Improving Heating and Cooling

The Bankside Yards project in London is pioneering a fifth-generation combined heating and cooling network that offers significant potential for decarbonizing buildings. According to a recent New York Times article, this 5.5-acre, £2.5 billion development utilizes an innovative energy system that balances thermal energy within and between buildings, reducing overall energy consumption and eliminating the need for fossil fuels (Wilson, 2024).

The system employs electric-powered heat pumps on building rooftops and in individual spaces to adjust water temperature in pipes, providing efficient heating, cooling, and hot water throughout the complex. This approach allows for the redistribution of excess heat from areas requiring cooling to those needing warmth, optimizing energy usage across the development. The article notes that this system not only reduces energy requirements but also operates without fossil fuels, making it a valuable tool in efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions (Wilson, 2024).

Despite the clear benefits of such systems, the article raises questions about the slow adoption of similar technologies elsewhere. Dr. Jan Rosenow, European program director of the Regulatory Assistance Project, suggests that the barriers to widespread implementation are primarily social, political, and cultural, rather than technological (Wilson, 2024). This indicates that while the solutions exist, there are challenges in applying them at the necessary scale and speed.

The Bankside Yards project demonstrates the potential of fifth-generation networks in large-scale developments. The first completed building in the complex, a 19-story office tower called Arbor, is already over 75% leased or under offer, suggesting growing market demand for cleaner, more efficient buildings. The article also mentions other projects implementing similar systems, such as the Silvertown development in East London and the Whisper Valley residential complex in Austin, Texas (Wilson, 2024).

While the initial installation costs of fifth-generation systems may be slightly higher than traditional gas-based systems, the long-term energy savings and zero-carbon emissions make them a prudent investment. As minimum carbon standards become more stringent, these systems are likely to become increasingly valuable assets in real estate development. However, the article notes that wider adoption faces challenges including lack of planning reform, poor public awareness, and the perception of heating as an individual rather than collective task (Wilson, 2024).

Reference:
Wilson, P. (2024, September 25). Fifth-Generation Networks Offer a Climate Solution to Heating and Cooling Buildings. The New York Times.