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RESIDENTIAL HEATING & VENTILATION


Heat networks drive residential decarbonisation


John March, GTC COO offers some insight into how heat networks can lead the decarbonisation of residential new build heat and hot water


T


he decarbonisation of residential heating remains one of the most critical challenges in the UK’s transition to Net Zero. Heating and


hot water account for around 30% of the UK’s carbon emissions, most coming from gas-fired boilers. For building services and environmental engineers


tasked with delivering low-carbon, future-proofed solutions, heat networks represent a scalable, efficient, and regulation-compliant path forward - particularly as the sector responds to the demands of the Future Homes Standard. Among the most promising technologies now being


deployed at scale are Networked Ground Source Heat Pumps and Community Heat Hubs. These systems offer distinct, yet complementary approaches to meeting low-carbon heating and hot water demand and are especially well-suited for residential new builds. Here’s how they work, and why they are poised to play a leading role in the UK’s Net Zero future. Networked Ground Source Heat Pumps operate by


extracting naturally stored thermal energy from the ground. Underground, a network of pipes - hidden below the surface - circulate fluid that absorbs this heat. Each home on the development has its own small, compact ground source heat pump, installed discreetly inside the property. This means no bulky outdoor units, reduced noise, and minimal visual impact - an important consideration for both developers and homeowners. One of the standout advantages of Networked


Ground Source Heat Pumps is their compatibility with existing electricity grid infrastructure. Unlike many other low-carbon technologies, they require no additional grid capacity compared to gas-heated homes. This is a game changer for developments in areas where grid capacity is already constrained. These systems achieve a 75-80% reduction in


carbon emissions from day one - making them fully compliant with the Future Homes Standard. Their low- carbon credentials also future-proof developments against incoming regulations and help developers avoid costly retrofits. With up to five times the efficiency of gas boilers, and approximately 30% greater efficiency than individual air source heat pumps, Networked Ground Source Heat Pumps deliver exceptional performance all year-round. They also provide passive cooling, assisting with compliance under Part O of the Building Regulations and improving occupant comfort during summer months.


Starting in 2026, heat networks including Networked Ground Source Heat Pumps will be regulated by OFGEM, ensuring consumer protections around pricing, service levels, and system reliability. Whereas Networked Ground Source Heat Pumps


install an individual unit in each property, Community Heat Hubs centralise heat generation. These systems use large-scale air source heat pumps and thermal stores to deliver heat and hot water through a network of insulated pipes. The central Heat Hub produces the thermal energy, which is distributed across the site. This model not only simplifies installation logistics but also offers a highly cost-effective and energy- efficient solution for developments of all sizes. By consolidating heating and hot water generation, Community Heat Hubs allow engineers to optimise performance and lower energy losses compared to individual heating systems. They eliminate the need for external individual air source heat pump units on each home - resolving aesthetic concerns and simplifying maintenance. The use of thermal storage in the system allows a site’s energy demand to be decoupled from real-time electricity use. This flattens peak grid demand and enables demand-side flexibility, reducing the impact on local infrastructure and helping balance the wider energy system. These systems can deliver up to 20% lower heating


costs for homeowners compared to properties with individual air source heat pumps. For developers, shared infrastructure often results in reduced capital costs and fewer planning constraints. Like Networked Ground Source Heat Pumps, Community Heat Hubs meet the Future Homes Standard, with immediate 75-80% reductions in carbon emissions. They are a natural fit for developments aiming for net zero carbon status. Community Heat Hubs will also fall under OFGEM’s remit from 2026, providing homeowners with long-


term stability, fair pricing, and transparent service standards. No two developments are the same, and it’s vital that engineers and developers have access to a range of heat network options. Both Networked Ground Source Heat Pumps and Community Heat Hubs offer compelling pathways to decarbonisation, but they each come with unique strengths that make them suitable depending on site conditions, density, available space, and infrastructure. • For low-rise, dispersed housing developments where space is at a premium and visual impact must be minimised, Networked Ground Source Heat Pumps offer a discreet and efficient solution. • For high-density or mixed-use schemes, especially those with significant communal infrastructure, Community Heat Hubs may offer better economies of scale and grid management advantages. Importantly, both systems use shared infrastructure and support centralised planning and optimisation, helping to streamline delivery and improve operational efficiency across entire sites. As the UK’s gas boiler ban for new homes


approaches, the need for scalable, regulation- compliant heating technologies is urgent. Heat networks - especially those built on next-generation technologies like Networked Ground Source Heat Pumps and Community Heat Hubs - provide a proven, reliable path to low-carbon heating and hot water in new developments. For building services and environmental engineers,


these systems offer: • Compliance with future building standards • Strong carbon savings from day one • Opportunities to reduce both developer CAPEX and homeowner OPEX • A route to reduce electricity demand peaks and grid reinforcement costs Perhaps most importantly, they create a resilient and flexible foundation for future integration with smart grid technologies, seasonal energy storage, and renewable generation. The transition to zero-carbon homes will be shaped


by the choices made today. Heat networks are ready to meet the moment. They align with the Future Homes Standard, reduce grid strain, lower emissions and costs, and offer long-term value to homeowners and developers alike. For engineers working on the front lines of residential design, now is the time to explore, advocate for, and implement these scalable, future- ready systems.


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