The next step

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Installing ground source systems

A real solution

In a bid to ensure that 15% of the UK’s energy needs are met by renewable sources by 2020, ground source heating and cooling (GSHC) schemes are increasingly being encouraged by the government as a viable technology. These systems use energy stored in the ground to heat and, sometimes, cool buildings, delivering an efficient source of energy and a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

In the loop

There are two main types of GSHC system: closed loop and open loop. In open loop systems, water is abstracted from the ground and pumped through a heat exchanger and then normally pumped back into the ground. Closed loop systems consist of a closed pipe system buried in the ground and filled with thermal transfer fluid (which is made up of anti-freeze, biocide, corrosion and scale inhibitors). When the liquid travels around the pipe loops, it absorbs heat from the ground.

Not straightforward

Installing a GSHC system is not straightforward because of the various environmental risks attached. All GSHC systems can result in undesirable temperature changes in the ground and the water environment, with impacts on water quality or aquatic ecology. Both open loop and closed loop systems installed at depth can result in the interconnection of different aquifer units during drilling, potentially affecting your water quality or flow. Also, closed loop systems may contain thermal transfer fluids which are toxic and can pollute groundwater if they leak.

Tip 1. To install an open loop system, you will need: (1) a groundwater investigation consent; (2) an abstraction licence; and (3) an environmental permit to discharge (see The next step). The supplier of the equipment should be able to help you with the application. If not, an environmental consultant will be able to. Because of the complex nature of the permit system, this isn’t something to tackle on your own.

Tip 2. Closed loop pumps do not require any permissions from the regulator, but if you are considering getting one, it would be a good idea to read the EA’s recently published guidance to minimise the risks of groundwater pollution (see The next step). Doing so will help you to avoid any pollution problems further down the line.

Location, location, location

GSHC systems are not suitable for every business or premises and whether you can install a GSHC system will depend on your location. The EA suggests not installing one if: (1) your site is within a defined groundwater source protection zone; (2) on contaminated land; (3) close to a designated wetland site; (4) within ten metres of a watercourse; (5) close to other GSHC schemes; or (6) near a septic tank or cesspit.

Tip. If you are considering one of these systems, ask the supplier to complete a thorough suitability inspection of your site first. They should do this as a matter of course.

For further information on consents (EN 06.04.07A) and for a copy of the EA’s guidance (EN 06.04.07B), visit http://environment.indicator.co.uk.