Comberton Village College Renewable Heat Network
We are playing a key role in helping CCC achieve its net zero ambitions through multiple renewable energy contracts in Cambridgeshire including Comberton Village College, where we have delivered an innovative renewable heat network through the Government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS).Comberton Village College Renewable Heat Network
We are playing a key role in helping CCC achieve its net zero ambitions through multiple renewable energy contracts in Cambridgeshire including Comberton Village College, where we have delivered an innovative renewable heat network through the Government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS).
Key partnership facts
Key partnership facts
Overview
Cambridgeshire County Council (CCC) has pledged to reach net zero on its own operations by 2035 and for the county of Cambridgeshire by 2045.
At Equans, we are committed to helping our clients achieve their net zero targets and decarbonisation goals. We are playing a key role in supporting CCC through multiple renewable energy contracts across Cambridgeshire, including at Comberton Village College, where we have delivered an innovative renewable heat network through the Government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS).
The scheme has been a collaboration between us, the Cam Academy Trust, CCC, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), and Salix Finance. Fundamentally, the new heat network has eliminated oil heating on site, replaced end-of-life heating plant, saved the college on its heating costs, and reduced carbon emissions from the college’s heating by 70%. A key feature of the agreement is a performance guarantee on the projected energy savings.
Our Work
Project overview
The project has replaced aging oil boilers in 11 different plant rooms with a network distributing heat to the buildings on site. The heat is now supplied by ground source heat pumps installed in the main plant room, which extract heat from an array of 215m deep boreholes in the college’s car parks through underground pipes resulting in the delivery of 705 kW of thermal energy. Notably, the heat pump technology is currently the only form which allows for rapid decarbonisation of heating.
Delivered a live environment, the site operates 360+ days a year, with up to 2,000 pupils and staff on site. These factors added to the complexity of the project’s delivery and collaboration with the college was essential to mitigate these challenges, while also working to the highest safety standard.
As with any project, end user satisfaction is key, but in this case the students vested interest throughout the project and in the futureproofing of the college has been very apparent. Undoubtedly, it has been fantastic to see the level of passion and urgency from the next generation who will soon be leading on the sustainability agenda.
Impact
The new heat network has eliminated oil heating on site, replaced end‑of‑life heating plant, reduced heating costs for the college, and delivered significant carbon savings. A key feature of the agreement is a performance guarantee on the projected energy savings.
In the first year, carbon emissions from the college’s heating have been reduced by 248 tonnes of CO₂e, representing a 70% reduction. This saving is forecast to increase to 344 tonnes of CO₂e, equating to a 95% reduction by year twenty.
Miles Messenger, Energy Engineering Director at Equans UK & Ireland, stated: “We are proud to have successfully delivered this innovative low carbon heat network scheme at Comberton Village College for Cambridgeshire County Council to help them meet their net zero target.
The project will not only deliver significant energy and cost savings, but is testament to the Authority’s and the college’s commitment to addressing the climate emergency. As an energy and engineering partner, we’ve supported in translating this commitment into a successful project.
This unique scheme is just one example of how we can deliver a significant long-term carbon reduction safely and with minimal disruption to the site’s operation in a live school environment.”
The switch on event
The Civic ‘Switch On’ Opening Event at Comberton Village College was a great success.
After Councillor Ferguson’s warm welcome of all attendees, two students at the college shared a comprehensive presentation contrasting the benefits of the new renewable heat system with the former oil-based one. The enthusiasm and engagement from the students has been evident throughout the project.
Equans representatives Tom McGrath, Energy Design Manager and Ornella Sangermano, Senior Project Manager, subsequently shared their insights on the technology underpinning the heat network.
Testimonials
“We have been incredibly pleased to have been working with Equans and CCC on such a ground breaking project, which will result in a significant forward step in future proofing the College’s energy systems, whilst also reducing our carbon impact on the environment."
Sean Sycamore, Deputy Principal, Comberton Village College
“Our vision is to deliver net-zero carbon emissions for Cambridgeshire by 2045. The Comberton Village College project is a great example of how the County Council is working in communities with stakeholders like Equans, and the Cam Academy to deliver this. The low carbon heat network not only ensures that we are doing our part to tackle climate change, but is also a great example of how to retrofit low carbon heating on other sites.”
Councillor Lorna Dupré, chair of CCC’s Environment & Green Investment Committee
Our expertise
Equans supports businesses, communities and the public sector by mobilising its expertise to provide low-carbon energy solutions, offer cutting-edge technical and FM services and transformative regeneration across the UK & Ireland.
