AIR-SOURCE HEAT PUMPS

Broadacres now fits air source heat pumps as standard in every new home it builds across its operating area of North Yorkshire and surrounding areas.

This forms part of the Association’s Sustainability Strategy which outlines a roadmap that will lead to all its homes and operations having net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The biggest recent example is at Sowerby, near Thirsk, where residents have begun to move into a 97-home development all of which will be heated by ASHP. This also marks the first time Broadacres has used renewable energy on a scheme where a gas connection is available.

As well as new homes, Broadacres has also been running an ASHP retrofit programme for a number of years.

Over the last 18 months it has installed 150 pumps in existing homes and in total there are now 691 ASHPs on 691 properties, old and new. This represents more than 10% over its entire stock.

Alongside this, Broadacres is also currently working on a pilot project which has involved taking four unoccupied properties in Northallerton, Stokesley and Myton-on-Swale, near York, and carrying out a deep retrofit programme which will make the homes net zero ready.

All of the retrofit homes have undergone structural/layout alterations, had new insulated concrete floors installed and stringent air tightness measures and tests completed. Recently, solar PV panels have also been installed on all homes, with ASHPs also being added and mechanical ventilation heat recovery systems being commissioned. At the time of writing (Oct 2022) external wall cladding is being added, with a view to the first property being completed by the end of November.

Once people move into these homes, Broadacres will be closely monitoring the efficiency of the properties, including recording the internal temperature, air quality and humidity.

Ultimately, this pilot project could pave the way for all of Broadacres properties to undergo similar work to deliver the carbon neutral homes of the future.