www.heatingandventilating.net G
TC has been providing heat solutions to housebuilders since 1995, and over the course of the last 12 months, the utility
infrastructure partner has launched a new product that aims to transform how new homes are heated across the UK. Taking tried and tested methods from its sister
company Metropolitan’s experience in high-density, GTC developed and started rolling out its Community Heat Hub. This is an efficient and sustainable centralised heat network solution, which achieves a 75-80% carbon saving from day one, meeting the proposed standards outlined within the FHS. Networked heat solutions have been used in urban areas for many years, but the Community Heat Hub is the first product of its kind that is commercially viable and practical for low-rise, low- density sites. John Marsh, COO at GTC said: “We work hard
to keep our finger on the pulse of the UK’s energy transformation drive. This is highlighted through our development of the Community Heat Hub. The networked heat solution has been years in the making and truly stands to revolutionise how we heat new homes in the UK. Working in partnership with our sister company, Metropolitan, we are delighted to be able to welcome new customers onto the zero-carbon heat network in 2024. What’s more, the Community Heat Hub is already better value for housebuilders and householders compared to each house owning an individual heat pump. It truly is win, win.” Last year saw Taylor Wimpey trialled the solution at its Chilton Woods site and as we enter 2024, GTC has announced that Vistry has secured planning permission from Rother District Council to install the Community Heat Hub at its Bexhill development in Sussex. The heat network will provide heat and hot water for over 800 houses as well as a community centre and retail offering. Brendan Evans, managing director at Vistry Kent
said: “Vistry Kent is committed to environmental sustainability and the networked heat pump solution provides an exciting opportunity to help deliver these objectives at our site in Bexhill. We are delighted the Community Heat Hub gained planning consent from Rother District Council. The timing was perfect, coming hot on the heels of the publication of the government’s Future Homes Standard consultation. We look forward to working with GTC and Metropolitan to deliver the heat network and provide an excellent, government-
The Community Heat Hub
The Community Heat Hub uses large-scale heat pumps powered by grid electricity, housed within a centralised location, critically removing the need for individual heat pumps in each home. The solution reduces carbon emissions by 75-80% based on current building regulations. It will meet the anticipated carbon emissions requirements of the 2025 Future Homes Standard (FHS). Thanks to the increase in renewable
generation from wind and solar, the grid is moving towards net zero carbon for 2050. The Community Heat Hub solution automatically becomes net zero when the grid gets to this point. From the Hub, hot water is fed to all individual homes through a highly insulated plastic-pipe heat network, to provide instant heating and hot water. There is a thermal water storage tank in the Community Heat Hub, replenished when wholesale
electricity costs are lower. This store reduces peak demand on the grid, lessening the need for reinforcement. Back-up electric boilers ensure a resilient supply of hot water. The result is that homeowners have a
simple, reliable supply of heat and hot water directly into the home from a central source on the development, owned and maintained by Metropolitan – a similar experience to using gas.
Networked heat solution transforms house build market
Reducing carbon emissions is a huge focus for the UK’s housebuilding sector, and the recently published Future Homes Standard (FHS) consultation firmly recognises heat networks as a key zero carbon- ready solution for new build
regulated, service for our new customers on this important scheme.’’
The Community Heat Hub at Bexhill is estimated
to save around 850 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually in comparison to individual gas boilers in homes. Last year Energy Minister Lord Callanan said: “Heat networks using heat pumps powered by clean, cheaper renewable energy generated here in the UK are cutting emissions and helping us take charge of our energy security. “Low carbon heat networks can help households and businesses move away from expensive fossil
“The networked heat solution has been years in the making and truly stands to revolutionise how we heat new homes in the UK.” John Marsh, COO at GTC
fuels. Systems like this one developed by GTC will accelerate the rollout of the technologies we need to achieve this.”
HIUs & DISTRICT HEATING
Image render of the Community Heat Hub at Vistry Kent’s Bexhill site
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