FEATURE: SUSTAINABILITY
hot water only where and when it is needed, eliminating distribution losses associated with long pipe runs and reducing the need for stored hot water. This helps to cut energy waste and heat loss and lowers the risk of legionella, removing the need to maintain high storage temperatures to prevent the spread of bacteria.
When paired with low-carbon electricity and on-site renewables, POU solutions offer a flexible route to decarbonising DHW that can be implemented in stages, making them particularly well suited to schools making practical and budget-conscious progress towards net zero.
Optimising boiler efficiency
Yet, the reality is that boiler replacements are still a popular option in schools for system refurbishments. Where heat pumps are not currently viable, upgrading to modern condensing models can still deliver vital efficiency gains of up to 20%. If this is the chosen route, schools are encouraged to use this opportunity to prepare the system for future heat pump integration. A practical measure would be to address the system’s distribution pipework and heat emitters to allow the system to operate at a maximum flow temperature of 55°C (or lower) in line with building regulations. This will make it heat-pump-ready while enabling the condensing boiler and water heaters to work in condensing mode for optimal system efficiency.
Hybrid help
If an all-electric system is not viable, a hybrid approach could be a feasible next step as an early stage of decarbonisation. Integrating even a small air source heat pump (ASHP) with existing gas-fired boilers and/or water heaters will allow a large portion of the heat in the school building to be decarbonised while adhering to safe operation requirements. As such, it may provide a more technically and financially achievable option in schools with more complex refurbishment challenges. While this would leave some reliance on gas, these technologies can be swapped out at a later stage, such as when new heat decarbonisation finance solutions become readily available.
Key collaboration
In Baxi’s research report into decarbonising heat in schools, school leaders highlighted a need for further technical advice to achieve heat decarbonisation ambitions and boost heating efficiency.
With decades of experience in providing heating and hot water solutions from its wide product portfolio, manufacturers like Baxi are on hand to work with consultant engineers and contractors to help school managers achieve their sustainability goals. From advising on quick wins to supplying pre-contract design support to determine decarbonisation roadmaps to providing service packages for ongoing maintenance, there is a solution available to every school building across the country.
June 2026
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