Where can we locate low carbon heat systems in urban areas?

Given that heating buildings accounts for more than 50% of all energy consumed in the UK, the decarbonisation of heat is a top priority for the UK and Scottish Government.  Research conducted by greenspace scotland using spatial analysis in ArcGIS has revealed new opportunities for low carbon heat solutions to meet up to 79% of Scotland’s urban heat demand.

Across the UK around 80% of buildings are currently heated by fossil fuels, generating around 25% of our greenhouse gas emissions.  Alternative, low carbon heating solutions such as ground source, air source and water source heat pumps are well-proven and can be used to decarbonise heat supply in urban areas.  It can, however, be a major challenge to find suitable space for this infrastructure within our densely populated cities and towns.

As a social enterprise, greenspace scotland has conducted new research highlighting where low carbon heating infrastructure could be hosted within Scotland’s 516 urban settlements.  Target areas focused on open spaces such as under existing parks and playing fields or in rivers and lakes.  Using ArcGIS, the organisation was able to calculate the potential heat capacity of Scotland’s green and blue spaces and then categorise sites for low carbon heat solutions according to localised heat demand.  It then disseminated this insight publicly via ArcGIS Online interactive dashboards.  One of the key findings of this geospatial analysis is that up to 50% of Glasgow’s urban heat demand could be met through the installation of a series of water source heat pumps along the River Clyde.   

While only 7% of Scotland’s heat demand is currently met by renewable heat sources, the ArcGIS research revealed that there is sufficient suitable urban green space for ground source heat pump systems to supply the equivalent of 43% of urban heat demand.  In addition, in these same urban areas, there are suitable blue spaces where water source heat pumps could be installed to meet up to 50% of heating demand.  If implemented, these urban green energy schemes could reduce Scotland’s carbon emissions by a staggering 4.7 million tonnes, significantly reducing its reliance on fossil fuels.  

“ArcGIS tools have enabled us to analyse large volumes of energy-related data down to building level to address a key geographic problem around low carbon heat supply. The work has strengthened our national evidence base and raised awareness of the huge potential of urban open spaces to support low carbon heating both in Glasgow and across urban Scotland.”

Julie Procter, CEO, greenspace scotland

 To read more inspiring stories of how different organisations and government are using GIS to challenge climate change and make a difference, click here.