Geotechnical considerations on the optimized geo-exchange system design include groundwater levels, bedrock depths, available land space, ground temperature, characteristics of in-situ soils and rocks including thermal conductivity values, etc.
Lessons learned from the geo-exchange system design, procurement, and construction include: coordinating scope of works between geotechnical and mechanical subcontractors; implementing the geothermal scope in construction; evaluating water quality and aquifer zones; confirming locations of existing underground utilities and tracking the geothermal well piping systems; providing factors of safety with the well capacities to meet/exceed the expected loads of the HVAC system; and performance of thermal conductivity testing or underground water quality testing in the pre-construction phase.
Speaker Bio
Dominick Fortuna, LEED AP BD+C, DBIA, is a seasoned mechanical engineer with a passion for decarbonization, sustainability, and renewable energy. At Turner Construction Co., Dominick leads initiatives that push the boundaries of energy efficiency and resilience in building design.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Manhattan College and an MBA from Pace University, bringing both technical expertise and strategic business insight to his role.
Over the years, Dominick has contributed his skills to a diverse array of projects, from mission-critical data centers to complex mixed-use developments. His experience spans athletics, aviation, commercial, educational, and medical sectors, among others. Recognized as a subject matter expert, he excels in reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy efficiency, ensuring projects not only meet today’s standards but are also future-ready.
Dominick’s commitment to sustainable design and his comprehensive understanding of building systems make him a valuable asset in the drive toward a more sustainable and resilient built environment.