PH Jones are delivering ground source heat pumps for our client Cheltenham Borough Council (CBC) under the SHDF W1 scheme. Under the scheme we have replaced an aging electric underfloor heating system for several CBC properties, with much more energy efficient individual, compact ground source heat pumps.
The project involved installing fourteen boreholes of varying depths (sized according to the calculated heating needs of the properties) to create shared ground loops supplying individual heat pumps for each property. Of the properties, the bungalows and a larger apartment have one loop per heat pump and the other apartments have one loop between two heat pumps. This has helped drive down the project cost and disruption for the tenants.
As with all renewable projects and in compliance with PAS2035, it is essential that fabric and ventilation has been addressed. Therefore, CBC have completed some fabric improvements including replacing older double glazing with high performing units, installing insulation (cavity wall improvement and loft insulation top-ups) and upgrading the ventilation systems.
The project will make a significant difference to the energy usage and carbon emissions for this site (with properties having improved heat demand and EPC rating increasing from E/F to EPC C) whilst also proving to be an exemplar for how different specialists can work effectively together via a retrofit coordinator to ensure the project risk and sequencing are appropriately managed.