Brooklyn developers are turning to an unexpected power source: the earth itself. Several major building projects now use geothermal systems that tap into stable underground temperatures for heating and cooling. At 1515 Surf Avenue and 1 Java Street, these installations slash carbon emissions while cutting energy costs. It’s a quiet transformation happening beneath the borough’s streets, transforming how buildings operate in New York’s competitive real estate market. What’s driving this sudden shift toward underground energy?
A quiet upheaval is happening beneath Brooklyn’s bustling streets. As New York City pushes toward ambitious climate goals, several large-scale buildings are now tapping into the earth’s natural heat through advanced geothermal systems. These innovative projects are transforming how Brooklyn powers its buildings while drastically cutting carbon emissions.
At 1515 Surf Avenue, developers have replaced traditional gas systems with geothermal technology in a 463-unit residential building. The system uses heat from below the earth’s surface to warm the building in winter and cool it in summer, all without fossil fuels. It’s part of Brooklyn’s growing effort to meet the strict requirements of Local Law 97, which mandates significant carbon reductions for city buildings.
Surf Avenue’s 463-unit building showcases geothermal innovation, using earth’s natural heat to eliminate fossil fuels and meet critical carbon reduction requirements.
Another standout project is 1 Java Street, where engineers drilled 321 boreholes reaching depths of 500 feet. These boreholes, spaced 15 feet apart, use high-density polyethylene piping to transfer energy efficiently throughout the building. The PE4710 HDPE pipes used in the project offer exceptional durability with a lifespan exceeding 100 years. The complex system includes 31,000 feet of distribution piping that eliminates the need for on-site combustion.
The Riverie, a two-tower residential development, has also embraced geothermal infrastructure. Like other projects, it’s fully electric and has eliminated natural gas and fuel oil use entirely. These buildings aren’t just environmentally friendly—they’re also seeking prestigious certifications like LEED Gold and WEDG Waterfront Certification.
These geothermal systems offer practical benefits beyond environmental impact. They reduce risks associated with gas leaks and cut long-term maintenance costs. The ground-source heat pumps extract warmth from below the earth’s surface in winter and reverse the process in summer, offering year-round climate control. With capacity factors above 90%, these systems deliver consistent energy regardless of weather conditions. The projects also create jobs during construction and increase property values due to their sustainability features.
Brooklyn’s geothermal transformation isn’t happening by chance. It’s supported by NYC’s strong climate laws, including Local Law 97 and Local Law 154, plus state and federal clean energy incentives. As these buildings demonstrate practical solutions for urban settings, they’re positioning Brooklyn as a leader in sustainable urban development while contributing to New York’s broader climate goals.
