Glossary
Ground source heat pump
A Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) is a central heating or cooling system that transfers heat to or from the ground. It employs the earth as either a source of heat in the winter, or a coolant in the summer. This design takes advantage of the moderate temperatures in the ground to boost efficiency and reduce the operational costs of heating and cooling systems.
To understand this concept, one must grasp the basic principle that the Earth absolves the sun’s heat energy, maintaining a constant temperature just a few feet below its surface year-round. A GSHP system harnesses this heat energy during cooler months and drains excess heat back into the ground during the summer months.
The GSHP system uses a piping system, often referred to as a ‘loop,’ filled with a mixture of water and antifreeze. The loop is buried in the ground, and the fluid circulates through it. In heating mode, the fluid absorbs the heat from the ground and carries it towards the heat pump, where it’s then distributed throughout the building. When cooling, the system reverses and removes heat from the building and transfers it back to the relatively cooler ground.
The efficiency of GSHPs significantly reduces the amount of energy used for heating and cooling, hence reducing CO2 emissions. Ground source heat pumps are also known for their durability and can last for several decades, making them a sustainable choice for heating and cooling. However, the initial cost and digging required for installation can be a deterrent for some property owners.
In terms of carbon accounting, the reduction in CO2 emissions from a GSHP system can be quantified and reported. This can contribute to an organization’s overall emissions reduction strategy and help demonstrate progress towards sustainability and climate change targets. While the system may require a certain level of energy to run, the majority of this can be sourced from renewable resources, further enhancing the GSHP’s green credentials.