10 September 2025
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The UK’s first Passivhaus certified café, located in Bristol and powered by a STIEBEL ELTRON air source heat pump, sets a benchmark as one of the most sustainable commercial buildings in the country.
Estimated to save 1.7 CO2 tonnes a year, the landmark project at Goldfinch Create and Play showcases how renewable technologies can facilitate low carbon commercial buildings.
The ambitious initiative saw STIEBEL ELTRON’s air source heat pump integrated with solar PV, battery storage, and a mechanical ventilation with a heat recovery (MVHR) system within the two-storey creative arts café.
Delivered via a collaboration between renewable energy installers, Green Flare, and Earthwise Construction, the systems provide a seamless and highly efficient renewable energy package that achieves the stringent requirements of the Passivhaus standard.
The building was awarded the Passivhaus accreditation, a globally recognised standard for extremely high levels of energy efficiency in a building. The certification is only awarded to buildings that meet strict performance criteria for airtightness, thermal efficiency and low energy demand.
The project saw the demolition of a single storey shop in Bristol’s Westbury on Trym, before the construction of a new two-storey building. The new property is equipped with connected renewable energy technologies which work together.
At the heart of the installation is STIEBEL ELTRON’s WPL A 07 air source heat pump. It delivers sustainable heating and hot water, and is fully integrated with the building’s MVHR system for maximum efficiency.
Alongside this, a 7.77kW solar PV array comprising 21 JA Solar panels with a Solis inverter generates more than 10,000 kWh of renewable electricity annually, supported by Pylontech battery storage to optimise energy use throughout the day.
John Felgate, STIEBEL ELTRON UK Managing Director, said: “This project sets a new precedent for sustainable commercial spaces in the UK.
“By combining STIEBEL ELTRON’s heat pump technology with carefully planned renewable systems, the café is not only as energy efficient but also provides a blueprint for how businesses can achieve net zero targets.
“Goldfinch Create and Play is a perfect demonstration of what is possible when ambitious design meets innovative technology. We were thrilled to be involved with the development.”
Due to the site’s location on a main high street, construction work required careful planning and coordination, to prevent disruption in the surrounding area.
The available space for the plant room was also restricted, requiring careful specification of compact, high-performance equipment, which needed installing within tight spatial constraints.
With more than three decades of experience on the design and installation of bespoke renewable energy solutions, Green Flare designed the renewable energy and heating systems to fit the building.
To reduce disruption in the busy city centre setting, the heat pump was mounted on to the property’s roof with anti-vibration mount. This ensures a low noise level whilst saving space at the ground level.
The system was also designed to operate with minimal input from users, while being fully integrated with the building’s ventilation system. This allows heating and cooling to be distributed efficiently through ventilation valves rather than traditional radiators.
Director of Green Flare, Dr Thomas Clark said: “Our ambition from the very beginning was to help Goldfinch Create and Play achieve Passivhaus certification, which sets an extremely high bar for performance and sustainability.
“To reach that goal, we needed to integrate the right renewable technologies early in the design process. The STIEBEL ELTRON heat pump was an ideal choice, providing reliable, efficient heating and hot water while working seamlessly alongside the MVHR system.
“Combined with the solar PV and battery storage, the system delivers exceptional performance and long-term carbon savings. This project has been a fantastic example of how collaboration and the right technology can truly futureproof a building.”
With Goldfinch Create and Play saving carbon emissions equivalent to planting 316 trees a year, the project highlights the role of heat pumps in delivering sustainable solutions in commercial settings.
