Schools score highly on eco-ratings

ECO Heat Pumps report that schools are leading the way in demonstrating the value of adopting renewable energy technologies.

With the funding available through the Low Carbon Buildings Programme (LCBP) and the re-building of many of our schools through the Building Schools for the Future campaign, this has provided a great opportunity for schools to look at more sustainable energy sources.

Phase 2 of the Low Carbon Buildings Programme provides funding for schools, housing associations, local authorities, public sector buildings and charitable bodies to benefit from renewable energy and runs until April 2009.

The scheme allows schools to apply for 35% grant support for the cost of the first 50kW of heat output from a heat pump.

It also provides funding towards the cost of other renewables that complement this, such as Solar Photovoltaics and Wind power enabling a school to become carbon neutral.

Phil Moore, Managing Director of ECO Heat Pumps, explains: "It is no surprise that heat pumps are much in demand in the public sector and particularly for schools.

Local authorities are required to reduce their Carbon Dioxide emissions significantly over the next 10 years and heat pumps provide a great way to help meet the requirements as well as providing a much more affordable heat source".

ECO Heat Pumps has recently installed heat pumps for Sharrow junior and infant school in Sheffield, for Maybury Primary School in Hull and for Wormholt School in West London.

Phil Moore explains: "Schools really are leading the way in demonstrating that renewable energy, such as heat pumps, meets the heating requirements for current and future energy needs.

Not only can the school demonstrate its environmental credentials, but it will benefit from much lower energy bills, which means a heat pump typically pays for itself in 5-7 years".

Heat pumps are one of the most efficient means of generating energy.

For every single unit of electricity, a heat pump generates at least four units of heat.

Compared to some of the most efficient oil or gas boilers that convert around 90% of their fuel into heat, this just shows how efficient micro generation can be.

Some schools have taken micro generation a step further by choosing 'green electricity' to drive their heat pumps which, when combined with appropriate insulation, can mean the building achieves carbon neutrality.

Heat pumps work by pumping a water-glycol mixture through 250 metres of pipework below the ground's surface, absorbing the radiant heat held naturally in the earth.

The heated water enters the flow side of the heat pump, which is located inside the school.

Here, the action of compressor and condenser brings the water temperature up to the levels required by the school's space heating and hot water systems.

There are definite advantages for schools who invest in renewable technologies.

Schools help to set an example in the use of sustainable energy sources to the rest of society.

As young people grow up being more aware of renewable energy systems, it means they will become more widely accepted as the norm, not only for public buildings but also for domestic use.

The schools of the future should therefore have a more energy efficient construction, which are heated through more renewable sources and have lower operating costs.

The low carbon buildings programme has made renewable energy sources such as heat pumps a really attractive and viable option, with the overall result being a reduction in Carbon Dioxide released into the atmosphere, that is to the benefit of all our futures.".

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