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On Thursday, 6th November, we partnered with CIBSE North-West to welcome specifiers, engineers, consultants, mechanical contractors, and university lecturers to our head office for the CIBSE-accredited CPD session: Introduction to Heat Networks and Heat Interface Units (HIUs).

The evening combined learning, great networking, and a behind-the-scenes look at the technical processes behind HIU manufacturing, testing, and operation. A huge thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to such an engaging event, and special recognition to Lance Colwyn, Glenn Harrison, and Ian Spencer for leading CPD session and the factory tour.

Why are CPD sessions important?

Events like these not only facilitate the sharing of knowledge and address the UK’s skills gap in building services engineering but also provide an excellent opportunity to connect with colleagues across the sector. Additionally, each attendee receives CPD credits, demonstrating active learning and professional development.

If you’d like us to deliver this CPD at your premises or at our state-of-the-art training facilities in Blackburn, please get in touch at: [email protected]

For more information on our CIBSE-accredited CPD session, please click here.

Heat pumps, window replacements, and extensive fabric upgrades reduce the carbon footprint of Gloucestershire Royal Hospital by over 1,400 tonnes a year, placing then firmly on the map of sustainable healthcare sites.

In their latest decarbonisation project, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust partnered with Vital Energi, who designed and delivered a multi-technology energy solution, to not only reduce the hospital’s carbon footprint, but to reduce energy bills and enhance the patient and staff experience too.

As well as installing a 200kW air source heat pump to provide low carbon heat to the hospital, Vital Energi have completed major upgrades to the exterior of the 11-storey Tower Block building at the heart of the hospital estate.

Almost 700 original windows were replaced with modern, triple-glazed units, and the external fabric of all four sides of the Tower Block, from the ground floor up to the 11th floor, has been upgraded.

These upgrades will not only reduce heat loss, resulting in lower energy usage, but will enhance the patient and staff experience through increased natural light, improved ventilation, and reductions in external noise levels. BMS and heating systems have also been upgraded to enhance temperature regulation and overall energy efficiency.

During the works, peregrine falcons were found nesting on the Tower Block building. As the birds of prey are protected by law, and with only 1,750 pairs in Britain, their nests must be treated with great care. After consulting with a peregrine specialist, Vital Energi made and relocated a new habitat for the falcons in the same vicinity of the building but away from all the hustle and bustle of the construction works.

Simon Jones, Regional Manager (North & Scotland) at Vital Energi, said:

“It’s been great to work alongside the Trust on this project, which has delivered real impact, not just in cutting carbon, but in transforming the look and feel of the hospital. The upgraded façade and triple-glazed windows have modernised the Tower Block, making it more energy efficient and visually appealing, while accelerating the Trust’s journey to net zero.

“It’s also sparked real interest among Vital staff, especially around the resident peregrine falcons, which added a unique and unexpected dimension to the project.”

This project received grant funding from PSDS Phase 3a and was delivered through the Carbon and Energy Fund Framework (CEF), which has been specifically created to fund complex energy infrastructure upgrades for public sector organisations.

Vital Energi has successfully delivered a high-profile rooftop crane lift at Palestra House, one of Transport for London’s largest office buildings, supporting their journey to decarbonise their operations and buildings.

As part of the wider energy upgrade programme, which is set to save over 1,500 tonnes of carbon a year, the crane operation involved the removal of four redundant air-cooled chillers and the installation of three new air source heat pumps (ASHPs).

These ASHPs will generate low-temperature hot water (LTHW) and provide supplementary cooling to the retained chillers, helping to transition the building away from fossil fuel reliance.

The crane lift, which took place at the busy Blackfriars Road and Union Street junction, required meticulous planning and collaboration with multiple stakeholders including TfL, Thames Water, Southwark Council, and Network Rail, along with local residents, and businesses.

Traffic, cycling, and pedestrian management plans were implemented, including diversions for the super cycle highway and secure fencing around the craneage area to ensure public safety.

An extensive pre-planning and peer review process ensured the lift was executed smoothly, with minimal disruption to the surrounding area and continued operation of Palestra House.

As well as replacing gas boilers with heat pumps, Vital Energi are implementing upgrades to existing heating, cooling, and controls systems within the building, and converting over 9,000 light fittings to energy-efficient LEDs, to support TfL’s net zero ambitions.

To date, around 3,500 lights have been replaced across four of the building’s eleven floors, with phased works carefully coordinated with TfL and building occupiers to minimise disruption.

Ventilation upgrades have also been completed, further enhancing the building’s energy performance.

There will be a second crane lift towards the end of the year, where water source heat pumps will be lifted and positioned on the roof.

TfL was awarded grant funding from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS), which is administered by Salix on behalf of the Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, to enable this phase of works.

