GROUND SOURCE & AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMPS


Reducing energy and carbon emissions for health and fitness giant


A recent example of how Clade Engineering Systems is helping organisations decarbonise their buildings is a project with David Lloyd Clubs at its Harrogate site in North Yorkshire. Here an existing gas boiler heating system was replaced with a low- carbon air source heat pump solution designed to significantly reduce carbon emissions while ensuring reliable heating and hot water provision throughout the club


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avid Lloyd Clubs, which operates 134 clubs across the UK and Europe, has made sustainability a core priority. The organisation is committed to having a positive impact


on the environment while enhancing the lives of its members. Sustainability is embedded across its operations, from implementing clear steps to achieve carbon net zero to partnering with national fundraising campaigns. To achieve Net Zero the company aims to transition energy usage from fossil fuels to electricity across its portfolio, deploying renewable technologies, before eliminating Scope 3 emissions (i.e. emissions from its supply chain). Its near-term and long-term science-based emissions reduction targets and its net-zero science-based target have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).


David Lloyd Clubs actions to date have


resulted in a reduction of 10,000+ tonnes CO2e. These actions include investing £20 million in energy efficient technology and utility- related initiatives, including switching to 100% renewably sourced electricity in the UK, and overhauling its heating and cooling systems. At its Harrogate, North Yorkshire club, this has seen the replacement of gas boilers with Clade natural refrigerant air source heat pumps. The Harrogate club presented an interesting challenge from an energy and operational perspective. The site includes a gym, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, swimming pool, sauna, steam room, crèche and multiple fitness studios, all of which create substantial and continuous heating demands.


The client’s goal was to reduce carbon emissions from the site by 254 tonnes annually, while ensuring there was no disruption to members and no reduction in heating or hot water performance.


Planning for success


Following completion of the initial feasibility study, Clade Engineering Systems developed the project through to RIBA Stage 4, producing detailed technical drawings, specifications and heat load calculations for the retrofit installation. The company also managed the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) application process on behalf of the client, securing approval without any requirement for upgrades to the local electricity grid. Planning permission was subsequently obtained.


One of the key considerations during the planning phase was minimising operational noise due to the site’s proximity to local housing. To address this, Clade Engineering Systems incorporated acoustic fencing into the design and adjusted the controls strategy


to further reduce sound levels during night- time operation.


Improving efficiency through intelligent heat pump design


To decarbonise the site and achieve the targeted carbon savings, two Clade Rowan R290 commercial air source heat pumps, each capable of delivering 240kW at a 60°C flow temperature, even in ambient temperatures as low as -5°C, were installed. The Rowan range uses natural refrigerant


propane (R290), which offers an ultra-low Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 0.02 and zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP). From an energy efficiency perspective, the controls strategy was particularly important. The system is managed through Clade Engineering Systems’ Master Controller, which communicates directly with the club’s existing building management system via BACnet. To optimise operational performance and minimise unnecessary energy consumption, the installation continuously monitors multiple pipework points alongside five buffer sensors to prevent short cycling and maintain smooth, efficient operation.


The site also contains several heating circuits operating at different temperatures and temperature differentials. To help maintain the heat pumps within their optimum operating range, a three-port valve arrangement was incorporated to provide greater control over the temperature differential experienced by the heat pumps.


Retrofitting rather than replacing where possible


A key part of improving the overall sustainability of the project was retaining as much of the existing heating infrastructure as possible. Following assessment, Clade Engineering Systems determined that the existing air handling units, radiators, and pool heat exchangers were in good condition and could be successfully integrated into the new low- carbon heating system. Reusing these assets not only reduced installation costs but also minimised disruption on site and prevented unnecessary waste from being sent to landfill.


All new equipment, including the heat 14 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER JUNE 2026


pumps, controls, and ancillary components, was installed within a new external compound and mini plantroom. The existing gas boilers remained operational until the new system had been fully commissioned, ensuring the club continued to operate normally throughout the installation period.


Overcoming the challenge of capital expenditure


One of the biggest barriers organisations face when transitioning to low carbon heating is the upfront capital investment required. To help address this, the project utilised Clade Engineering Systems’ Heat-as-a-Service (HaaS) model, which removes the need for upfront capital expenditure while also incorporating ongoing servicing and maintenance support. This approach enabled David Lloyd Clubs


Harrogate to progress with its decarbonisation strategy far more quickly, without the financial challenges often associated with large-scale heating system replacement projects.


Delivering ongoing energy performance


Following project completion, responsibility for the installation transferred from Clade Engineering Systems’ construction team to its service division, which continues to provide remote and on-site support to ensure long-term operational performance.


Six months into operation, monitoring data shows the system is achieving a Coefficient of Performance (COP) between 2.5 and 3.2, in line with the original design expectations. Lee Manley, Head of Sustainability at David Lloyd Clubs, said: “The Clade team were great to work with, they made the process as easy as it could be and did not interrupt our club operations. We’re very pleased with the heat pumps so far, they have been reliable and consistently kept the club warm. We are continuing to work with Clade to optimise the performance over the coming winter period.” For Clade Engineering Systems, the project demonstrates how commercial leisure facilities can successfully transition away from fossil fuel heating while improving energy efficiency, reducing operational carbon emissions and maintaining high levels of comfort and reliability for building users.


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