At Shiplake, environmental stewardship is at the core of how we design and operate our communities. From high-performance building materials and rainwater collection systems, to LED lighting, Energy Star®-certified appliances, and low VOC paints, every Shiplake property is designed with people - and the planet - in mind.
One of the most impactful examples of this commitment is the use of geothermal energy systems at our Lillian Park and Tippett Park communities. This clean, renewable technology is working quietly behind the scenes (or below ground, to be more precise) to heat and cool homes more efficiently - cutting emissions, conserving water, and helping residents live more sustainably, without sacrificing comfort. Here’s how it works, and why it matters.
What is geothermal energy?
Geothermal energy is a clean, renewable source of heating and cooling that comes directly from the ground beneath us. In communities like Lillian Park and Tippett Park, geothermal systems use a network of underground pipes to tap into the earth’s natural, stable temperature. This allows buildings to stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer, without relying on traditional gas or electric systems. It’s a low-impact, high-efficiency solution that works in harmony with the environment, supporting more sustainable urban living.
How does a geothermal system work?
At its core, a geothermal system is all about balance, using the steady temperature underground to keep things comfortable above ground. Beneath the surface, the earth holds a constant temperature of around 13°C. Geothermal systems take advantage of this by circulating water through a series of pipes, buried approximately 800 feet underground. In colder months, the system draws heat from the ground and brings it indoors. In warmer months, it does the opposite. It’s a smart, natural way to maintain comfort all year long, using far less energy than conventional heating and cooling systems.
What are the benefits of a geothermal system?
When it comes to performance, geothermal delivers serious results. Compared to a conventional HVAC system, it:
- Uses 40% less energy
- Lowers carbon emissions by 70%
- Saves over 5 million litres of water each year
But it’s not just the planet that benefits. Geothermal also makes life better for residents in practical, everyday ways.
Geothermal saves money. By reducing the energy needed to heat and cool a building, geothermal systems help lower annual utility costs for the entire community. They require less maintenance and have lower operational expenses than traditional HVAC systems. Plus, they come with long-term agreements and a performance guarantee, providing residents with more predictable monthly costs.
Geothermal is reliable and flexible. Because it draws on a consistent underground temperature, geothermal works seamlessly, year-round, and in all conditions. It’s also flexible - pumps can simultaneously cool one part of the building while heating another, giving residents greater control over the temperature in their individual units.
Geothermal looks (and sounds) better. With all the equipment hidden underground, there's no need for rooftop clutter like cooling towers, fans, or boiler rooms. That frees up space for things that actually add to quality of life, amenities like the expansive rooftop terraces found at both Lillian Park and Tippett Park. And with no noisy fans or compressors, the whole community stays quieter and more serene.
From reducing our carbon footprint to creating more comfortable, cost-efficient homes, geothermal energy is a win-win, for our residents and for the planet, and just one of the ways Shiplake is leading the charge for a brighter, cleaner future.
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