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Energy efficiency
system works and how it will reduce their carbon footprint. “Kensa has a proven track record of delivering the high efficiencies of ground source heat pump technology for numerous UK schools and local authorities, providing them with a futureproofed low-carbon heating system. “Using the historic Taff’s Well thermal spring as
a renewable heat source is a brilliant example of how bold ideas can lead to something that benefits future generations. It’s something the whole community can be proud of, and we were pleased to play our part in making it happen.” Ffynnon Taf Primary School headteacher, Kathryn
¡ After passing through the system, the clean water is emptied back into the Well’s overflow, feeding into the River Taff. ¡ This is the only system installed by Cornwall-based Kensa that uses a natural thermal spring as a heat source. On Tuesday, 16th July, Kensa’s Dr Stuart Gadsden,
Kensa Contracting’s commercial director visited the site, along with representatives from Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, to demonstrate to pupils from the Ffynon Taf Primary School’s Eco Committee how their new low-carbon heating and hot water system works.
¡ To keep the connecting pipework hidden and to avoid above-ground damage, Kensa horizontally drilled hundreds of meters between the Well, the school, and the pavilion.
Dr Gadsden said: “This is an incredibly unique
system and really demonstrates how versatile Kensa’s ground source heat pumps are. It was great to show the pupils how their exciting new heating
Price, said: “We are very excited about how Taff’s Well Thermal Spring has been utilised for the whole school community. Our Eco Committee thoroughly enjoyed learning more about the heat pump system and how this helps to reduce the school’s carbon footprint. We will continue to celebrate the success of the thermal spring installation in our community for many years to come.” Jon Arroyo, energy and carbon reduction manager at Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, said: “We have an ambition to decarbonise the Council by 2030 and we understand there is no one solution to decarbonise our heating systems, so it is important that we look at what heat resources are around or under us. As a Council we see our role in exploring alternative solutions to help steer our businesses and residents in their journey towards a net zero future.”
The evolution of energy efficient strategies in homes
One of the most overlooked issues in our journey to reduce carbon emissions, is the energy efficiency of properties and their heating systems. The government is strongly pushing for a transition from gas boilers to heat pumps. However, there are many short- and medium-term measures that could be undertaken. That’s the view of Martyn Bridges, director of external and governmental affairs at Worcester Bosch
E
arlier this year, the government published their response to a consultation called “Improving Boiler Standards and
Efficiency.” The intention behind this policy proposal is to improve the efficiency of heating systems in homes by at least 6%. Depending on the system and controls installed, this is probably achievable. Many proposals suggest removing old- fashioned on-off controls. For years, properties have simply turned the boiler and heating system off once the house reached a certain temperature. With the advent of condensing boilers from 2005 onwards, reducing the flow temperature from a boiler can make it condense more and improve efficiency. One proposed measure is to remove on-off controls (Classes 1, 2, and 3) and make
Left: Martyn Bridges, director of external and governmental affairs at Worcester Bosch
some form of compensation control (load or weather compensation) the minimum standard. It has been required for some years that individual room temperature controls, such as thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs), are installed on boiler systems. However, many properties still lack these. In recent years, we’ve seen the
advent of smart electronic TRV controls, where a central controller can operate rooms at different temperatures or turn them off from the controller itself, rather than manually. Regular servicing of boilers and maintaining the quality of water in the heating system— keeping it free from contamination and oxygen—can also lead to significant savings. These small measures, when multiplied by the 23 million homes heated by gas or oil-fired boilers, can contribute greatly to reducing carbon emissions. To summarise, while our ultimate aim is
to transition to low-carbon heat generation, presently electricity, and potentially greener gases or oils in the future, small measures can be taken now to start reducing carbon emissions.
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