Energy efficiency of buildings is desirable to reduce costs, greenhouse gas emissions and meet legislative targets. This project aims to tackle a number of outstanding questions for the widespread use of energy piles, an existing technology that has the potential to reduce energy consumption in the heating and cooling of buildings. Energy piles provide both foundation (structural) support to the building and the heating/cooling required. The study aims to address the thermo-hydro-mechanical interaction between the pile and the ground under realistic and extreme conditions, addressing both the short- and long-term behaviours. The system behaviour will be characterised via laboratory tests, a field test and a numerical simulation tool. This simulation tool will be developed so that it can be used in engineering practice. A potential mechanical failure (i.e. a structural collapse) when too much heating and cooling is extracted from the ground has been identified and will be thoroughly investigated. This project is sponsored by STW with a strong support from industry.