First zero-carbon school heating system almost complete

Air-source heat pumps are in the process of being installed in Peter Gladwin Primary School, Portslade. The school is on course to switch on the new system after the autumn half term.

While other schools in Brighton & Hove currently have some areas heated by low-carbon heat pumps, this is the first in the council’s portfolio to have its gas boilers fully decommissioned.

It’s estimated that the new system will reduce the school’s carbon emissions by around 19 tonnes per year.

Working together to deliver net zero

Councillor Tim Rowkins, Cabinet member for Net Zero and Environmental Services, said: “This is our first school in the city with a fully decarbonised heating system. It’s going to be more energy-efficient and reduce emissions.

“This is what net zero delivery looks like in practice, with everyone working together – funding from both central government and the council, solar power run by local community energy co-op BHESCo and the work being done by local contractors. It is really exciting to see the new system take shape and I can’t wait to see it up and running, keeping the staff and children warm this winter.”

Using the latest energy-efficient technology 

The project team looked carefully at the existing heating and hot water usage before designing the scheme to fit the school’s needs.

Peter Gladwin School’s air-source heat pumps include the latest technology, which means they can respond to conditions much more quickly than traditional heat pumps, closely matching fluctuating heating demand. This reduces energy consumption while helping to maintain a more consistent optimum temperature.

The new system, designed by BLB Chartered Surveyors, also provides instant hot water, which will help to reduce water consumption.

The heating system was approaching the end of its operational life, and the council had already allocated funding to replace it. The project was also supported by a grant from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.

Brighton & Hove Energy Services Co-op (BHESCO) installed the school’s 50kW rooftop solar panel array last year, and that will free up electrical capacity to help run the new heat pumps.

Edgar & Wood, a local mechanical engineering firm based in Hove, has been carrying out the work.

Find out more about BHESCo’s solar energy work with the city’s schools