Environmental sustainability stands as a core principle of the GEOSYN project. Beyond developing efficient geothermal technologies, the project team is conducting rigorous assessments to quantify and validate the environmental advantages of these innovations.
Comprehensive Environmental Assessment
Led by UNIFI (University of Florence) with support from RIVACOLD, SINTEF, and NEO-ECO, GEOSYN will conduct a sophisticated environmental assessment starting in April 2026.
The assessment incorporates two complementary approaches:
- Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) following internationally recognized guidelines, examining environmental impacts at every stage from raw material extraction through manufacturing, operation, and end-of-life
Exergo-environmental analysis (EEnvA) which allocates environmental impacts at the component level, identifying which system elements contribute most significantly to the overall footprint
Adhering to “Do No Significant Harm” Principles
The environmental evaluation adheres strictly to the European Union’s “Do No Significant Harm” (DNSH) principles, ensuring the technology avoids negative impacts on climate change mitigation, adaptation, water resources, circular economy, pollution prevention, and biodiversity.
This approach provides assurance that while solving one environmental challenge—reducing carbon emissions through renewable energy—GEOSYN does not create new problems in other environmental domains.
From Assessment to Action
The findings will be compiled into a comprehensive sustainability assessment report, to be delivered in October 2027. Alongside this technical document, the project will produce a policy guide with recommendations for policymakers and authorities, translating technical findings into practical guidance for promoting geothermal heating and cooling in industrial applications.
These deliverables aim to provide transparent, evidence-based information on the environmental performance of GEOSYN technologies, supporting informed decision-making by industries, investors, and public authorities across Europe.
Comparative Advantage
A key aspect of the assessment involves comparing GEOSYN solutions with other renewable-based systems, including traditional hydrothermal geoenergy. By establishing clear benchmarks, the project will demonstrate the specific environmental advantages of its innovative approach.