ENERGY IN RETAIL, HOTELS & LEISURE
Low-profile solar delivers renewable heat for landmark hotel
Air movement system breathes new life
into Edinburgh refurbishment project occupancy. Different versions – standard flanged and plaster-in – have been used across the site in finishes such as black, signal white, and grey to align with the building’s interior schemes. On the roof, a 2m x 2m penthouse
As part of the final phase of the St James Quarter redevelopment in Edinburgh, a ventilation system from GILBERTS has been installed throughout the newly completed W Edinburgh hotel. The installation focuses on managing airflow across the building’s 12 floors, including public areas, private rooms, and operational zones. The system includes around 250
Gilberts GSL and JSL linear slot diffusers. These were installed by mechanical and electrical contractor FES for main contractor BAM, following a design provided by engineering consultancy Introba. The diffusers are designed to be adjustable, allowing for variable air direction and volume based on
louvre was installed to serve the building’s central ventilation shaft. The unit was customised to match the roof’s low pitch and is powder-coated in graphite grey to visually blend with the rooftop bar and terrace. The installation supports ventilation, indoor air quality, and system adaptability while accommodating the site’s architectural and functional requirements. ▄
gilbertsblackpool.com
Solar installation begins across national store network
Iceland Foods has partnered with SHAWTON ENERGY to install rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems across multiple sites in its retail estate. The rollout will eventually reach a combined capacity of up to 10MWp, with projected annual carbon savings of 2,500 tonnes. The partnership is being delivered through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) model, allowing Iceland to access on-site renewable energy without upfront capital costs. The first installations
have been completed at Iceland’s Penny Lane store in Liverpool (88kW) and the Queensferry Food Warehouse (115kW). Combined, these systems are expected to reduce carbon emissions by more
EIBI | SEPTEMBER 2025
Refurb integrates rooftop VRF system for upgraded hotel in Manchester
than 40,000kg each year. Additional sites in Coventry, Shrewsbury, Doncaster, Leicester, and other locations are set to follow. Shawton Energy, based
in Merseyside, is responsible for designing, funding, installing, and managing the systems. The solar technology will provide on-site energy generation to help reduce grid reliance and support the company’s wider net zero ambitions.
“We’re proud to be
partnering with Iceland to deliver large-scale, multi-site rooftop solar projects,” says Jamie Shaw, CEO of Shawton Energy. “Our full turnkey offering and capability to manage complex rollouts with excellent customer service and speed is a reflection of our recent success, targeting high-demand, national portfolios.” ▄
shawtonenergy.co.uk
Carrier Solutions UK has supplied a TOSHIBA Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system for The Reach Hotel in Manchester, following the site’s transformation from 80 serviced apartments into a 215-room hotel operated by Molo Hotel Group. The system was installed by A.C. Mechanical Services (ACMS) as part of a £2 million mechanical services package during a two-year refurbishment. The Toshiba SHRMe heat recovery
VRF system includes 18 rooftop condensers and provides simultaneous heating and cooling to individual rooms via flow selector boxes. The system is connected to a central management platform, allowing building-wide control
and monitoring. Guest rooms are equipped with simplified controllers and heat recovery ventilation (HRV) units for improved air quality and energy efficiency.
The installation faced several
constraints, including low ceiling voids and water ingress, which required a phased approach across the building. Toshiba’s modular system design helped address these challenges while maintaining performance and reliability. With high ESEER ratings and integrated energy-saving features, the system is designed to provide efficient climate control, improve indoor air quality, and support ongoing operational needs. ▄
www.toshiba-aircon.co.uk
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A new solar thermal system has been installed on the rooftop of the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, marking the first use of this type of technology by a hotel in the UK. The installation comprises 120 VirtuHOT collectors from NAKED ENERGY and was carried out by renewable systems contractor SHEco. The system is designed to provide sanitary hot water for the hotel’s guest rooms, restaurants, and spa.
Unlike conventional
solar PV panels, the VirtuHOT system produces heat rather than electricity. This approach allows the hotel to generate renewable heat directly on-site without drawing additional power from the grid. The technology is designed to operate efficiently in
urban environments where rooftop space is limited. The installation is expected to produce around 39,747 kilowatt hours of heat each year and reduce carbon emissions by 7.3 tonnes annually. The system has been
integrated with the building’s existing architecture, with the collectors positioned to minimise visual impact, important for a property located near Hyde Park and within a conservation area.
Christophe Williams,
co-founder and CEO of Naked Energy, says: “The need to decarbonise heat is often overlooked in conversations about the UK’s net-zero transition. This project is an exciting milestone for solar heat in the UK, and we hope other hoteliers will follow Mandarin Oriental’s lead in embracing renewable solutions and reducing their reliance on fossil fuels.” ▄
nakedenergy.com
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