Heating and cooling in an energy efficient way

Over time, the temperature in all buildings will be regulated in a sustainable manner. In this way, using gas will not be necessary anymore.

An important nationwide development in the Netherlands is the (mandatory) transition to gas free heating systems. Leiden University prepares its buildings for the moment that they can be connected to a so-called thermal storage installation (the underground storage of warm and cold water).

In a thermal storage installation, groundwater is used as an energy buffer. Part of the installation is a heat exchanger. During the summer, a building can be cooled by using cold water that is stored deep in the ground. During the winter, on the other hand, warm groundwater is used for the heating of the building.

During every renovation, substantial investments are made to ensure better insulation of floors, facades and roofs. Less heat will be lost through small holes and cracks, resulting in buildings that have the desired temperature for a longer period of time. An additional benefit of this is that it feels more comfortable for the people inside the building, and it improves the sound insulation as well!