The temperature of the ground below a certain depth remains constant all year round. Ground source heat pumps take this latent heat, using heat collectors called slinkies that are buried in the ground, and use it to heat the home.

The fluid in the slinky is drawn into an evaporator and the resulting gas is compressed until it reaches 80 degrees Centigrade. The vapour is condensed and circulated through underfloor heating, where a temperature of 40 degrees Centigrade can be maintained.

Ground source heat pumps are most suitable for well insulated properties with underfloor heating or low temperature radiators. The home needs to have enough garden for the slinkies to be buried, or for a bore hole, although this second option is much more expensive.

- Description added by: Baxi

Renewable and alternative energy sources are set to play an increasingly important role in providing the electricity, heat, cooling and fuels that society needs. There is a wide range of energy sources such as solar (both photovoltaic and solar thermal), wind, bio-fuels and biomass, hydro-electric, geothermal and heat pumps. - Description added by: David Lockie

A low carbon economy requires careful financial planning to ensure a smooth economic transition. New technologies, companies and business models provide alternative investment opportunities, and the changing financial landscape will affect existing markets, stocks and shares. Regulation, incentives, tax, loans and grants are all part of the low carbon economy. - Description added by: David Lockie

Communities consist of homes, businesses and sometimes industrial concerns, with infrastructure like health care, transport, communications, government and utilities. Many decisions about low carbon need to be considered at the community level in order to ensure that ‘joined-up thinking’ is applied to the process. Click the picture to the right to explore our interactive community environment. - Description added by: David Lockie