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Ground source heating and cooling (GSHC)

Find out about how we regulate Ground Source Heating and Cooling (GSHC) schemes and how we can help you if you are thinking about developing a scheme.

In the UK we need to generate 15 per cent of our energy from a mix of renewable sources by 2020.  We recognise that GSHC schemes can help meet renewable energy and greenhouse gas reduction targets.

Ground Source Heat and Cooling Systems use energy stored in the ground to heat and, sometimes, to cool buildings. They can deliver an efficient and partially renewable source of energy. GSHC can also achieve significant greenhouse gas emission reductions compared with conventional heating and cooling.

Our role

We regulate open loop ground source heat pump installations. They usually require:

  • a Groundwater Investigation Consent
  • an abstraction licence
  • an environmental permit to discharge

Closed loop pumps do not require any permissions from us but our GSHC guide would be useful to a developers wishing to install such systems.

Good practice guide and position statement

As part of our commitment to facilitating renewable energy generation, we have written a good practice guide and position statement for ground source heating and cooling schemes.

Good practice guide

This environmental good practice guide (EGPG) is for designers, developers, installers, drillers and owners of GSHC schemes, It sets out what needs to be done to comply with environmental legislation and manage environmental risks.

Position statement

Our position statement provides an overview of our approach, and the guide gives you advice on how to reduce the environmental risks of a new scheme, and how to comply with the law and good design and operation.