Substantial energy and cost savings through heating system upgrade
Kepier School in Northeast England has undergone a phased transition to low-carbon heating technologies from CIAT, resulting in significant energy and cost savings within a year of installation. Cool Designs worked with BREng Hull Ltd, AA Projects, Quora Group, and CIAT to initiate the school’s journey to net zero in 2022, returning to measure performance and optimise the system.
The project involved replacing conventional radiators with high-efficiency heat emitters, including seven CIAT MajorLine surface-mounted high-level units and 31 CIAT Coadis fan coil units. The school’s existing gas boilers installed in 2019 were integrated into the new system’s infrastructure, allowing them to be replaced as needed to improve efficiency.
A review of gas usage before and after the pandemic-related school closures showed an 8.6% reduction in consumption, equivalent to around 31.446 k Wh. This translated to an 8% annual cost saving of approximately £800.
After commissioning, CDL project partners BREng Hull and installer Quora Group returned to optimise the system’s operation, addressing imbalances and sub-optimal temperatures to further improve occupant comfort and reduce energy use.”The comfort level has improved significantly,” says Brian Dixon, Kepier School estates manager. “We had already gained control over specific rooms and areas, as opposed to the old ‘on or off’ heating system, and the latest work seems to have improved things even more. Future phases in our decarbonisation plan will yield eve greater energy and cost savings for the school.