Avoid Delays and Surprises: Expert Advice on GSHP Installation Planning
As more organisations look to ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) to decarbonise their buildings, early-stage project planning is under pressure. Tight timelines, new regulations, multiple stakeholders and often, limited knowledge of what’s involved when it comes to drilling.
At Onsen Energy, we work as a specialist drilling partner on commercial and large residential GHSP projects across the UK. And we’ve seen one thing time and time again: a bit of insight can save a lot of headaches down the line.
So here are five key questions clients should ask before drilling begins, and how they help keep things running smoothly.
1. Is the site suitable for GSHP and drilling?
Every site has a different suitability for a GSHP system. Things like ground conditions, access points, and available space all influence what kind of GSHP system will work best, and how to deliver it efficiently.
A feasibility study will assess whether ground source is the right fit for the building’s heating and cooling needs. It provides early guidance on system viability, taking into account the building’s energy demand, available space, and site conditions. When combined with a test borehole, it can also generate valuable data on geology, thermal conductivity, and groundwater presence. These insights are essential for designing an efficient, well-performing system from day one.
Top tip: Feasibility studies are typically led by a GSHP design engineer, but your drilling partner should be involved early. The sooner we’re brought into the conversation, the better we can support access planning, flag any logistical challenges and coordinate on test borehole requirements.
2. How will drilling affect the construction programme?
Drilling can be a straightforward process when it’s properly sequenced and integrated fully into the wider construction programme.
But the time a drilling team is on site can vary widely depending on the scale of the project. For example, on a recent Central London scheme, our team was on site for several months, carefully managing rig movements, logistics and live coordination with other trades across different phases.
That’s why early planning is key. GSHP installation needs to be considered from the outset, ideally as early as RIBA Stage 3, so that borehole works can be sequenced logically alongside other activities and surface works.
Early engagement helps:
- Protect newly finished surfaces
- Avoid clashes with other contractors
- Minimise disruption from access constraints
- Ensure drilling takes place when the site is ready, not when it’s already built over
The earlier GSHP drilling is brought into the timeline, the more efficiently it can be delivered - and the fewer surprises there’ll be on site.
3. Do you have the right access for drilling equipment?
We’re not talking about a van and a shovel. Drilling rigs are large, heavy, and may require tracked movement and additional equipment to reach the borehole location.
But the good news is that most sites are workable with the right planning, even if access is tight or the environment is sensitive.
Whether it’s soft ground, live environments, or sites with strict cleanliness requirements, the key is choosing the right method and kit from the outset.
A good drilling partner will walk the site with you, advise on access solutions, and flag any logistical issues early - so there are no surprises later on.
4. Have RAMS and compliance documents been prepared?
For all sites, RAMS (Risk Assessment and Method Statement) are a standard part of pre-construction. They help demonstrate that risks have been assessed and that safe systems of work are in place.
Onsen Energy is fully RAMS-ready. We’re used to working under CDM 2015, CHAS and Constructionline expectations, and can supply all documentation needed for pre-qualification and site access.
We also collaborate with Citation Professional Solutions for expert H&S consultancy, are fully MCS‑certified, and have completed the GSHPA Drillers’ Audit - ensuring quality, safety, and industry‑rigour across the board.
5. Is GSHP drilling fully integrated into the plan?
Problems on site often arise when the GSHP installation - particularly borehole drilling - isn’t properly integrated into the construction programme from the start. A common challenge is being shoehorned into an unrealistic timeline, for example, being allocated two weeks for work that actually takes three. This typically happens when the contractor isn’t experienced in working with a GSHP drilling specialist, and it leads to unnecessary pressure, reduced productivity, and knock-on delays.
Early integration helps avoid surface rework, prevents clashes with other trades, and ensures there’s time for testing, planning, and proper coordination across teams. Getting this right means making GSHP drilling a core part of the plan from the outset, so it can be sequenced logically alongside other activity.
It’s also why collaboration between the GSHP design engineer and the drilling contractor is so important. From thermal response testing on a test borehole to feedback loops with the design team, high-performing systems rely on clear, early coordination. A good drilling partner will understand the designs, test them in the field, and feed real data back into the process, so that the final installation performs exactly as it should.
Final Word: Talk to your drilling partner early
Drilling for ground source heat pumps doesn’t have to be complex, but like any specialist trade, it benefits from planning and clear communication. Whether you’re at the feasibility stage or already shaping your programme, we are happy to help.
Talk to the Onsen Energy team to discuss your site, timeline, or project goals.