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Swiss and German scientists have come to the conclusion that underneath our cities there are huge energetic resources that could be used to heat up and cool down our buildings.

Scientists from the Institute of Technology in the German city of Karlsruhe (KIT) and at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH) have developed an analytical model based on heat flows that concludes that subterranean temperatures generated by buildings, residual waters, and  focus points such as the metro and traffic tunnels could be used to acclimatize urban areas. 

In cities the build up of temperatures has been continuous in recent decades. This increase in temperature in urban areas is due to the high density of buildings, industry and a lack of vegetation, but this abnormal heat, way higher than what you will find in any rural area, also grows both laterally and vertically. As the scientists explain the analysis of these anthropogenic heat flows has enabled them to understand certain long term trends and that an increase in surface temperature and how heat escapes from buildings are the two main reasons for the higher temperatures underground.

They therefore propose we take maximum advantage of this fact using geothermal heat pumps to not only help us meet the increasing demand for energy but also to reduce greenhouse emissions.

SOURCE: www.energias-renovables.com