The Terrra Nostra (Our Earth) project at the Meadow Well community centre combines three renewable technologies into one substantial energy saving measure. The main component is a geothermal energy system that uses a heat pump to drive liquid glycol round 3 km of underground piping where it is warmed by the natural warmth of the soil even in winter.

The system can receive an addition boost 10 solar thermal heating tubes situated on the south facing roof of the community building and the electricity needed to drive the pump is partly supplied by solar photovoltaic panels also situated on the building roof.

The total cost of installing these measures was £105,886.96 and despite a 25% increase in electricity prices, projected savings of £7000 in their energy bill this year could mean that the whole system will have paid for itself within 15 years.

If these measures were incorporated in new build properties the additional costs of installation would be paid off in fuel savings well within the usual term of a mortgage.

Reduce your Carbon Footprint : Find out how

We had to learn a lot of new skills to develop Terra Nostra.

We had to go to new funders who specialize in environmental projects to raise the money. They demanded accurate and precise technical details

We also had planning and environmental issues to deal with. And the caretakers have taken on extra work having to learn how the devices work, monitoring the usage and maintaining the equipment.

We are happy to share our knowledge with other organizations thinking of undertaking a similar project. Please contact us.

The Terra Nostra Project was the brainchild of volunteer David Bell who spent four years investigating and researching all aspects of renewable energies and setting up and coordinating the project. Our thanks go to him and Eddie King (one of our Board Members) and all of the volunteers, staff and funders who made Terra Nostra possible.