Read more about how Vital Energi is supporting TfL’s decarbonisation journey here.

Vital Energi have been partnering with Loughborough University for over 25 years and have installed over 7km of district heating pipework, helping their heating network evolve to meet the changing needs of their campus.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council, in partnership with Vital Energi, has commenced work to develop the council’s first utility-scale solar farm at Rawcliffe Bridge Village.

East Riding of Yorkshire has taken a big step towards its net zero targets with the beginning of a 6MW solar farm, which will slash their carbon emissions by approximately 1,710 tonnes each year, the equivalent of removing around 1,200 cars off the road.

The 10,000 solar-panelled farm, which was part-funded through the Devolution deal, will help the council save on costs, reduce reliance on external suppliers, and support vital public services. The £6.92m project is being delivered by Vital Energi and represents a significant step towards a greener future for the region.

A ‘sleeving’ arrangement will also be used with the council’s energy supplier, meaning electricity generated at Rawcliffe Bridge will be essentially traded back into the council’s overall supply, further supporting long-term cost and carbon savings.

The solar farm aligns with the council’s corporate priority to value the environment. This means protecting and enhancing the natural environment, addressing climate change, and promoting high-quality design in development.

The Rawcliffe Bridge scheme has been carefully planned to deliver wider economic and social value benefits. We are committed to leveraging the local supply spend during both construction and operation to maximise regional economic impact. Alongside this, Vital Energi will deliver our climate education programme to local schools with students aged between 3 – 11 years old, and site visits will be provided to inspire the next generation to explore green careers.

Over 30 volunteering hours have been committed to local charities as part of the project. This includes support for Friends of Sugar Mill Ponds, a local environmental charity adjacent to the solar farm scheme, dedicated to enhancing and protecting the Sugar Mill Ponds area, and Two Rivers Community Pantry, which provides meals to those in need within the community

The solar farm will cover 18.3 hectares of land to the south-west of Goole, north of the Aire and Calder Navigation Canal. The size of the project requires a minimum of 10% Biodiversity Net Gain, and consulting with an Ecologist, this has been meticulously integrated with the design to ensure a positive environmental impact, achieved through the planting and maintenance of a wildflower meadow, species-rich grasslands beneath the panels, and plenty of hedgerow planting.

Our projects go beyond infrastructure. They serve as catalysts for local employment, training, and community investment opportunities, which can leave lasting, impactful legacies. We’ve been working in partnership with Lancaster University, to deliver two major low carbon, energy projects, the Net Zero Energy Project, and the Solar Farm.

Throughout these projects, we have worked closely with students, staff, and local stakeholders on various social value initiatives, to inspire action on carbon reduction, promote sustainable careers, and emphasise the importance of the University’s net zero journey.

Our impact so far

So far on the project, we’ve delivered more than 70 hours of engagement with local schools and colleges, sponsored over £3000 towards the Lancaster University Triathlon in support of the St John’s Hospice and Cancer Care charities, hosted and attended 5 career drop ins, in addition to 7 student engagement events, and provided 3 internships to university students.

Looking ahead, we’re planning a range of activities over the coming months, including a tree planting event for students to participate in.

Empowering the Next Generation

As part of our ongoing efforts to inspire and educate the next generation, we’ve delivered a range of enriching initiatives involving local schools and colleges. In one of our recent sessions, we facilitated a workshop in collaboration with Vital Energi and Lancaster University, for pupils at Central High School. The session was inspired by the book “How Bad Are Bananas? – The carbon footprint of everything by Mike Berners-Lee” and explored environmental impacts of everyday choices. This gave pupils the tools they needed to understand how they can make small changes to lessen their impact.

Creating First Steps towards Careers in Green Energy

We hosted a seminar for Lancaster University students to introduce them to careers in the sustainability sector. Our aim is to inspire those who have begun to explore the world of green careers and want to know what it is like to work on projects such as the Net Zero Energy Project. We followed up with a careers drop-in session to network with university stakeholders across the departments. Discussions with our senior construction team, apprentices and graduates centred on collaborative opportunities for students. These could be work placements, upskilling tours or construction phase projects which all help students take their first step towards a sustainable future.

The Healthy Living Roadshow

Giving students a sense of ownership and an understanding of the intricacies and benefits of the Net Zero Energy Project was a core part of our pre-construction planning, and our staff have been happy to support multiple drop-in sessions, including the Healthy Living Roadshow at County College. Through showcases of the ongoing scheme, as well as direct access to our project management team, students gained a deeper understanding of the innovative works taking place and the direct impact on campus life. Interactive activities like the “Aim for Net Zero” darts competition made learning engaging, whilst promoting awareness of the project’s significance.

