How to cool high-rise buildings

Overheating can create serious challenges in high-rise and high-density developments. These buildings are particularly vulnerable due to several factors: large areas of glazing, internal heat gains from occupants, appliances and lighting, limited shade at height, and windows that often can’t fully open due to safety, noise or air pollution. With hotter summers becoming the norm, overheating risks are only set to grow.

According to Met Office data, the number of days with temperatures above 30 °C has more than trebled in the most recent decade compared with the 1961–1990 average.

We’re encouraging developers and building services professionals to consider the benefits of networked Ground source heat pump (GSHP) systems – not only as a low-carbon solution for heating and hot water, but also as an effective, low-cost and sustainable cooling option.

How networked ground source heat pumps provide cooling

Networked GSHP systems extract naturally stored thermal energy from the ground and transfer it to discreet heat pump units within each dwelling. In winter, they use the ground’s relatively warmer temperature to provide heating. In summer, when the ground is cooler than the air, the system can be used in reverse to provide cooling – either passively or actively.

Passive cooling

Passive cooling works by bypassing the heat pump and using only a small circulation pump and fan to distribute cool air throughout the property. It relies on the ground’s stable, naturally lower temperature and can operate at a fraction of the cost of traditional air conditioning.

Any waste heat removed from the building in summer is returned to the ground, improving system efficiency for the heating season.

Benefits of passive cooling include:

1. Low running costs
   Passive cooling uses the ground’s natural temperature instead of energy-hungry systems like air
   conditioning. Since the heat pump’s compressor is not needed, it only uses small circulation pumps,
   keeping energy use and running costs low.
2. High energy efficiency
   Passive cooling delivers comfort with very little energy input. It becomes even more efficient when
   paired with networked heat pump systems as waste heat is recycled to improve winter heating
   performance.
3. Lower carbon footprint
   There is no need for refrigerants or energy-intensive cooling units. This results in lower emissions.
   Passive cooling is a natural, low-carbon alternative that helps meet net-zero goals.
4. Reduced infrastructure costs
   The system balances itself out in high-density developments with heating and cooling demands. That
   can mean shallower boreholes, fewer materials, and lower upfront costs.
5. Smart heat recycling
   Instead of putting more heat outside and worsening overheating issues, the system returns it to the
   ground, recharging the array and supporting year-round efficiency.
6. Quiet and discreet
   Passive cooling requires no noisy outdoor units or bulky air conditioning systems – just simple, silent
   comfort that blends into any development.

Active cooling

Active cooling takes the system a step further. The heat pump operates like a refrigerator – absorbing heat from the building and transferring it to the ground. Although more energy-intensive than passive cooling, it’s still far more efficient than conventional air conditioning and well suited to buildings requiring higher or year-round cooling, such as offices, retail spaces, data centres or mixed-use developments.

Running costs and efficiency

Passive cooling is exceptionally affordable to run, costing as little as 50p per day for 8 hours of operation. It also gives the system a winter efficiency boost by storing heat in the ground during summer. Over their 20-25 year lifespan, networked GSHP systems deliver lower running costs and reduced maintenance compared with traditional air conditioning and heating systems.

Supporting compliance and net-zero goals

Networked GSHP systems not only deliver practical cooling solutions – they also support regulatory compliance.

They can help developers meet Part O of the Building Regulations, which sets out standards to limit overheating in new residential buildings. They also align with the Future Homes Standard, supporting a 75–80% reduction in emissions.

Unlike combustion-based heating systems, GSHPs don’t burn fuel. Instead, they transfer heat – providing heating and cooling without contributing to unwanted heat in the building.

A proven, sustainable solution

While networked ground source heat pumps are still a relatively new approach in the UK, they’re widely used across Europe as an efficient and low-carbon way to provide both heating and cooling.

Their ability to deliver passive cooling as an almost effortless by-product of heating makes them a win-win for developers and residents – helping to keep homes comfortable while cutting carbon and costs.

We’re here to help

We’re here to help
Tackling overheating early is key to delivering comfortable, low-carbon buildings. Our team can support developers, consultants and M&E professionals to integrate networked ground source heat pump systems that meet Part O requirements and future-proof developments.

To discuss your project, speak with our heat expert:
Alex Randall
📧 alex.randall@poweron-uk.co.uk
📞 07525 818 359