
We’re thrilled to share an exciting personal and professional milestone for Michael Scanlon. He has officially earned the Certified GeoExchange Designer (CGD) certification!
President/CEO of PWGC, Paul K. Boyce, PE, PG said, “Super proud of Mike for earning this credential! He has worked hard and been a key part of our geothermal practice. The CGD will further open doors for bigger and more interesting projects. Well done Mike and keep up the great work!”
For those unfamiliar, the CGD is a credential jointly offered by the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) and the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE). It’s recognized globally as a mark of excellence in the design and application of geothermal heat pump systems, a key technology in the transition toward sustainable, energy-efficient buildings.
Why CGD?
As someone passionate about sustainable engineering and the future of clean energy, Mr. Scanlon believes that geothermal systems offer one of the most reliable and efficient heating and cooling solutions available. The CGD certification goes beyond theory. It’s a rigorous program that validates both technical design skills and real-world application experience in ground-source heat pump systems.
The process involved:
- Extensive coursework and training in ground heat exchanger design, thermal conductivity testing, load calculations, and system optimization.
- A deep dive into ASHRAE standards, IGSHPA manuals, and advanced system modeling.
- And finally, a comprehensive exam that tested both depth and breadth of understanding.
What This Means Moving Forward
Receiving this certification is more than a professional credential, it’s a commitment to responsible design practices that minimize environmental impact and maximize energy efficiency. Mr. Scanlon is excited to integrate this expertise into his projects and help more clients take advantage of geoexchange technologies.
Whether it’s designing systems for schools, commercial developments, or residential communities, he now brings a CGD-level of assurance, accuracy, and sustainability focus to the table.
“I’m incredibly thankful to the mentors, colleagues, and organizations that supported me throughout this journey. The future of energy is changing and I’m proud to be part of that movement with the tools and certification to make a difference,” Mike stated.
Here’s to smarter systems and a cleaner planet!