Abstract: A method for heat exchange with a heat transfer medium including providing a ground loop circuit through which the heat transfer medium is circulatable. The circuit includes an end portion, positioned proximal to a heat exchanger, one or more pipe portions having embedded parts thereof positioned in pipe bodies. Each pipe body defines a conduit therein through which a fluid is flowable, and has an exterior surface engaged with ground material. The method also includes circulating the heat transfer medium through the ground loop circuit, to permit heat transfer between the heat transfer medium moving through the embedded part and the fluid in the conduit, and heat transfer between the heat transfer medium moving through the embedded part and the ground material engaged with the pipe body.