ShoeboxProductShoebox and 
Shoebox NXProductShoebox NX ground source heat pumps
Warm Homes: Social Housing FundFundingSocial Housing Decarbonisation Fund (Wave 2) plus council investmentAshford Borough Council has taken a bold step in its journey towards decarbonisation by partnering with Kensa to install 
What is a Ground Source Heat Pump?Ground Source Heat Pumpsground source heat pumps in 74 of its least energy-efficient rural homes.
These homes, in the villages of Appledore and Charing, are now being fitted with Kensa’s British-made Shoebox NXProductShoebox NX and ShoeboxProductShoebox ground source heat pumps - compact, efficient units that deliver heating and hot water using renewable energy from underground.
This marks the 
Kensa and Ashford Borough Council break ground on landmark heat pump projectNewscouncil’s first project of its kind, aiming to reduce carbon emissions, cut household bills, and improve comfort for residents.
The uniqueness of this project lies in the rural nature of the properties and the mix of technologies being replaced by the network heat pump system. Regardless of what their previous heating system was, they are able to be retrofitted with a ground source heat pump to give residents year-round comfort.
The installations build on earlier upgrades, including cavity wall insulation, new windows and solar panels, helping to futureproof homes while tackling fuel poverty.
Kensa is delivering the full system upgrade, including the drilling of 
What are Ground Source Heat Pump Boreholes?Boreholesboreholes and the installation of individual heat pumps. The shared infrastructure 
A decarbonisation solution for over 60% of UK homesNetworked Heat Pumpsnetworked heat pump solution enables multiple homes to tap into natural underground warmth, with each Shoebox heat pump upgrading that energy to provide reliable heating and hot water to each individual property through standard radiators.
This approach isn’t just smart engineering, it’s a blueprint for how rural homes can transition away from fossil fuels without compromise.
This project showcases how collaboration between local authorities and clean tech innovators like Kensa can make a real difference, helping households stay warm, reduce bills and contribute to a cleaner, greener future.
The ground source heat pump retrofit project for Ashford Borough Council was part funded by the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund – Wave 2 (SHDF) (now the Warm Homes: Social Housing FundFundingWarm Homes Social Housing Fund.)
Ashford Borough Council then contributed the rest of the funds that were not covered by the SHDF.
Stuart Gadsden, Commercial Director at Kensa, said:
We’re excited to collaborate with Ashford on this brilliant project, helping to decarbonise their properties while providing residents with a reliable, highly efficient low-carbon heating solution.
Our ground source heat pumps are among the most energy-efficient and sustainable heating options available and, depending on the system they replace, residents could benefit from significantly lower energy bills and a heavily reduced carbon footprint. We have a proven track record of installing our British-made heat pumps in thousands of social homes and are looking forward to extending these benefits to even more residents through this initiative with Ashford.
Residents have welcomed the transition and are excited to have their new heating system.
Craig Godden shared:
I think this is a great idea. Our electric storage heaters are expensive to run and I’m looking forward to saving the pennies and have a warmer, more comfortable home.
Julie Gill said:
I had no hesitation in signing up for it. My house is due to be done in June and I can’t wait.
Peter Simpson added:
Storage heaters are costing me a fortune, so this is a very good idea. My daughter is jealous that I’m getting ground source heat pumps fitted.”
Their comments reflect the very real day-to-day impact of heating costs and how projects like this can restore comfort, control, and peace of mind at home.
Cllr Noel Ovenden, Council Leader and Portfolio Holder for Housing, said:
These measures will cut carbon emissions, help reduce energy demand and give residents more money in their pockets from cheaper energy bills. We’re working closely with our tenants to ensure they understand how the GSHP systems work and to recognise the tremendous benefits they will enjoy because of these exciting improvements.
“Embracing ground source heat pump technology is an exciting first for Ashford Borough Council and I’m confident it will transform tenants’ lives by boosting energy security, saving money and providing a warmer and more comfortable home for them to enjoy.
