88 — April/May 2015 — Build 147 Departments/Innovation A SYSTEM DESIGNED and implemented by Beca uses the artesian water flowing underneath Christchurch and the Canterbury Plains to both heat and cool Christchurch’s new international airport. By tapping into wells to access ground- water, the airport is provided with a sustain- able, reduced-cost energy-efficient source. Many benefits The benefits are huge. LPG, diesel and cooling tower requirements are eliminated, Tapping into nature’s gift A pioneering, award-winning artesian heating and cooling system developed for Christchurch International Airport is already being used in other large-scale projects here and has scope internationally. By Dael Climo, Build Deputy Editor maintenance costs are reduced, and as the same energy is used for both heating and cooling, it is five times more efficient than standard systems. For every 1kW that is put in, 5 kW of energy is transferred. Chillers, acting as geothermal heat pumps, provide both mechanical cooling and heating, and 12°C artesian water is used for direct cooling. Apart from enabling artesian water to heat or cool the building at any one time, the system can also recover and redistribute heat energy. Has huge potential internationally Beca Business Director Keith Paterson says the model is already being applied in other large-scale commercial buildings throughout New Zealand, and other coun- tries are expected to follow. ‘It has changed the market – people worldwide are recognising that this is the most energy-efficient system, and they are following our lead. ‘There are great benefits in terms of reducing pressure on recurrent costs and PHOTO - COURTESY OF CHRISTCHURCH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT