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🏢 Multi-Property Heating Solution • £7,500 BUS Grant Available

Shared Ground Loop Systems

The cost-effective communal heating solution for housing developments and multi-dwelling buildings. Individual heat pumps, shared infrastructure, maximum efficiency.

30-50%
Lower Installation Costs
4-5kW
Output per 1kW Input
100+ Years
Ground Loop Lifespan
Shared ground loop system diagram

Why Choose a Shared Ground Loop?

The smart solution for developers and housing associations

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Reduced Installation Costs

Shared infrastructure means fewer boreholes and lower mobilisation costs per property. Typically 30-50% cheaper than individual GSHP systems.

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Individual Control & Billing

Each property has its own heat pump with independent metering. Occupants control their heating and pay only for what they use.

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Scalable & Flexible

Easily expand the network as developments grow. Boreholes can be distributed across the site to optimise ground conditions.

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Built-In Resilience

If one heat pump needs maintenance, all others continue operating independently. No single point of failure for the development.

❄️

Heating & Cooling

Provide both heating in winter and cooling in summer. Excess heat is returned to the ground, maintaining loop efficiency.

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£7,500 BUS Grant Per Property

Each qualifying property can claim the full Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant. We handle all paperwork and certification.

Diagram showing multiple houses connected to a shared ground loop borehole system

What is a Shared Ground Loop?

A shared ground loop is a communal borehole network that provides thermal energy to multiple individual heat pumps across a housing development or multi-dwelling building.

Unlike traditional district heating networks that distribute hot water from a central plant, a shared ground loop provides each property with its own heat pump connected to a common ground source. The loop circulates fluid through boreholes at a constant 10-12°C year-round, and each heat pump independently raises this to the temperature needed for heating and hot water.

How It Works:

  1. Communal boreholes are drilled centrally or distributed across the site
  2. Ground loop fluid absorbs stable thermal energy (10-12°C)
  3. Individual heat pumps in each property boost the temperature
  4. Occupants control their own heating with separate metering and billing

Shared Ground Loop vs District Heat Network

Understand the key differences for your development

Feature Shared Ground Loop District Heat Network
Heat Generation Individual heat pumps ⭐
Each property controls its own		 Central energy centre
Single point of generation
Billing Control Independent metering ⭐
Pay only for your usage		 Often shared/estimated
Less individual control
System Resilience Fully decentralised ⭐
One failure doesn't affect others		 Centralised risk
Central plant failure affects all
Cooling Capability Active & passive cooling ⭐
Summer cooling included		 Heating only
Typically no cooling option
BUS Grant Eligibility £7,500 per property ⭐
Each property qualifies		 Not eligible
No individual heat pumps
Ongoing Management Minimal
No central plant to maintain		 Full service contract ⭐
Professional management

Benefits for Occupants

Why residents prefer shared ground loop systems

Green, emissions-free heating with complete individual control

Lower Energy Bills

Heat pumps deliver 3-5kW of heat for every 1kW of electricity. Occupants typically save 50-70% compared to electric heating and gas boilers in well-insulated properties.

Heating & Cooling

During summer months, the system can work in reverse to provide cooling. Excess heat is returned to the ground, ready to be used again in winter.

Low Maintenance

Individual heat pumps require only an annual service. The ground loop itself is maintenance-free with a lifespan exceeding 100 years.

20-25 Year Lifespan

Modern heat pumps last 20-25 years with proper maintenance—significantly longer than traditional gas boilers.

Is a Shared Ground Loop Right for Your Project?

Shared ground loops are the ideal solution for developments where individual efficiency and occupant control are priorities.

Consider these factors when planning your project:

New-build housing developments

Integrate during construction for lowest cost

Apartment blocks & flats

Compact heat pumps suit individual units

Housing association projects

Individual billing simplifies management

Phased developments

Expand the loop as new phases complete

Mixed-use schemes

Residential and commercial on one loop

Retrofit conversions

Office-to-residential with shared ground array

MasterTherm AQ17I compact ground source heat pump designed for shared ground loop systems
Recommended for Shared Ground Loops

MasterTherm AQ17I

Purpose-built for shared ground loop applications, the AQ17I is the UK's most advanced compact ground source heat pump.

1kW to 5kW output range
Kitchen or utility room installation
Perfect for well-insulated homes
Virtually silent operation
Active & passive cooling capable
Smart home integration

As the exclusive UK distributor of MasterTherm, Thermal Earth provides full design, installation, and commissioning support for developments of any size.

Learn More About the AQ17I →

Planning a Development?

Get a free feasibility assessment for your shared ground loop project. Our technical team will evaluate ground conditions, calculate energy requirements, and provide detailed costings.

Request Feasibility Study → 01269 833100