Community Heat Hubs promise first low-carbon networks for low-rise, low density projects
Utility infrastructure specialist GTC is rolling out its Community Heat Hub in the East Sussex town of Bexhill, following successful trials last year.
The company, which has been providing heat solutions to housebuilders since 1995, has developed the Community Heat Hub, a heat network solution, which is promising a 75-80% carbon saving from day one, meeting the proposed targets outlined within the Future Homes Standard, currently under consultation.
GTC claims that while heat networks have been common in high density urban areas, this is ‘the first product of its kind that is commercially viable and practical for low-rise, low-density sites.’ The firm says the Hub takes tried and tested methods from its sister company Metropolitan’s experience in high-density housing and applies them to low-density sites.
Developer Vistry has secured planning permission from Rother District Council to install the Community Heat Hub at its Bexhill development in Sussex, providing heat and hot water for over 800 houses, as well as a community centre and retail offering. The Bexhill network is estimated to save around 850 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions a year in comparison to individual gas boilers in homes.
Brendan Evans, Managing Director at Vistry Kent said:
Vistry Kent is committed to environmental sustainability and GTC’s networked heat pump solution provides an exciting opportunity to help deliver these objectives at our site in Bexhill. We are delighted the Community Heat Hub gained planning consent from Rother District Council. The timing was perfect, coming hot on the heels of the publication of the government’s Future Homes Standard consultation. We look forward to working with GTC and Metropolitan to deliver the heat network and provide an excellent, government-regulated, service for our new customers on this important scheme.
Taylor Wimpey trialled the Hub at its Chilton Woods site last year, the first time such a network has been used in low-rise, low density housing, GTC says.
John Marsh, COO at GTC added:
We work hard to keep our finger on the pulse of the UK’s energy transformation drive. This is highlighted through our development of the Community Heat Hub, which truly stands to revolutionise how we heat new homes in the UK. Working in partnership with our sister company, Metropolitan, we are delighted to be able to welcome new customers onto the zero-carbon heat network in 2024. What’s more, the Community Heat Hub is already better value for housebuilders and householders compared to each house owning an individual heat pump. It truly is win-win.
