The unique Aquaflow ThermaPave Energy System was installed into the car parking areas of the Groundwork Cresswell, Ashfield & Mansfield’s head offices in Clowne, Derbyshire with excellent results. Groundwork, as approved contractors for Hanson, installed the innovative system on its own premises.
The benefits being gained from the environmentally friendly permeable paving and geothermal implementation include;
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Harvested and cleaned rainwater for reuse
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A proven flood prevention solution
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Reduced energy costs and water bills
Groundwork is an environmental regeneration charity dedicated to supporting and sustaining vibrant, healthy and safe communities through delivering projects that tackle regeneration, environmental and educational issues. At the head offices in Clowne, the Trust had already implemented numerous ‘green’ technologies. In the building these include solar thermal panels, Air Source Heat Pumps and PV cells to demonstrate the greener future as endorsed by the charity.
With the installation of the Aquaflow ThermaPave Energy System, the integrated Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) and rainwater harvesting solution completed the portfolio of environmentally friendly systems. It provided Groundwork with a route in tackling global climate change challenges and carbon footprint reduction.
There were a number of reasons why the system was required. The Groundwork’s trust wanted to install a GSHP and rainwater harvesting system along with the environmental benefits. However, the site was also having a major problem with flooding in the sloping car park. Since the installation of the Aquaflow ThermaPave Energy System, there have been no issues with flooding. The under floor heating that is sourced from the GSHP provides a reliable, comfortable and constant temperature.
The Trust’s headquarters are built around a quadrangle with a large courtyard and a sloping car park. More than 300m2 of Red Brindle Aquaflow permeable paving was laid to eradicate the flooding issues, with an impermeable liner and subbase underneath to harvest and clean rainwater for secondary use. The subbase also provides the ideal laying environment for the collector loops of the geothermal system. Integrated with a 6KW ‘Disme’ system, the GSHP now provides full comfort heating. This is via a newly laid under floor heating system to the refurbished annex of the building at a substantially lower cost to conventional heating systems. There is a significant reduction in the carbon emissions of the building. This forms part of a greater redevelopment of the building that will now be used as a training centre for both adults and young people in the area of construction skills, amongst other things. Groundwork provides trainees with the chance to put into practice what they learn on real working projects, such as installing the Aquaflow ThermaPave Energy System.
The retrofit of the Aquaflow ThermaPave Energy System at this site is an excellent example of the versatility of the solution and demonstrates the remarkable results and benefits that can be gained. Up to 6KW of heating or cooling energy can be produced from a much smaller area than by any other means by using the Aquaflow paving installation. This is more than enough power to maintain a comfortable year round temperature - all with the added benefit of a water harvesting and storm management solution incorporated.
Hanson Formpave partnered with renewable specialist Radiant Heating Solutions to design the complete system from the subbase through to the under floor heating to provide a total thermal solution. The heat pump aspect was something quite new to team at Groundworks. To assist the installation team, Radiant were regularly on site to give technical guidance and advice.
On completion Radiant assisted the installers throughout the commissioning process.