BREng reveals key lessons on decarbonising schools
Rob Smelt • September 21, 2023
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need architect to drawings. which may be outdated due to internal changes, and does not rely on conventional manual site measuring systems. which can be time consuming and inaccurate due to human error.
It uses a smart three-dimensional optical scanning system linked to laser-based lidar cameras placed at strategic points within and outside a building. This builds a detailed digital twin of the building by 'stitching together' successive scans, including individual spaces within floors and
any existing HVAC services.
The high-resolution file produced is imported into standard HVAC design and BIM applications to design a complete building services solution, ensuring all dimensions are accurate and equipment and pipe lengths sized accurately first time. In addition to their use in HVAC project design, the 30 renders can be used to create virtual 'walk-throughs' of buildings, with the ability to accurately measure dimensions. Any building can be
scanned, whether back-to-brick or fully fitted out Buildings do not have to be empty- the process can be carried out on operating buildings,
with an automatic face-blur function ensuring occupant privacy.
A 75% reduction in site visits required by project stakeholders, and a 70% reduction in survey costs and BIM file creation are the norm.
In addition, three-quarters of project issues can be resolved without escalation. With the need to improve building efficiency, BIM is increasingly being used across construction planning, particularly on HVAC services for large public and commercial buildings. As well as saving time and cost, digital scans can be used as records of pre-existing building condition before commencement of work on refurbishment projects, enabling any damage caused during work to be fairly apportioned.
any existing HVAC services.
The high-resolution file produced is imported into standard HVAC design and BIM applications to design a complete building services solution, ensuring all dimensions are accurate and equipment and pipe lengths sized accurately first time. In addition to their use in HVAC project design, the 30 renders can be used to create virtual 'walk-throughs' of buildings, with the ability to accurately measure dimensions. Any building can be
scanned, whether back-to-brick or fully fitted out Buildings do not have to be empty- the process can be carried out on operating buildings,
with an automatic face-blur function ensuring occupant privacy.
A 75% reduction in site visits required by project stakeholders, and a 70% reduction in survey costs and BIM file creation are the norm.
In addition, three-quarters of project issues can be resolved without escalation. With the need to improve building efficiency, BIM is increasingly being used across construction planning, particularly on HVAC services for large public and commercial buildings. As well as saving time and cost, digital scans can be used as records of pre-existing building condition before commencement of work on refurbishment projects, enabling any damage caused during work to be fairly apportioned.
BREng’s phased heating decarbonisation solution delivers energy savings for Kepier School
Our phased solution enabling Kepier School to transition to low-carbon CIAT heating technologies has delivered significant energy savings in the first year. We worked with project partners AA Projects, Quora Group, and Cool Designs Ltd in 2022 to create a phased decarbonisation plan for Kepier School in Northeast England, supported by the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF).
After the system had successfully operated for several months, BREng returned to site to measure the performance and optimise the system.
Our initial heating audit identified the need for installation of new high efficiency heat emitters to replace the school’s conventional radiators. We specified seven surface-mounted high-level CIAT Major Line and 31 CIAT COADIS fan coil units (FCUs).
The school’s seven gas boilers, installed in 2019, were integrated into the new system, enabling them to be replaced as required in future to further improve system efficiency and cost savings. The recent review revealed that substantial energy savings are already being delivered. Gas usage was compared before and after the pandemic to avoid skewed data due to COVID-19 school closures.
Findings revealed an 8.6% reduction of 2,824m3 (~31,446.41 kWhr) from March 2022 to March 2023, compared with the period from March 2019 to March 2020. This resulted in an 8% annual energy cost saving and a similar reduction in carbon emissions.
Real-world operation Our recent work on optimisation will improve this further. Rob Smelt, managing director of BREng, said: “The process doesn’t stop once a solution has been commissioned. Experience shows that there are often significant additional gains to be made by optimising the system in light of its real-world operation.”
The inspection revealed that some areas were unbalanced, while others operated at sub-optimal temperatures. These issues were addressed to improve occupant comfort and reduce energy use and running costs.
Brian Dixon, Kepier School Estates Manager, said: “The comfort level has improved significantly. We had already gained control over specific rooms and areas, as opposed to the old ‘on or off’ heating system, and the latest work has improved things even more. Future phases in our decarbonisation plan will yield even greater energy and cost savings for the school.”
Our phased solution enabling Kepier School to transition to low-carbon CIAT heating technologies has delivered significant energy savings in the first year. We worked with project partners AA Projects, Quora Group, and Cool Designs Ltd in 2022 to create a phased decarbonisation plan for Kepier School in Northeast England, supported by the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF).
After the system had successfully operated for several months, BREng returned to site to measure the performance and optimise the system.
Our initial heating audit identified the need for installation of new high efficiency heat emitters to replace the school’s conventional radiators. We specified seven surface-mounted high-level CIAT Major Line and 31 CIAT COADIS fan coil units (FCUs).
The school’s seven gas boilers, installed in 2019, were integrated into the new system, enabling them to be replaced as required in future to further improve system efficiency and cost savings. The recent review revealed that substantial energy savings are already being delivered. Gas usage was compared before and after the pandemic to avoid skewed data due to COVID-19 school closures.
Findings revealed an 8.6% reduction of 2,824m3 (~31,446.41 kWhr) from March 2022 to March 2023, compared with the period from March 2019 to March 2020. This resulted in an 8% annual energy cost saving and a similar reduction in carbon emissions.
Real-world operation Our recent work on optimisation will improve this further. Rob Smelt, managing director of BREng, said: “The process doesn’t stop once a solution has been commissioned. Experience shows that there are often significant additional gains to be made by optimising the system in light of its real-world operation.”
The inspection revealed that some areas were unbalanced, while others operated at sub-optimal temperatures. These issues were addressed to improve occupant comfort and reduce energy use and running costs.
Brian Dixon, Kepier School Estates Manager, said: “The comfort level has improved significantly. We had already gained control over specific rooms and areas, as opposed to the old ‘on or off’ heating system, and the latest work has improved things even more. Future phases in our decarbonisation plan will yield even greater energy and cost savings for the school.”
BRENG has been featured in the industry press recently for our contributions to high profile school decarbonisation projects. These include the pioneering AbbeyMAT scheme, involving several schools in Yorkshire, and a project carried out for Kepier School, in Houghton Le Spring, Durham. Articles on the projects appeared in magazines such as CIBSE Journal, ACR News, Heat Pumps Today, and website Cooling Post. Follow the links to download copies of the articles: ACR News -Kepier School Optimisation ACR News - Digital twins of buildings Heating and Ventilating Review - Office move Heating and Ventilating Review - Decarbonisation strategy ACR JOURNAL 'digital twin' design concept Cooling Post CIBSE Journal ACR Journal Net Zero ACR News Heat Pumps Today
