AIR SOURCE & GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMPS
The cooling powers of ground source heat pumps
Overheating is a significant issue for high-rise, high density developments. There is, however, a simple and cost-effective, if perhaps rather surprising, solution: networked ground source heat pumps. Neil Fitzsimons, managing director, Power On, explains
O
f course, networked ground source heat pumps are known for their great merits in providing low-carbon community heat and hot water, meeting the Future
Homes Standard with carbon emissions reduced by 75-80% from day one. Networked ground source heat pumps are up to five times more energy efficient than gas and 30% more efficient than individual air source heat pumps. All heat networks, including networked ground source heat pumps, will be regulated by Ofgem from January 2026. But if this is not reason enough to consider their installation, they can also provide passive cooling. With global warming a continued concern and consideration, and overheating already a significant issue in high-rise, high-density developments, cooling should now be at the top of the agenda for building services and environmental engineers, along with the other essential utilities.
The extent of the issue
A ground-breaking study published by the University of East London in April 2025 revealed a dramatic and concerning increase in the number of UK households reporting problems of overheating in the summer. The figures show that amid increasing summer heatwaves and record-breaking global temperatures, 80% of UK households suffered overheating in 2022, compared to just 18% in 2011.
Overheating in high-rise, high- density developments
High-rise and high-density developments are particularly susceptible to overheating for several reasons. These include the significant amounts of glazing often used in construction and the internal heat gains from occupants, appliances and lighting, which all contribute to the overall temperature within the building. Windows may not be fully opening due to safety concerns,
noise or air pollution, and limited shade at height and in urban areas can also be a factor. Not only do networked ground source heat pumps provide cooling, they also do not contribute unwanted heat to the building. Unlike combustion-based heating systems (such as gas boilers), networked ground source heat pumps do not burn fuel to produce heat. They are designed to transfer heat, not generate it, extracting heat from the ground and moving it to the building’s heating system.
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Clivet hp BSEE Jul,
Sep25.indd 1 12 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER SEPTEMBER 2025 Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk 2/6/25 11:55
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