The Power and Promise of Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs): The Leading Green Technology to Decarbonise the UK’s Heating
As European countries focus on decarbonising their district heating systems, Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs) have emerged as a key solution endorsed by the European Commission.
GSHPs, up to five times more efficient than gas, offer a low-carbon, cost-effective solution for heating and cooling buildings. We believe that GSHPs should also be pivotal in the UK's approach to achieving its climate targets.
As a result, our team has been exploring the current state of GSHP adoption in the UK, particularly in new builds and large-scale commercial developments, highlighting the evolving technologies and trends shaping its future.
In this article, we collate five areas of our recent thinking and research. Read on for the significant long-term benefits GSHPs offer and why the facts speak for themselves, making them the go-to energy solution for the UK.
GSHP in New Builds: Leading the Charge Towards Net Zero
New-build projects are a key battleground for the widespread adoption of GSHPs.
As environmental regulations become stricter and the demand for energy-efficient homes rises, GSHPs provide a solution that offers both sustainability and cost efficiency.
From 2025, the Future Homes Standard (FHS) will be mandatory. It requires newly constructed homes to emit 75-80% less carbon than those built under the current Building Regulations and, thus, signals the end of gas boilers in new builds from next year.
This change marks a significant step towards reducing the environmental impact of new builds.
In response, this summer has seen the announcement of the largest ever UK agreement between a utility infrastructure provider and GSHP manufacturer GTC, the UK's largest installer of multi-utility networks, and The Kensa Group, a leader in ground source heat pump technology. They have partnered to deliver GSHP as the heating and cooling solution for tens of thousands of new-built homes annually.
This Networked Ground Source Heat Pump system connects ground source heat pumps in each property to a shared underground pipe network, eliminating the need for external equipment and enhancing space efficiency: Kensa’s compact ‘Shoebox’ heat pump will fit under the water cylinder inside the home.
With superior energy performance—up to five times more efficient than gas and 30% more efficient than air source heat pumps—this solution eases developer concerns about grid capacity and can be integrated into homes already in development. Under the agreement, GTC will provide the funding, design, borehole drilling, and network installation, while Kensa supplies its UK-manufactured heat pumps.
GTC service over 2 million homes in the UK - so the collaboration will put GSHP on the map in terms of broader adoption of the technology, support UK housebuilders transition to low-carbon heating and deliver savings and enhanced property value for the homeowners.
The trend towards integrating GSHPs into new-build homes is upwards. With groundbreaking partnerships, grid upgrades, and broader acceptance of heating innovations in the construction industry—alongside support from organisations like the Ground Source Heat Pump Association and accredited designer consultancies like ourselves—the presence of GSHPs in new builds is set to stay.
2. Commercial Developments: GSHPs on a Grand Scale
Large-scale commercial developments represent one of the most extensive opportunities for GSHPs to impact carbon emissions significantly. The use of GSHPs in commercial developments not only provides vast savings on energy bills but also supports the corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals of businesses that prioritise sustainability. The growing number of organisations opting for GSHP systems reflects the increasing pressure to align with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.
By installing GSHPs in large projects like office buildings, shopping centres, and industrial facilities, developers and business owners can future-proof their investments while simultaneously reducing their carbon footprint.
For example, throughout a two-year collaboration with Kensa Contracting, Genius Energy Lab designed GSHP systems for new and existing homes in a community in Cornwall. These systems were connected to 'shared ground loop arrays,' a communal network of underground pipes that harness renewable heat from boreholes.
Once installed, the boreholes are invisible, yet they provide a reliable heat source year-round. This project, called Heat the Streets, marked the world's first demonstration of a scalable, street-by-street heat pump solution. It achieved an impressive 82% carbon reduction, surpassing the carbon savings of any other comparable solution.
With GSHP systems offering the lowest lifecycle cost of any heating or cooling technology, it's no wonder that more large-scale projects are embracing the power of shared ground loop arrays and networked heat pumps. But more progress is needed, at pace.
3. The Evolving Technology Behind GSHPs
The technological advancements in GSHP systems have contributed significantly to their growing popularity in residential and commercial developments. For instance, more compact and efficient heat pump models, such as the Shoebox NX, allow for easier installation, even in properties where space is at a premium. This is particularly beneficial in urban environments, where new builds often have limited land available for installing traditional, large GSHP systems.
Another trend worth noting is the development of intelligent system controls that allow homeowners and businesses to monitor and optimise energy use in real-time. By integrating GSHPs with smart home and building management systems, users can maximise efficiency and further reduce energy costs.
Additionally, innovations in borehole technology have made the installation process faster and more affordable, addressing one of the primary barriers to GSHP adoption—high upfront costs. These developments, alongside enhanced government incentives, continue to push the technology forward, making GSHPs a more accessible option for a wide range of projects.
4. The Long-Term Benefits: Sustainability Meets Financial Sense
The long-term benefits of GSHPs are perhaps the most compelling reason to consider this technology. While the initial installation cost of GSHPs can be higher than that of alternative systems, the return on investment over time makes it a highly attractive option, as the operating costs are lower and the lifespan longer. GSHP systems are extremely durable, with a lifespan of 20-25 years for the pump itself and 100 years for the ground loop. This means that property owners can enjoy decades of reliable, low-cost heating and cooling.
The bottom line is that compared to conventional heating or cooling systems, a ground source heat pump can deliver savings of up to 70% (20% – 70%) on heating bills, and up to 50% (20% – 50%) on air conditioning.
In addition to the financial and environmental benefits, GSHP systems provide increased comfort for occupants. The consistent, quiet operation of GSHPs—unaffected by external weather conditions—ensures that indoor environments remain at the desired temperature year-round without the fluctuations seen in conventional systems.
5. Overcoming the Barriers to GSHP Adoption
Despite the significant advantages of GSHPs, barriers remain. One of the most persistent challenges is the need for more understanding of technology among builders, architects, and even planners. Misconceptions about the complexity and cost of GSHPs can deter adoption, especially compared to seemingly more affordable upfront costs of sources like air-source heat pumps (ASHP). This thinking needs to appreciate the long-term savings GSHPs deliver as their operating costs are significantly lower than ASHPs and legacy gas boilers.
Here at Genius Energy Lab, we are actively working to bridge this knowledge gap by providing training, resources, and tools for installers and developers. Our comprehensive guide to heat pumps is a great place to start filling knowledge gaps, and our regular mailer is a bite-size way to stay abreast of industry developments.
By addressing these barriers through education, alongside increased government support, we are confident that the path to broader adoption of GSHPs will become easier to navigate.
Paving the Way for a Sustainable Future
Ground source heat pumps have proven to be a cornerstone technology in the transition to a greener, more energy-efficient future. As developers, homeowners, and businesses recognise the long-term financial and environmental benefits, the demand for GSHPs will continue to gain momentum.
For anyone considering GSHPs, understanding the technology and long-term benefits is key to making informed decisions that will benefit both the environment and the bottom line. Whether for a new build, a large-scale commercial project, or a retrofit, GSHPs offer a solution that is both sustainable and financially viable.
To learn more about adopting ground source heat pump technology into your project, reach out to our dedicated team of design experts: whitecoat@geniusenergylab.com