Good Things Come in Threes

Since 2016, Sport Lancaster’s sprint-distance Triathlon event has been a huge success, and along with sponsoring the University’s “Try-a-Try” Triathlon, three of our colleagues put themselves forward to compete in the event as a relay team. The morning was a great chance for us to help raise money for both St John’s Hospice and Cancer Care. The Sport Lancaster team praised our contributions, noting that the sponsorship of the bike racking, traffic management, and race timing supported the smooth running of the event. They also acknowledged that although the construction works may have altered the route, it is all part of a positive initiative, the Net Zero Energy Project.

Internships and Work Placements

What better way to make a mark in the sustainable energy sector than by gaining first-hand experience on the project. In partnership with Lancaster University, we have been offering internships and work placements to give students real-world experiences. The Net Zero Energy Project offers learning and development opportunities for junior engineers, apprentices, and graduates across various disciplines. These early-career professionals can gain practical knowledge of cutting-edge energy technologies, system integration, and sustainable heating solutions, preparing the next generation of engineers and specialists to lead on future projects.

Passing on our Skills and Knowledge to Future Leaders

Why do we do this? Because we believe that the next generation is the key to achieving global net zero. Through our partnership, we contribute to a healthier planet, by educating individuals on the importance of eco-friendly living and sustainable careers. We aim to motivate them, giving meaning to their aspirations. By providing access to resources that support sustainable practices and careers, we can guide them in making a meaningful difference.

Hull City Council is set to become a low-carbon leader after partnering with renewable energy provider Vital Energi to deliver a low-carbon heat network, driving economic growth, job creation, and building climate-resilient neighbourhoods.

The project will be delivered under a multi-year design, build, operate, and maintain contract, which will see Vital Energi construct a new energy centre at Trippett Street car park and install over 5km of district heating pipework during phase 1, across Hull city centre.

During phase 1 of the project, the network will supply low-carbon instant heat and hot water to residential tower blocks, council buildings, educational institutions, and private sector businesses. This solution is more cost-effective than alternative decarbonised heat solutions, such as Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP).

Due to the modular nature of the project, there is significant potential for the network to expand in future phases, with opportunities for new connections across the city as demand for low carbon energy continues to grow.

The project is funded through a £15m grant from the Green Heat Network Fund, via Triple Point, £1.5m of Levelling Up Partnership funding, and a £27m loan from the National Wealth Fund, which will be repaid through the operation of the network, representing a major investment in Hull’s future.

In addition to this, the scheme will provide a return for the council over the lifetime of the project by providing affordable, clean energy to buildings, which will allow more money to be allocated to other services, whilst also reducing CO2 emissions by an estimated 110,000 tonnes over 40 years.

As part of Vital Energi’s long-standing commitment to social value, they will deliver £3m worth of community benefits, including utilising local supply chain, school and college workshops, site visits, work experience placements, training for educators, apprenticeships, and apprenticeship awareness sessions, voluntary organisation support, and skills development for Hull City Council’s internal workforce.

To deliver this project, Vital Energi will install insulated pipes throughout the city centre, while ensuring continuous access for businesses and residents and minimising disruption wherever possible.

Teams from Vital Energi and Parkinsons support community, Northern Lights, returned to the pitch last week to take part in our annual walking football tournament at Witton Park, Blackburn.

The tournament is in its third consecutive year, and once again, Northern Lights (NLPD) took home the trophy. NLPD A team took the top spot and Vital Energi Team C finished as runners-up.

We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part, whether you played in the tournament, cheered from the sidelines, or took part in the raffle, which raised an amazing £426 for the charity.

Vital Energi’s Chairman, Gary Fielding, was at the tournament cheering from the sidelines.

“It was fantastic to see teams from Vital and Northern Lights take to the pitch for our third annual walking football tournament,” said Gary. “It was great to see the energy, camaraderie, and team spirit from both sides from start to finish.

“As part of our five-year sponsorship commitment, it’s fantastic to be able to support events like this, not just for the fun, but for the incredible charity behind it and raising awareness of Parkinson’s. Maybe next year, we’ll be celebrating with the trophy too!”

We’ve received lots of lovely messages from Northern Lights members which shows that this tournament is definitely a highlight of their year.

“Norman and I would like to thank Vital Energi for their hospitality as always, your support for our group is truly outstanding and is very much appreciated. Our lads love taking part in this tournament and look forward to it each year, the camaraderie that takes place within all teams is amazing they are made to feel so welcome,” said Mary Stead, Trustee of the charity whose husband Norman was diagnosed with Parkinsons 14 years ago.

