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Dalmarnock took another step towards its net zero targets recently when work began on the district heating system which will connect Keepmoat’s Arrolbridge development to the £6m Clyde Gateway heat network.

Vital Energi are delivering the 12-week programme of works which will see the main network, which it delivered in 2020, extended by 1km to connect 48 new homes.

Ashley Walsh, Managing Director – Heat Networks commented: “Keepmoat wanted this development to be of the highest environmental standards and have installed measures such as enhanced insulation and Solar PV panels on this development. The connection to the district heating network will further drive down the carbon emissions of the development, which will be another positive step for Dalmarnock on its net zero journey.

“It is fantastic to see much-needed homes being delivered just 3km from Glasgow town centre and this is another great addition to Dalmarnock’s green energy infrastructure.”

Commercial Heat Pumps are an ideal renewable energy solution for those with a high demand for heating, cooling, and hot water, and they are playing a key role in our transition to net zero. When it comes to choosing the right one to suit your organisation or site though, the task can seem daunting as there are so many variables which can affect the performance and efficiency.

Vital Energi’s Elliott Sharpe (Strategy & Partnerships Director), Chris Green (Engineering Director), and Liam Grice (Senior Engineer), have shared 5 key factors you should consider before embarking on your heat pump journey.

Do you have metered data?
Before you take the leap into the world of heat pumps, it’s crucial to get acquainted with one essential element of your building’s energy puzzle: metered data. Why is this data so important? Well, it’s the compass that guides you toward the most efficient solution and best application of your heat pump. 

Imagine buying clothes without knowing your exact size – it’s a gamble. Similarly, choosing a heat pump without metered data or some form of energy data can be a gamble. Accurate energy usage data helps you determine the right-sized heat pump for your building, preventing an oversized or undersized system that can lead to inefficiency and high energy bills.

Heat pumps are renowned for their energy efficiency, but to truly reap the rewards, you need to know how much energy your building consumes. Metered data helps identify energy waste and inefficiencies, allowing you to address them and maximize the cost savings potential of your heat pump. So, before you embark on your heat pump journey, start with the data – it’s the key to unlocking efficiency, savings, and environmental benefits.

 

Choose your refrigerant wisely
One of the largest factors that determines a heat pump’s efficiency and performance is the working fluid it uses. There is no “one size fits all” refrigerant, so careful consideration over your exact requirements is essential to allow the optimum fluid to be selected.

Think about regulatory requirements too. Impending regulation changes may mean the heat pump can be installed now, however future maintenance challenges may arise, so working fluid selection is critical to make sure the heat pump can be serviced reliably and cost effectively for the life of the product.

Natural working fluids often have a lower environmental impact compared to their synthetic counterparts. They have extremely low global warming potential and do not contain forever chemicals making them a great option to futureproof your heat pump.

 

Check your electrical capacity
Before investing in a heat pump, there’s a crucial step that often gets overlooked but can make or break your decision: checking your building’s/site’s electrical capacity. Understanding your power supply is not just a technicality, it’s a fundamental prerequisite for a successful installation, after all, heat pumps require an electrical power supply to operate.

Investing in and installing a heat pump without assessing your electrical capacity can be risky. By checking your capacity upfront, you eliminate any costly surprises. In some cases, you might discover that your building’s electrical capacity is insufficient for a heat pump. This isn’t necessarily a roadblock, it’s a chance to plan for an upgrade. Upgrading your electrical system can expand your options and allow for expansion of your commercial heat pump solution. 

In conclusion, understanding your building’s electrical capacity is a foundational step in the heat pump journey. It ensures that you know your building/development is ready to cater for your new heat pump solution, as well as identifying any electrical enabling works early, before you make that initial heat pump investment. Don’t let electrical surprises derail your decarbonisation journey—start with a thorough capacity check.

 

What temperature do you need?
A heat pump typically operates at its best when it is delivering lower temperatures. It is important to think about how this heat will be delivered throughout your building. Keeping existing pipework and heat emitters may help to reduce capital spend, however this could well be at the detriment to operational costs.

Do you have any building upgrades planned? Building fabric improvements, new windows, or perhaps an extension? Take these into account when reviewing the temperature and distribution of heat across your premises.

A heat pump is a big investment. Considering these factors in advance will give you the best possible opportunity of it having a long, successful lifespan.

 

Consider your source of energy
Air source heat pumps are often the most straightforward solution for organisations, and can offer fantastic efficiencies and carbon reductions compared to conventional heating systems. However, ask yourself, is there an opportunity to use an energy source with a warmer temperature than air?

Consider whether you can use your surroundings to your advantage. Perhaps this could be a local water source, such as a river or lake. What about ground source? A ground array, borehole or aquifer can provide favourable source conditions. Is there an existing waste heat stream or air source you could use? An industrial process or refrigeration system may be rejecting heat to the ambient air already, recovering this might be the perfect source. Or maybe a combination of any of these?

 

Click here to discover more about heat pumps, and learn about some of the heat pump projects we’ve delivered below.

Queens Quay
London Borough of Southwark Heat Pumps
Northwick Park Hospital

The project represents the largest Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme Grant made to a London Local Authority.

Westminster City Council is set to make a significant contribution to the decarbonisation of London after awarding us a contract to revolutionise the way they generate and use energy. In February 2021, Westminster City Council was awarded a £13million grant via the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.

The first phase of the partnership, which is being delivered through the Retrofit Accelerator Framework, will see energy conservation measures installed in up to 70 buildings including schools, leisure centres, libraries and commercial premises, and the improvements will save around 1,700 tonnes of carbon emissions per year.

In 2019, the City Council declared a climate emergency. The contract with us is one of a number of practical steps being taken to meet its ambitious targets to become a net zero council by 2030 and a net zero city by 2040.

The work has involved a comprehensive energy audit on the council’s property portfolio and has identified a range of energy conservation and energy generating measures which will, not only reduce emissions, but also deliver a future reduced carbon footprint for the Council.

The works will deliver energy efficient upgrades to the lighting, heating, ventilation and BMS systems within Westminster City Council buildings as well as harnessing the latest renewable technologies such as solar PV and air source heat pumps.