Innovative funded model for decentralised ambient ground-source heat network reduces capital investment for developers
Energetics, part of the Last Mile group of multi-utility infrastructure companies, announced it has completed and energised a low-carbon ground source heat network at a residential development in Barnton, near Edinburgh.
The Avenue, Barnton, consists of 48 luxury homes designed for retirement living. Cruden Homes, the developer, received a NextGeneration Project Gold award in recognition of the scheme’s outstanding environmental credentials; with the low-carbon heat network playing a key role in helping to exceed mandatory sustainability standards.
Energetics installed a ground source heat network that will result in 80% lower carbon emissions than traditional gas-fired heating, and 54 per cent lower emissions than air-source technology. The highly efficient heat network takes its heat from an array of 18 vertical boreholes. A network of pipes, manifolds and valves then distribute that ambient heat from the boreholes to heat pump units that provide space and water heating to each home.
Although Cruden Homes wanted to move away from gas with a low-carbon heating solution, they were concerned about the upfront cost of installing a heat network. Energetics supported the development by providing a finance model to fund the capital cost of the heat network build. Cruden Homes benefitted from a 60% capital cost saving, while residents enjoy low running costs and a fixed-rate tariff. Last Mile will own, operate and maintain the heat network.
Kirsty Henderson, Head of Design and Sustainability, Cruden Homes, said: “Energetics assigned a dedicated team to coordinate the design and build process to ensure that all electricity, water and heat network services were completed in line with our construction schedules. The team’s professional guidance was invaluable in helping us to meet our sustainability goals.”
“As developers are increasingly searching for alternatives to gas for home heating, the award-winning Barnton development showcases the economic and sustainability benefits of ground source heat networks,” said Lisa Gunn, Associate Director of Sales, Energetics. “We look forward to working with Cruden Homes on future developments.”
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