Sustainable building practices often aim to reduce energy consumption and enhance the functionality of existing structures through methods such as utilizing __________ energy, which is derived from the Earth's internal heat.

Sustainable building practices often aim to reduce energy consumption and enhance the functionality of existing structures through methods such as utilizing geothermal energy, which is derived from the Earth's internal heat. Geothermal energy taps into the constant warmth stored beneath the surface, providing a steady and renewable source of heat or cooling for buildings. By installing ground‑source heat pumps, a building can circulate a fluid through buried loops that absorb heat in winter and reject heat in summer, dramatically cutting electricity use. For example, a renovated school might use a geothermal loop to heat classrooms during winter while cooling them in summer, replacing costly fossil‑fuel‑based HVAC systems. This approach not only lowers operating costs but also reduces greenhouse‑gas emissions, making the building more sustainable.