INDUSTRY OPINION
The passive cooling solution
Are networked ground source heat pumps the surprising answer to cooling high-rise buildings? Neil Fitzsimons, Managing Director of Power On, explains.
W
ith the extremely high temperatures continuing, overheating is a particular issue in many high-rise, high-density buildings. Networked ground source
heat pumps (NGSHPs) are the perhaps surprising solution being proposed by the heat experts at Power On. While networked ground source heat pumps are known as sustainable solutions for low-carbon heating and hot water in urban areas, they are less well known for also providing eff ective cooling solutions. This is something they can do as a low-carbon, low-cost added extra. Passive cooling is entirely unique to ground source heat pumps. It is an inexpensive and sustainable way to provide eff ective cooling to high-rise, high-density developments in the warmer months.
High-rise and high-density developments are signifi cantly
more vulnerable to overheating during hot weather than standard houses due to such factors as expansive glazing,
around the property and can be achieved at a fraction of the cost of traditional air conditioning. Not only do NGSHPs provide cooling, but they also do not contribute additional unwanted heat to the building as, unlike combustion-based heating systems (like gas boilers), NGSHPs do not burn fuel to produce heat or hot water. Adding to the sustainability story, during the summer, any waste heat from the building can be transferred back into the network for higher heat pump operating effi ciency in the winter. NGSHPs meet the requirements of the Future Homes Standard by off ering a 75-80% reduction in emissions. The passive cooling option helps to support the Part O Building regulations too, which focus on mitigating
"As UK summers continue to get hotter, we need to be looking now to mitigate the issues for the future. Networked ground source heat pumps off er the ideal sustainable solution as they provide low-carbon and low-cost community heating, hot water, and cooling.
heavy insulation and the urban heat island eff ect. In addition, windows may not fully open, and there are likely to be internal heat gains from occupants, appliances and lighting. It is also noted that most high-rise residences will not have a secondary cooler sleeping space, like a downstairs living room. In winter, the ambient ground temperature is warmer than the air temperature. NGSHPs use this heat, compressed through a heat pump, to deliver warmth to homes on the network. In the summer, the ground temperature is cooler than the air temperature, so by bypassing the heat pump, cool air can be delivered to the property without expensive and unsightly outdoor units. Known as passive cooling, this uses a small circulation pump and fan to distribute the cool air
26 September 2026 •
www.acr-news.com
overheating in new residential buildings. As UK summers continue to get hotter, we need to be looking now to mitigate the issues for the future. Networked ground source heat pumps off er the ideal sustainable solution as they provide low-carbon and low-cost community heating, hot water, and cooling.
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