A new project that will involve the installation of ground-source heat pumps (GSHP) in the converted 19th century former Old Vicarage has been launched.
Kensa is partnering with the St Ives Community Land Trust for the renewable heating project, which aims to make affordable rental homes in Cornwall’s famous town.
Six modern rental homes will replace the old site, with the heat pumps providing low carbon heating and hot water.
The project, primarily funded by St Ives Town Deal, in partnership with Cornwall Council, is expected to help reduce energy bills and cut carbon emissions by more than 80% compared to gas heating.
Jill Block, Project lead, St Ives Community Land Trust said:“We wanted to reduce the carbon emissions of our building and seek to reduce the overall costs to our tenants.
“Our tenants will be living in well-insulated homes with the benefit of future energy cost savings. The Trust expects to benefit from reduced maintenance costs over the life expectancy of GSHP equipment compared to alternative options, thereby supporting our ambition to continue to provide affordable rental homes in the most cost-effective manner for our tenants over a much longer term.
“For every unit of electricity used by the heat pump, three to four units of heat are captured and transferred. In effect this means a well-installed GSHP can be 300-400% efficient in terms of its use of electricity.
“At this efficiency level there will be 70% lower carbon dioxide emissions than for a gas boiler heating system. If the electricity is provided by renewable energy, then carbon emissions can be reduced to zero. Our view is that we wanted to do the best for our local community that we can.”
The project is scheduled for completion later this year.
Copyright © 2025 Energy Live News LtdELN