The two houses in the Cool Earth project.
Camera IconThe two houses in the Cool Earth project. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

World-first trial a cool idea

Tyler BrownWanneroo Times

LandCorp’s Cool Earth project is being held in The Vive estate in Craigie.

The two houses are now at lock-up stage and registrations are open for people who want to stay informed as the project progresses and to learn more about the upcoming sales release.

LandCorp chief executive Frank Marra said the new technology had the potential to halve annual heating and cooling bills.

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“The system uses the natural environment rather than electricity derived from fossil fuels to create a more efficient, affordable and environmentally-friendly home heating and cooling option for West Australians,” he said

The trial of the two homes, which have been built side-by-side, has one house fitted with the new technology and the other with a traditional airconditioning unit.

“A bore well has been drilled in the backyard to provide an open groundwater loop which is connected to a heat pump in the garage of the Cool Earth home,” Mr Marra said.

“The open-loop system uses groundwater as the primary energy source and operates similarly to a reverse-cycle air-conditioner, using water through a heat pump instead of air to provide temperature control for the house throughout the year.

“After being used to heat or cool the home, the groundwater has the potential to then be used for garden irrigation instead of using scheme water, therefore providing additional benefits and potential cost savings for purchasers.”

Over two years, data will be collected to determine the effectiveness of the new technology in Perth’s environment.

To register, go to www.landcorp.com.au/coolearth.