All‑Electric CO₂ Heat Pump System for Youth Crisis Accommodation in Whittlesea

An all-electric CO₂ heat pump system is now powering the largest purpose-built crisis accommodation facility for vulnerable youth and young families in Melbourne’s north—delivering sustainable hydronic heating and reliable domestic hot water without relying on a single fossil fuel.

Hope Street First Response Youth Service in Whittlesea was developed in partnership with the State Government, City of Whittlesea, MIRVAC and the Property Industry Foundation.

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Project Overview

Operated by Hope Street Youth and Family Services, the facility provides supported emergency accommodation and wraparound services for residents at risk of homelessness, while also serving as the operational base for the Youth Mobile Outreach Service across Melbourne’s northern growth corridors.

The new facility includes an 8-bedroom communal living building, with each room featuring a private ensuite, along with two 2-bedroom family units. As a 24/7 emergency accommodation site, the thermal system needed to provide reliable comfort for residents experiencing trauma while supporting the facility’s commitment to environmental responsibility through fossil-fuel-free operation.

Sustainability Objectives

The Whittlesea facility was designed to operate entirely without fossil fuels, supporting Victoria’s broader shift toward low-emission, climate-resilient public infrastructure. An all-electric thermal system was central to achieving this goal, enabling the building to function independently of gas networks while aligning with local government targets for carbon reduction and future electrification.

By specifying CO₂ heat pump technology and thermally efficient system components, the project ensures low operational emissions and long-term energy performance. This approach reduces exposure to volatile gas pricing, supports integration with renewable energy sources, and eliminates the need for costly retrofits as regulatory standards tighten around emissions and building performance.

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Heating and Hot Water System

Automatic Heating delivered a complete, integrated system comprising:

  • Revere CO₂ Heat Pump System — using natural refrigerant R744 to generate both hydronic heating and domestic hot water
  • Thermex Hot Water Storage Tanks — maintaining consistent supply across all units
  • Duraflex Buffer Tank — enhancing thermal efficiency and system stability
  • Hydronic Heating Solution — ensuring radiant heating coverage throughout the complex

This configuration supports an all-electric services model, eliminating fossil fuel use while enabling sustainable, low-impact building operation.

Outcome and Community Impact

The installed system ensures dependable hot water and heating for all accommodation areas, supporting the facility’s goal of creating a safe and comfortable environment for its residents. The use of high-efficiency CO₂ heat pump technology reduces operational emissions and aligns with long-term sustainability targets.

With its expanded capacity and sustainable design, the Whittlesea facility strengthens Hope Street’s mission to prevent youth homelessness in the northern region. The system allows the organisation to focus on critical service delivery, supported by reliable infrastructure that reflects their environmental and social values.

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Project Images
Hope Street First Response Youth Service Facility
Hope Street First Response Youth Service Facility
Hope Street First Response Youth Service Facility
Hope Street First Response Youth Service Facility
Hope Street First Response Youth Service Facility
Hope Street First Response Youth Service Facility

Key Products

Revere CO2 Heat Pumps
  • Flexible
    The same system can be simultaneously used for Space Heating & Domestic Hot Water.
  • Suits Australian conditions
    Accommodates ambient operating temperatures from -5°C to 43°C (Special unit available for -15°C or -20°C).
  • Eco friendly
    The Revere® CO2 Heat Pump uses natural CO₂ refrigerant. This refrigerant has a global warming potential (GWP) of about 1/1700 that of R410 and zero ozone-depleting potential (ODP).
  • Heats up to 90°C
    Due to its innovative design, the Revere® CO2 Heat Pump can produce hot water up to 90°C at low and high ambient temperatures (-20°C to 43°C).

Details
REVERE CO₂ Air to Water Heat Pump