Gupton Farm, a National Trust property in Pembrokeshire, South Wales, is using eco-friendly heat pump technology to provide heating and hot water.
The farm complex recently underwent a huge renovation project to become an activity centre and National Trust visitor base at Freshwater West. The site, which opened in spring 2017, also features camping, farm house accommodation and community facilities.
During the renovation, Haverfordwest-based renewable energy specialist Green Warmth installed a Stiebel Eltron WPF 35 G ground source heat pump, to provide heating and hot water for the farm house accommodation, new reception area with warden accommodation and activity centre. The renewable heating system was delivered as part of the National Trust’s Renewable Energy Investment Programme which is well on the way to halving the use of fossil fuels in the Trust by 2020.
A 1,200m ground loop solution was installed with the heat pump to extract required heat from the ground and supply heat to the above buildings, linking back to a central plant room 70m away. Green Warmth also upgraded the heating distribution system within the farmhouse and provided a new underfloor heating solution to the renovated reception and warden’s accommodation. The farmhouse was also upgraded with insulation within the loft to improve heat loss and to meet current regulations.
Elgan Roberts, National Trust renewables project manager, Wales, says: “Our latest green holiday destination at Gupton Farm in Pembrokeshire is part of our commitment to reducing environmental impact, using less energy, with appropriate renewable technology where possible. So far, we have reduced our energy use by 35% and are well on our way to halving the use of fossil fuels by 2020.”
Michele Bromley from Green Warmth says: “The install took approximately six weeks, carried out over a period of two-and-a-half months, with the final commission in February. Initial sizing of the heat pump was confirmed with Stiebel Eltron who provided any required support throughout the project. The client is extremely happy with the system. We will continue to monitor its performance to provide the National Trust with data on running costs and energy efficiency.”
As a rural, off-gas site, employing heat pump technologically is both cheaper and more environmentally friendly than other fuel options such as oil and LPG. Installing a ground source heat pump also qualifies the Pembrokeshire farm to take advantage of the Government’s Renewable Heat Initiative (RHI).
Michele adds: “Heat pumps are an excellent way to future-proof energy needs for properties in rural areas and for organisations such as the National Trust it helps them to demonstrate their green credentials. Another positive is the payments available through the Renewable Heat Incentive.”
Stiebel Eltron UK managing director, Mark McManus, says: “Gupton Farm encourages visitors to learn about sustainability and how agriculture can give back to the environment – the fact that the site is now using green energy further enhances these messages and is a great showcase for the Trust.”
The WPF G series of heat pumps was developed specially to supply larger residential complexes as well as commercial and industrial buildings with heating and hot water.
