Ground source heat pumps to help run council offices
March 25th 2008

Residents may be wondering what is going behind the hoardings at the Rose Gardens opposite Three Rivers House, the answer is the installation of ground source heat pumps.

Three Rivers District council are installing a ground source heat pump buried beneath the gardens opposite Three Rivers House in Rickmansworth. The pump is a simple and practical way of extracting heat from the ground to heat the council offices in the winter and cool them down in summer.

The system will make a practical long term difference in reducing C02 emissions, heating costs and, ultimately, Council Tax bills.

Three Rivers' Cabinet Member for the Environment, Cllr Martin Trevett, said:

"Ground source heat pumps are a simple and practical idea. We may laugh about politicians making their own hot air but actually these systems can make a practical long term difference in reducing C02 emissions, heating costs and ultimately, Council Tax bills.

"This system costs about the same amount as a conventional replacement, which was needed anyway.  The system will pay for itself in six years and reduce carbon emissions from day one."

Water pipes are being buried three metres below ground. At this depth, the soil stays at a relatively constant 11 - 12 degrees centigrade, compared to the much wider variations in the air of between minus 10 and plus 30 or more degrees centrigrade depending on the season.

Because the ground is warmer than the air in winter and cooler than the air in summer, the single pumping system can help provide both heating and cooling at different times of the year.

Watford Friends of the Earth's John Collier said:

"We welcome this initiative by the Council which demonstrates the effectiveness of larger schemes.  These systems will become even more green when our national power is provided mostly through renewable sources.

"Ground source heat pumps are not always efficient for private homes so do get expert advice before making a decision about your property - for the average house the best thing to do is improve your insulation, use energy efficiency appliances and try to reduce usage."

There's more about how these systems work on www.energysavingtrust.org.uk - follow the link for "Generate your own energy".

The Council will also be installing solar panels to help heat water at William Penn Leisure Centre as part of the venue's refurbishment.

Residents who would like more information about energy sources and energy reduction can ring Beds and Herts Energy Efficiency Advice Centre on freephone 0800 512 012.  An energy saving booklet is available from the Council on 01923 776611 or enquiries@threerivers.gov.uk