HVAC for schools


Laying firm foundations for Net Zero


Taking immediate action to reduce heating-related energy usage and emissions in older school buildings is key, both to support the UK’s climate goals and to help protect tight school budgets against spiralling energy costs. Andy Green, technical director at Baxi Commercial Solutions, considers the achievable options


A


ddressing the way buildings are heated is vital if we are to meet the UK’s 2050 Net Zero target – and our schools are no exception.


The challenge for schools is how to balance their sustainable goals with budget constraints, particularly at a time of soaring energy prices. At the same time, they must ensure that their buildings maintain the appropriate comfort levels. A number of studies, including the World Green Building Council report, have shown that enhanced levels of thermal comfort lead to better cognitive performance, making it particularly important in school buildings. Of course, given the varied nature of the school


estate, each school will have different requirements and there can be no one-size-fits-all solution. In new school building stock, the merits of low carbon technologies like our new Remeha E-HP AW air source heat pump range are well established. But in older, poorly insulated buildings, the current


feasibility of a rapid transition to low carbon solutions is often technically and financially restricted, at least


without considerable funding. Our focus here is to outline some of the achievable improvement options within existing school buildings that will support their decarbonisation journey.


Minimise heat loss


Realistically, in older, leakier school buildings a phased approach is likely to be necessary to ensure that the system delivers optimal outcomes. The starting point should be to reduce energy demand through increased energy efficiency. Simple actions like ensuring that pipework in unheated areas is well lagged is a practical step that will minimise heat loss within the building. Care should also be taking on how best to meet the important new guidelines around indoor air quality. For example, opening windows or using hybrid ventilation systems, two methods by which schools can reduce CO2 levels in classrooms, will increase the building heat load and therefore its energy consumption. For help in identifying the best approach, ask


experienced manufacturers to assess the individual situation, ‘triage’ the problems and provide a guide to the most appropriate options.


Check the controls


Higher than expected energy consumption in buildings is often due to issues with Building Management Systems and controls, so this is another area where quick-win energy and emissions savings can be made. Given that many older school buildings still rely on boilers, it’s important to remember that even energy-efficient modern condensing boilers will fail to deliver maximum benefits without the appropriate controls. We recommend including time, optimisation, full temperature control, weather compensation and sequencing controls which must be fully integrated


10 April 2022


into the Building Management System to maximise efficiency. It’s also worth reassessing the current use of the building so that heating times can be accurately matched to occupancy. Are any rooms not being used? Will the thermal temperature hold in the building for the last hour of the school day? If so, it might be possible to turn the heating off a little earlier. Similarly, while it’s important to warm the building fabric before the start of the day, a slightly later start time might be an option. Turning the thermostat down by just 1°C could reduce heating bills by 10%, according to the Energy Saving Trust.


Plant upgrade


Finally, replacing any older non-condensing boilers with modern condensing boilers that are up to 20% more efficient is proven to significantly reduce energy consumption and associated emissions. How future-proof are boilers? It’s important that


any equipment installed will support schools on their path to improved sustainability. So look out for boilers like our ultra-low NOx Remeha Quinta Ace and Gas 320/620 Ace which are eligible for maximum BREEAM credits and certified to operate on the proposed 20% hydrogen blend for peace of mind of a future-ready installation.


Plotting pathways


Our pledge is to help the UK achieve a low-carbon future, but not at the expense of performance. And while full decarbonisation won’t happen overnight in older school buildings, progress will be much easier to achieve if firm foundations are laid now. The cheapest and cleanest kWh is the one we don’t


use, so both energy efficiency and improved control should be prioritised. Installing an efficient heating system will deliver immediate and future savings for rapid payback while improving comfort levels. Affordable and achievable, these steps will pave the way for the transition to low carbon heat pumps, help mitigate soaring energy prices and protect the school coffers. Taking action today to help schools plot their route to net zero, rather than wait, is vital. We look forward to playing our part and supporting contractors, consultants and schools in the move to a more sustainable future.


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