Steve Ashworth, member of NLPD who helped establish the relationship with Vital Energi, said:

“I have to say it is an absolute pleasure to be involved with, and great to see all the guys catching up on the business and personal exploits from the previous 12 months. The respect shown by all, really is second to none…..long may that continue. In that regard, we are all thankful to Gary for allowing the game to take place. And so, another successful tournament has been celebrated, and we now look forward to the 2026 event.”

A special thank you to Asif Asvat who organised the teams and delivered a great speech at the beginning of the tournament.

“My highlight was definitely giving the opening speech to everyone at the start of the tournament and just seeing another successful, friendly tournament come together,” said Asif. “It was a great atmosphere all round!”

Based in the North West, NLPD is a self-funded, voluntary organisation which offers support and help to people with Parkinson’s disease – a brain disorder that causes unintended or uncontrollable movements, such as shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination – and brings people together by introducing them to the joys of walking football.

A great way to stay fit and potentially relieve some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s, walking football also allows participants to learn new skills and make friends with those in a similar situation.

Find out more about NLPD by clicking here.

Jenny continues, “Our aim is to build that connection with nature. Our children will develop so many valuable skills through engagement in our Nurture Farm  I’m proud to provide these opportunities, not just for our children at Tredegar Park Primary School, but children across Newport City Council. Our aim is to develop our school provision over the coming months and then look to extend enrichment opportunities outside of school hours. It would be great to see different organisations benefiting from this wonderful resource in the heart of Duffryn.”

A Hands-On Learning Experience

The Nurture Farm features goats, chickens, and vegetable beds which pupils will help to tend. The initiative enables children to take produce “from field to fork”, with some sold to raise funds for the school and surplus vegetables sent home to families. The space also includes outdoor classrooms, seating areas, games, and a firepit for group activities.

This initiative supports the school’s Edible Education programme, which teaches food sustainability and resilience at a time when resources are stretched by the cost-of-living crisis.

Richard Marchant, our Operations Manager explained: “What we hoped to achieve through the Duffryn project was a lasting legacy. With the introduction from Heydn Housing Association, we were able to work alongside some fantastic charities and community groups, including Tredegar Primary School. Coming back 18 months after the heat network was completed to see the children enjoying this space is a real privilege.

“What’s truly special is that the facilities will also be shared with children from other schools, ensuring the benefits extend across the wider community.”

Building on Previous Commitment

The project follows the school’s earlier outdoor improvements, also supported by us, which included play kitchens, activity stations and “Tinker Tables” designed to foster imagination, fine motor skills and social development, particularly important for younger pupils whose learning and wellbeing were impacted by the pandemic.

Mark Chircop of Heydn Housing Association commented: “Through our internal discussions with our Procurement department we were able to ensure that there was significant support available via community benefits, embedded within the contract. Several discussions were had, where we were able to provide several options based on our intelligence and community knowledge. From this, we were able to build a positive collaboration with Tredegar Park Primary and Vital, that enabled us to deliver something truly impactful.  This provision will support 430 children and the wider community, creating a positive, long-term legacy and it was great to welcome them back to Duffryn for the official opening.”

A Legacy Beyond Infrastructure

The Duffryn Heat Network Replacement Project saw us replace the original 1970s system with a modern, low-carbon network serving more than 1,000 homes and Tredegar Primary School. The Nurture Farm is part of the wider community benefits delivered through the scheme, demonstrating our long-term commitment to combining sustainable energy with meaningful social value.

We’ve opened a dedicated facility in Swansea to support our multi-billion-pound effort to accelerate decarbonisation across Wales.

The expansion comes as the result of a growing pipeline of energy generation, networks, and storage solutions worth £2.5 billion.

To deliver current and future work, our 760-strong workforce will increase by approximately 50%, adding 400 new green jobs in the UK over the next five years.

The regional offices will facilitate direct collaboration with local authorities and housing associations to tackle fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions. They will also support decarbonisation projects for other organisations including universities, hospitals, airports, and the industrial sector.

This expansion marks the next step in our pathway to not only develop and deliver energy assets but also be the asset owner. Through strategic collaborations, the company continues to strengthen its ability to develop, deliver and own energy infrastructure and generation assets that benefit local communities across the UK.

Mike Cooke, Managing Director for Vital Energi explains, “Our expansion across the UK demonstrates Vital Energi’s dedication to advancing the nation’s transition to net zero. By opening new offices in strategic locations, we aim to develop, implement and own innovative, low-carbon energy systems.

“Alongside this growth, we’re driving an ambitious recruitment campaign to fill a wide range of green jobs. We’re creating exciting opportunities for individuals passionate about sustainability and clean energy to join our mission of protecting our planet for future generations. We are committed to contributing to the country’s net zero goals by cultivating a highly skilled workforce and collaborating with public and private sector partners.”