You are viewing 1 of your 1 free articles
London council launches heat pump pilot following climate emergency declaration
A London borough will retrofit a high-rise block with ground source heat pumps in an effort to cut residents’ bills and meet climate change targets.
Croydon Council, which recently announced plans to cut carbon emissions by 34% by 2025, has commenced a pilot scheme with Kensa Contracting, which will see 44 flats have their existing electric storage heaters replaced by ground source heat pumps.
The retrofit, which is expected to be completed by spring, is part of a wider £3.2m refurbishment of the 10-storey block in New Addington, involving new insulation, a replacement roof and windows, landscaping, and new parking.
Kensa Contracting said the new system will save households between £260 and £300 per year on bills and will also cost the council less to maintain than storage heaters.
READ MORE
It said the new ground source heat pump system will produce around 645kg of carbon dioxide per year, compared with an average night storage heater which typically emits 2,001kg of carbon dioxide annually.
In July, Croydon Council declared a climate emergency, setting a target to make the borough carbon neutral by 2030.
The new heating system will cost £700,000, which will be funded through the council’s Housing Revenue Account and via energy credits from energy regulator Ofgem.
Alison Butler, deputy leader and cabinet member for homes and gateway services at Croydon Council, said: “Many Croydon tenants find paying their winter fuel bills a struggle, so this pilot scheme and wider refurbishment will make a real difference by ensuring their homes are warmer, more energy efficient and cheaper to run.”
Stuart King, cabinet member for environment, transport and regeneration, said: “Making Croydon more sustainable is a key council priority, and by both cutting carbon emissions and residents’ heating bills this project underlines our commitment to improving the environment.”
