Energetics completes low-carbon ambient heat network for Cruden Homes

Energetics completes low-carbon residential heat network for Cruden Homes

Innovative funded model for decentralised ambient ground-source heat network reduces capital investment for developers

20 May 2025, Edinburgh, UK: Energetics, part of the Last Mile group of multi-utility infrastructure companies, announced it has completed and energised a low-carbon ground source heat network at a residential development in Barnton, near Edinburgh.

The Avenue, Barnton, consists of 48 luxury homes designed for retirement living. Cruden Homes, the developer, received a NextGeneration Project Gold award in recognition of the scheme’s outstanding environmental credentials; with the low-carbon heat network playing a key role in helping to exceed mandatory sustainability standards.

Energetics installed a ground source heat network that will result in 80% lower carbon emissions than traditional gas-fired heating, and 54% lower emissions than air-source technology. The highly efficient heat network takes its heat from an array of 18 vertical boreholes. A network of pipes, manifolds and valves then distribute that ambient heat from the boreholes to heat pump units that provide space and water heating to each home.

Although Cruden Homes wanted to move away from gas with a low-carbon heating solution, they were concerned about the upfront cost of installing a heat network. Energetics supported the development by providing a finance model to fund the capital cost of the heat network build. Cruden Homes benefitted from a 60% capital cost saving, while residents enjoy low running costs and a fixed-rate tariff. Last Mile will own, operate and maintain the heat network.

Kirsty Henderson, Head of Design and Sustainabililty, Cruden Homes, said: “Energetics assigned a dedicated team to coordinate the design and build process to ensure that all electricity, water and heat network services were completed in line with our construction schedules. The team’s professional guidance was invaluable in helping us to meet our sustainability goals.”

“As developers are increasingly searching for alternatives to gas for home heating, the award-winning Barnton development showcases the economic and sustainability benefits of ground source heat networks,” said Lisa Gunn, Associate Director of Sales, Energetics. “We look forward to working with Cruden Homes on future developments.”

- Ends -

Ends

Editors notes

For further information, imagery or interview opportunities contact:

Resonates PR

Justin Heath

+44 1635 898698

or Susan Brownlow

+44 7739 456292

lastmile@resonates.com

About Last Mile

Last Mile is a multi-utility infrastructure group that designs, builds, owns and manages utility connections at new developments across Great Britain. We are one of the largest independent network owners with more than 850,000 electricity, heat, and water connections, an order book of a further 750,000 connections, and over 800 employees.

Our focus is developing efficient, future-proofed infrastructure that delivers reliable electricity, heat, water and wastewater services, working through our Design and Build brands Energetics (operating in Scotland, North Wales and the North of England) and UKPS (operating in the South of England, the Midlands and South Wales). We adopt, operate and maintain utility infrastructure through Last Mile Asset Management on behalf of Last Mile Heat, Last Mile Electricity, Last Mile Gas and Last Mile Water. 

Our vision is to lead the delivery of integrated utility infrastructure that meets the needs of new and upcoming residential and commercial developments. We support innovation through pioneering technologies like renewable ground source heat, helping to move our communities forward, future-proof infrastructure and provide a next generation alternative to gas networks. 

Backed by blue-chip investors Macquarie Asset Management and Infracapital, we are committed to achieving our long-term growth ambitions by developing, adopting and operating utilities infrastructure that is ready to meet the challenges of net zero, while emphasising financial stability, governance and risk management.

About Last Mile Heat

Last Mile Heat, is a joint venture between Last Mile and Rendesco. Through Last Mile Heat we own, operate and maintain decentralised ground source heat networks, customised to each new development and complying with Heat Trust standards.