UKPS to deliver Cardiff’s first ground source heat network U


K Power Solutions (UKPS), a Last Mile group company has been contracted by Wates Residential to deliver what will likely be a first-of-its kind ground source heat network for Cardiff, located at the former Michaelston Community College site.


The contract with UKPS will see the company deliver a low-emission ground source heat network comprising a centralised energy centre, 47 boreholes to extract renewable geothermal energy, and individual heat interface units in 235 new homes. Once construction at the 27-acre site is completed, Last Mile Heat will adopt and manage the network, transferring all operations to Last Mile’s expert team.


The development, which is also Cardiff’s first wellbeing village, will see the creation of 115 open-market homes, 120 council homes, and


a community hub, café, and medical centre that promotes independent living, health and wellbeing through its services and support.


Rachael Grierson-Gillespie, senior business development executive at UKPS, said: “Our ground source heat network is projected to reduce carbon emissions for the development by up to 80% compared to traditional gas heating, and 54% compared to air source heat pumps. It will also deliver lower running costs and bills for residents, supporting regional goals to tackle fuel poverty.


“Solutions like this are crucial to delivering the affordable and sustainable housing the UK needs, and we’re proud to be involved with a project that demonstrates to councils and developers everywhere what’s possible with the right technology and financing.”


Why uncontrolled urinal flushing is undermining commercial water efficiency strategies


A


s pressure mounts on commercial buildings to reduce operational water consumption, uncontrolled urinal flushing remains one of the most overlooked sources of avoidable waste. Water saving expert Cistermiser, is warning that without proper flushing control, wider sustainability strategies risk falling short.


Water efficiency is no longer a peripheral sustainability goal, rising


utility costs, ESG reporting pressures and greater scrutiny on operational performance mean building owners are expected to continually demonstrate measurable reductions in consumption.


Yet in many commercial washrooms, traditional auto-flush systems continue to discharge water at fixed intervals, regardless of whether the urinals have been used.


In high-traffic environments this approach can result in significant and unnecessary water loss. Industry estimates suggest that a single uncontrolled urinal can waste tens of thousands of litres per year, undermining broader efficiency strategies designed to reduce a building’s environmental footprint.


Demand-controlled systems tackle this directly and solutions such as Cistermiser’s Direct Flush activate only when required, using water in response to occupancy rather than a fixed cycle and delivering immediate, measurable savings.


The efficiency gains also extend beyond urinals, as Easyflush Direct is fully mains-powered and built for durability, reducing maintenance demands and avoiding the seal degradation and leaks oſten associated with traditional WC mechanisms.


Performance modelling indicates that Easyflush Direct can deliver water savings of up to 181,500 litres per year in appropriate settings. Over a 24- month period, that equates to savings of £744.76 and a carbon offset of 0.062 tonnes, with a typical product payback period of approximately eight months.


In addition, compliance and hygiene remain central to specification and Easyflush Direct features a DC pipe interrupter for enhanced backflow protection and meets Fluid Category 5 requirements, supporting high-risk environments where cross-contamination control is essential.


For more information on Cistermiser and Keraflo visit www.cistermiser.co.uk Winter 2026 M38 5


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