Roots Energy is a dynamic young startup focused on pioneering solutions at the intersection of decarbonization and 5G network infrastructure. Their work represents a cutting-edge approach to sustainable building modernization.
Building Overview and Retrofit Approach
The Roots Energy office is housed in a building originally constructed in the 1970s. The company has undertaken an extensive retrofit of this structure, integrating advanced technologies to drastically reduce carbon emissions while preparing for next-generation communication networks. The retrofit includes photovoltaic (PV) panels, visible on the rooftop, which contribute to the building’s energy generation and sustainability profile.
What makes this site unique is that the office itself serves as a living showcase for clients and visiting groups. Demonstrations of the technology implemented are accessible throughout the building, including rooftop installations and the courtyard. The office is designed not only as a workspace but also as an educational platform where visitors can see practical examples of decarbonization measures in action.
Innovative Heating and Cooling System Design
A standout feature of the retrofit is the innovative approach to heating and cooling within the building’s residential units (referred to as flats). Unlike traditional systems where a single, centralized heat pump supplies all units via a shared network—typically located in a basement or cellar—Roots Energy has installed individual heat pumps for each flat.
Here’s how their system works:
- A common thermal source is installed on the roof or courtyard. This may be a heat exchanger or a similar device that interacts with ambient environmental energy.
- Cold water at around 12°C circulates through a dedicated pipeline network, serving each flat individually.
- Inside each flat, the heat pump uses this water as a thermal exchange medium to provide heating during winter and cooling in summer.
- This setup eliminates the need for separate pipes for heating and cooling, requiring only a single water circuit to manage both functions efficiently.
This decentralized approach contrasts with the more conventional centralized heat pump systems where multiple flats share a single heat source and piping network.
Advantages and Challenges
The individual heat pump system offers several benefits:
- Flexibility: Each flat owner has autonomy to decide when to switch between heating and cooling or to join the system, allowing for phased adoption based on personal preference or financial readiness.
- Simplified piping: Only one pipeline system is needed to deliver both heating and cooling, which can reduce complexity in building infrastructure.
- Scalability: The system can be expanded incrementally, with additional units connecting as needed without requiring a full building retrofit all at once.
However, this design also involves certain challenges:
- Dual infrastructure: Since the building retains some original piping alongside the new system, maintenance costs may be higher.
- Space constraints: Installing individual heat pumps and the necessary piping in each flat requires careful planning to optimize available space.
- Cost management: While incremental installation is possible, there are economic trade-offs between stepwise expansion and pre-financed, full-scale upgrades.
Future Plans and Funding Opportunities
Roots Energy is exploring different scenarios for expanding the system. For instance, the first four flats might initially connect using an air heat exchanger on the roof. If additional flats decide to join later, more advanced and potentially costly heat exchangers can be installed in the courtyard. This phased approach ensures flexibility but requires strategic planning and possibly public funding support.
Currently, there are opportunities for public subsidies to finance retrofitting efforts, which could make these sustainable upgrades more accessible to property owners.
Conclusion
Roots Energy exemplifies innovative thinking in the sustainable retrofit space by combining decarbonization with next-gen 5G infrastructure. Their decentralized heat pump system presents an alternative model that balances flexibility, efficiency, and phased implementation. As they continue to develop and expand this approach, Roots Energy’s office stands as a compelling demonstration of how older buildings can be transformed into green, connected spaces ready for the future.
