Energy savings powering a whole community
West Yorkshire was known as the beating heart of the industrial revolution. Today the area is celebrated for its vibrant communities, abundant wildlife, and its rich and dramatic landscape.
To help preserve this beautiful area and its residents’ quality of life, we’ve been working with Calderdale Council to reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption for a variety of vital community services.
The fi rst phase of the project demanded a broad range of high-level energy saving expertise. It began with expert analysis to fi nd the best energy conservation measures that could be installed or upgraded across 14 separate buildings – ranging from a theatre, to a day centre, and a swimming pool.
Working from an approved plan, an Investment Grade Proposal was then drafted for each site which included detailed costs, designs, and guaranteed carbon and cost reductions. And as part of the government’s RE:FIT scheme, it would pay for itself in just over 10 years.
The client’s challenge
- Reduce carbon emissions by 26%
- Reduce energy consumption by 25%
Keeping all 14 sites open and operational was a significant part of the challenge. Working in listed buildings, through all seasons – SSE’s brief was to improve energy efficiency and keep Calderdale’s vital services running.
Our solution
- LED lighting upgrades
- New Building Management Systems
- New high efficiency gas boilers
- Solar PV arrays
- Air Handling Unit with heat recovery
- Variable refrigerant volume system
- Combined heat & power units
- Waterless urinals
- Infrared heaters
- Destratification fans
Some of the sites needed quick attention due to impending inclement weather, so a flexible work schedule was mobilised. Stakeholder management of suppliers, the Council, and the individual sites was also crucial to the success of this project.
The results
Three months into the performance phase of the project, the savings are exceeding expectations and are currently above the guaranteed level.
By introducing new working practices and physical modifications, the buildings function more efficiently, and enjoy ongoing savings without compromising operations.
We know how important it is to reduce our impact on the environment to protect Calderdale’s quality of life. The RE:FIT scheme is already helping to build a sustainable future for our borough, as well as saving money for vital services. We’re now working with SSE to develop the second phase of the programme, which involves installing energy efficiency and renewable energy measures in a further 12 Council buildings.