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Installing Heat Pumps to Reduce Energy Consumption

British Waterways manage the 137 miles of canals in Scotland: the Caledonian, Crinan, Forth & Clyde, Union and Monkland canals.  These waterways were originally built in the 1790’s and early 1800’s for commercial use and were once vital transport networks across Scotland.  However, reduction in commercial usage and lack of investment resulted in the Forth & Clyde, Union and Monkland Canals becoming derelict. The Caledonian and Crinan Canals remained operational as these routes were and continue to be popular with leisure boaters.  In recent years this decline has been reversed and with substantial investment these waterways are being regenerated and are now recognised as national assets.
Falkirk Wheel, Forth & Clyde Canal

These canals run through stunning scenery, provide important wildlife corridors and habitats and many parts of these canals are Scheduled Ancient Monuments (Industrial).  It is therefore important that development is managed sensitively and sustainably, in line with the Water Framework Directive promoting sustainable management of all waters. 

British Waterways have therefore adopted a sustainable approach to all their developments along the canal network.  One major approach has been the investment in heat pump technology to provide heating and hot water.  As part of their commitment to reduce their energy consumption by 5% per year for five years, they have now installed water source heat pumps, using canal water to provide heat and hot water for toilet/shower block facilities at:

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