Baxi Commercial Solutions has released a new guide entitled ‘Schools and the Heat Decarbonisation Challenge’ with the aim of supporting schools in setting achievable pathways to more sustainable heat.
Using smart simulation software, the Baxi guide analyses the achievable energy and carbon savings from a phased refurbishment programme in theoretical secondary and primary schools. The simulated stages include initial measures to improve energy efficiency, the installation of a more efficient, future-ready system and a multivalent approach involving air source heat pumps to decarbonise a large portion of the annual heat demand.
Andy Green, director at Baxi Commercial Solutions, said: “As heat experts, we understand the issues that schools are up against when tackling heat decarbonisation in their buildings, particularly with the energy crisis squeezing already tight budgets.
“Ultimately, the goal is to transition to low carbon heating technology such as heat pumps. But school buildings are often complex projects for refurbishment. Estates and facilities managers, consultant engineers, M&E contractors and installers can face an array of issues, with time, budget, available power and physical space just some of the typical limitations.”
Heating is one of the UK’s primary sources of emissions, accounting for around a third of the nation’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Decarbonising heat in buildings is therefore key to achieving the UK’s ambitious 2050 net zero target.
Andy added: “The heat decarbonisation challenge is far from new, but the energy and climate crises make it clear that we in the heating industry need to act now to help UK schools progress towards more sustainable, affordable heat. Ensuring robust design practice is key.
“By working together, heating manufacturers and professionals can help schools get the most from their heating budget while ensuring best practice for heat decarbonisation.”