The lessons on net zero schools need to learn
With no further investment in the public sector decarbonisation scheme beyond existing Phase 3 and 4 projects, it’s understandable that school estate managers may now be questioning what steps they can take to keep on the right path.
There are, however, options to consider, as well as support available from the wider heating industry to support education’s net zero ambitions.
In this article, we will look at:
• Understanding and monitoring energy usage
• Planning ahead for net zero
• Adopting a hybrid approach
• Future learning about efficient heating solutions
Understanding and monitoring energy usage
Getting an idea of how and where energy is being used in their buildings and how well existing systems are working provides a strong foundation for school estate managers to set longer term decarbonisation plans. This makes it easier to identify ‘quick wins’, for immediate energy savings, and to set longer-term decarbonisation plans.
Heating controls have a key part to play in maintaining comfort and efficiency. It’s imperative that these are serviced routinely to ensure the systems they manage operate in the most efficient way possible. Accurate time and temperature settings will allow schools to avoid unnecessary heat usage during holidays and weekends. Adding weather compensation control and zonal heating, where appropriate, will ensure that the system adjusts to external temperatures and allow schools to heat only the areas being used.
Where draughts are a problem, adding insulation or triple glazing might be an option where budgets permit.
Planning ahead for net zero
Carrying out regular condition surveys will help estate managers understand the condition of the existing heating system and where opportunities for improved optimisation can be implemented. Where plant replacement or upgrade projects are rushed, they can end up inheriting many of the inefficiencies of the existing system. Taking time to thoroughly map out the long-term plans and requirements, with emission targets as a key factor, will be vital for implementing a futureproof heating and hot water system.
The ultimate goal for schools is to move away from fossil fuels to an all-electric heating and hot water system, typically based around heat pumps. But the reality is that boiler replacements remain a popular option at present. In cases where heat pumps are not currently considered viable, upgrading to a modern condensing boiler can still deliver important efficiency gains of up to 20%.
However, it’s important for school estate managers to use this opportunity to review the system’s pipework and prepare the system for future heat pump integration. One approach 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 has the benefit of making the system will make heat pump ready while allowing the condensing boilers and water heaters to operate in condensing mode where they are at their most efficient.
Adopting a hybrid approach
Where transitioning to an all-electric system simply isn’t considered feasible, a hybrid approach may be a practical early stage of decarbonisation.
With a hybrid system, an air source heat pump (ASHP) is used alongside existing gas-fired boilers and/or water heaters. For buildings with complex refurbishment challenges, this hybrid approach allows organisations to decarbonise up to 80% of the annual heat load, making the project more technically and commercially viable, with the remaining gas technology swapped out at a later stage.
Future learning about efficient heating solutions
Here at Baxi, our research has shown that while school leaders are keen to play their part in decarbonising energy, there is a need for further technical advice to achieve these aspirations and wider sustainability goals. We’re here to guide engineers, contractors, and estate managers through the decarbonisation process.
From advising on initial steps and measures, through to design support and roadmaps, our experts will be with you at each stage.
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