As the new year begins, renewable energy is back at the top of the agenda. Energy costs are still a concern. Carbon targets are getting tighter, and many organisations are taking a hard look at how their buildings are heated and cooled.

For commercial buildings across the UK, and especially here in the North East, the question is simple: what changes actually make sense right now?

Heat pumps are one of the answers coming up more and more often. And not just for homes.

Why Heat Pumps Keep Coming up in Commercial Projects

Heat pumps work differently to boilers. They don’t burn fuel to make heat. Instead, they use electricity to take heat that already exists in the air or the ground and move it into the building.

That matters, because it means:

  • Less energy wasted
  • Lower carbon emissions
  • And less reliance on gas

When designed properly, heat pump systems in commercial buildings can cut heating energy use by 30–50%. They also remove on-site fossil fuel use altogether, which helps organisations reduce their Scope 1 emissions and move closer to net zero goals.

But not all heat pumps are the same. And the right choice depends on the building.

Ground Source Heat Pumps: Steady and Reliable

Ground source heat pumps take heat from the ground using buried pipework or boreholes. In the UK, ground temperatures stay fairly stable all year round. That’s a big advantage.

For larger sites, this steady temperature means:

  • Consistent performance in all seasons
  • High efficiency year after year
  • Lower running costs over time

They’re often a good fit for campuses, hospitals, schools, and large public buildings — especially where land is available. The upfront work is more involved, but the long-term benefits can be significant.

Air Source Heat Pumps: Flexible and Easier to Retrofit

Air source heat pumps take heat from the outside air. They’re quicker to install and work well where space is limited, which makes them a strong option for many offices, retail units and urban buildings.

Modern systems perform far better in cold weather than people expect. Even in North East winters, today’s air source heat pumps can deliver reliable heating when designed correctly.

They also integrate well with existing HVAC systems and smart controls. That means heating and cooling can be reduced automatically when buildings are quieter, evenings, weekends, or overnight. Less waste. Lower bills.

Getting the Most Out of the System

Heat pumps work best when they’re part of a bigger picture.

Good insulation helps. So do smart controls that respond to how a building is actually used. Add in solar panels or renewable electricity, and the benefits grow again.

It’s not about one piece of kit. It’s about how everything works together.

How Quora Group Supports the Switch

Many organisations want to move forward but don’t know where to start. That’s where the right partner matters.

Quora Group provides air source and ground source heat pump installation for commercial and public sector buildings across the UK, including the North East. We focus on systems that suit the building, the budget and the long-term goals — not a one-size-fits-all approach.

From early assessments through to installation and integration, we help turn plans into working systems that deliver real results.

Looking Ahead

There’s no single fix for decarbonising commercial buildings. But heat pumps are proving to be one of the most practical steps available right now.

As electricity gets cleaner and regulations continue to tighten, their value will only increase. For organisations planning ahead, the new year is a good time to start the conversation.

Sometimes, the smartest changes are the ones that quietly make buildings work better — day after day.