Transforming London's Elephant Park: A sustainable heat network for a thriving community
Ten years ago, we set out to create an expandable low carbon network that would breathe new life into Elephant and Castle and evolve with the growing community. The vision was clear - to create a thriving neighbourhood that would set new standards for urban development.
In a bustling central London neighbourhood just south of the River Thames a remarkable transformation has been taking place over the last decade. Elephant and Castle, once a neglected area, is now home to Elephant Park - a vibrant community boasting over 3,000 new apartments, independent shops, and lush green spaces. At the heart of this ambitious redevelopment project lies our state-of-the-art district heating network, a scheme that will not only meet the community's energy needs but also contribute to a greener future.
Ten years on since we first joined forces with housing developer Lendlease and Southwark Council, the final section of our district heating pipework has been installed, marking a momentous milestone in this project. And with all the necessary infrastructure now in place, we’re ready to connect the last apartment block to the network when construction is completed in 2025, ensuring sustainable heating and hot water for all residents and retailers.
Central to the district heating network is the energy centre where right now two combined heat and power plants using natural gas, with a biomethane offset generate 800 kW of electricity. But our efforts to create sustainable heat don’t stop there, we’re actively working to increase the proportion of biogas used at the site from 43% to 100% - a transition which will see all apartments supplied with a carbon neutral source bringing the community to the forefront of eco-friendly living.
The transformation of Elephant Park showcases the power of collaboration and sustainable innovation. Our district heat network has played a crucial role in creating a thriving community that prioritises low carbon living. And with our ongoing efforts to increase the use of biogas, Elephant Park is set to become a shining example of sustainable urban development.