Bosch is a strategic partner in Badger Mountain South, a new 1,500 acre master-planned, mixed-use community being developed in Richland, WA, supplying a suite of energy-efficient heating/cooling/hot water solutions, home appliances, security solutions and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. Located near a popular recreational destination, the community will include 5,000 new energy-smart designer homes, apartments, commercial and retail space, recreational spaces, and schools within a setting that emphasizes walkability and sustainability. Company executives announced the collaborative relationship at the International Builders’ Show (IBS) during Design & Construction Week 2015, taking place January 20-22, 2015 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Every new home in Badger Mountain South will utilize a geothermal heat-pump system for heating and cooling, and offer a compatible hot water solution, supplied by Bosch. Bosch’s partner Orca Energy, a geothermal utility provider, will supply the geothermal loop infrastructure. Community homes will be pre-wired to incorporate a solar system, when operated with the geothermal energy system delivers the most efficient and effective means to achieve Zero Net Energy (ZNE) use. A ZNE home generates as much electrical energy as it consumes throughout a year, with excess energy generation being supplied back into the electric utility grid.
Phase One of the Badger Mountain South named “West Vineyard One,” involves approximately 150 homes and is currently under development.
The Bosch equipped model home will be ready for viewing in March. Shops in the Veneto Villagio retail wine village complex are currently in the design stage, as well as the first of two public schools planned for the community.
“We are very pleased that Badger Mountain South will feature a suite of efficient Bosch products for the home, including geothermal energy service provided by our mutual partner, Orca Energy," said Mike Mansuetti, president, Robert Bosch LLC. “Homeowners in the community will experience uncompromising comfort delivered by the quiet geothermal system while benefiting from predictable energy costs and associated savings year-to-year. Together with our recognized appliances, security and EV charging solutions, homes that incorporate the Bosch suite will be truly efficient, secure, and sustainable, resulting in increased value for the homeowner.”
“Our goal at Badger Mountain South is to create a community that offers residents and families the opportunity to live a relaxing, vibrant, healthy and enjoyable life,” said Larry White, CEO, Nor Am Investment LLC. “Partnering with Bosch and Orca Energy enables us to provide beautiful, smartly designed homes powered by renewable energy technologies for optimal efficiency and cost savings.”
Innovative Orca Energy Solution
Bosch partnered with Orca Energy, a geothermal utility provider, to accelerate the adoption of geothermal system use for new home developments in the U.S. and Canada. The Orca ‘thermal service model’, eliminates the first and most significant hurdle to utilizing geothermal technology – the upfront costs of installing and maintaining the geothermal ground-loop infrastructure.
With the Orca model, a homeowner pays a one-time connection fee (typically offset by the geothermal related utility, state, or federal financial incentives and rebates) along with a monthly utility charge (MUC), billed on a quarterly basis. The MUC consists of a capacity charge and a variable monthly energy charge indexed to the Consumer Price Index. The MUC is initially set at or below actual energy savings as compared to using a traditional home heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. This provides the homeowner with stable and predictable energy savings over time. Homeowners have no incremental upfront or maintenance costs associated with the geothermal system. Orca provides additional flexibility for the homeowner with an option to purchase the ground-loop infrastructure from Orca after the first 5 years.
Smart, Sustainable Suite of Solutions
Bosch geothermal heat-pumps will be connected from each home to the Orca installed ground-loop infrastructure system, which consists of boreholes that utilize the earth’s stored energy. Geothermal energy, a constant thermal source only a few feet below the earth’s surface, is one of the most effective and cost-efficient renewable forms of energy. Homes in Badger Mountain South that utilize Bosch heat-pump water heaters to supply whole house hot water will further leverage the benefits of a geothermal solution.
Home builders in Badger Mountain South will have easy access to incorporate the Bosch suite of home solutions. Known as the definitive European kitchen design brand, the award-winning Bosch portfolio uses sleek, European design and the latest in green technology to meet the needs of every lifestyle, including those interested in efficient appliances in a well designed package. With a product lineup that includes ENERGY STAR rated dishwashers, washers and refrigerators and ventilation, Bosch is the ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for Appliances in 2009 and 2010 and is proud to be recognized with the Sustained Excellence Award on 2001, 2012, 2013 and 2014.
Bosch security solutions offer unparalleled home protection and remote monitoring capabilities, to ensure resident safety and peace-of-mind. The innovative Bosch EV charging station can be installed in the garage, for those homeowners who have transitioned to driving electric vehicles.
Bosch’s involvement in the Badger Mountain South project supports the company’s strategy to bundle a range of its sustainable, smart, secure products and services for the developer, builder and homeowner. Bosch thermo-technology, appliances, security systems, automotive service solutions and power tools divisions together offer a relevant solutions suite for the eco-conscious developer/builder. Engineered and efficient solutions from one trusted source can yield synergies that deliver greater customer satisfaction and cost savings, while reducing the impact on the environment.
At the International Builders’ Show (IBS), Bosch heating/cooling/hot water solutions, security systems, power tools and appliances will be shown in the Central Hall, booth number C9331. In addition, Bosch, Thermador and Gaggenau appliances will be exhibited in the Central Hall, booth number C3837.
For more information on Badger Mountain South, visit www.badgermountainsouth.com. For more information on Orca Energy, visit www.orcaenergies.com.
About Bosch
In the U.S., Canada and Mexico, the Bosch Group manufactures and markets automotive original equipment and aftermarket solutions, industrial drives and control technology, power tools, security and communication systems, packaging technology, thermotechnology, household appliances, healthcare telemedicine and software solutions. Having established a regional presence in 1906, Bosch employs 24,600 associates in more than 100 locations, with consolidated sales of $10.4 billion in 2013. For more information, visit www.boschusa.com, www.bosch.com.mx and www.bosch.ca.
The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. In 2013, its roughly 281,000 associates generated sales of 46.1 billion euros ($61.2 billion). Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Mobility Solutions, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 360 subsidiaries and regional companies in some 50 countries. If its sales and service partners are included, then Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. In 2013, Bosch invested some 4.5 billion euros ($6.0 billion) in research and development and applied for some 5,000 patents worldwide. The Bosch Group’s products and services are designed to fascinate, and to improve the quality of life by providing solutions which are both innovative and beneficial. In this way, the company offers technology worldwide that is “Invented for life.” Additional information on the global organization is available online at www.bosch.com, www.bosch-press.com, and http://twitter.com/BoschPresse.
*Due to a change in accounting policies, 2013 figures can only be compared to a limited extent with 2012 figures. The decision to forego the application of proportionate consolidation affects mainly BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH and ZF Lenksysteme GmbH (2013 consolidated sales volume of some $9.7 billion). 2013 exchange rate: 1 EUR = $1.32812.
About Badger Mountain South
Close to everything - Close to perfect. The 1,500-acre Badger Mountain South Master Planned Community will be a residential, commercial and mixed-use, sustainable development located north of Reata Road at the Dallas Road I-82 interchange. It is planned to merge the latest technologies with the best community design, creating walkable neighborhoods linked by several miles of pedestrian and bike trails with a commercial and office core located adjacent to Dallas Road. Badger Mountain South supports the idea of a five-minute lifestyle – with shops, parks and schools located five minutes from most homes. In addition to 5,000 new homes, 200 acres of commercial, retail, office and medical development, you’ll enjoy 300 acres of green space, parks and trails. The community has three elementary schools, one middle school, and a host of other civic buildings.
