Blog

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.

We would like to congratulate our clients, Fife Council and RWE on the news that Glenrothes Energy Network has been shortlisted in the District Heating category of this year’s H&V Awards.

The project is an exciting public/private partnership which takes waste heat from the RWE biomass plant in Markinch and uses it to heat businesses and homes in the town centre via a 6.3km district heating network.

This is the 6^th year in a row Vital Energi have had a project shortlisted in the district heating category and have claimed a hat-trick of victories so far.  We’d like to say “good luck” to all the finalists across all categories for the work they have done this year to create a cleaner, greener Britain

Net Zero Apprentice, Ibrahim Qadir, has returned from his travels as part of the CIBSE Ken Dale Travel Bursary where he visited Sweden, The United Arab Emirates and Indonesia, travelling 23,000 km to undertake research in the application of artificial intelligence.

Ibrahim was awarded the Ken Dale Travel Bursary from CIBSE in 2023 after delivering a presentation on his research proposal to investigate the different approaches to artificial intelligence and machine learning in the building services industry.

Now he’s back from his travels, we sat down with Ibrahim to find out more about his trip, what he learned and how he thinks it can be applied to his work.

What was the initiative, what made you want to apply and how did you put yourself forward?

The initiative is the CIBSE Ken Dale Bursary award, an annual competition that involves a selection process including shortlisting of candidates followed by interviews. My chosen research topic delves into the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in building services engineering. The primary motivation behind my application was a keen interest in exploring and contributing to the sustainable evolution of an industry that significantly impacts us all.

I was driven by the desire to understand how I could actively participate in and influence this monumental shift towards sustainability, leveraging it for the betterment of our planet and future generations. This bursary represented a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful change and give back to the community by pushing the boundaries of conventional practices in the field.

What countries did you visit and how far did you travel?

I visited Copenhagen in Sweden, Dubai in Abu Dhabi and Jakarta in Indonesia, which came in at approximately 23,000 km.

What do you think you got out of the experience?

I have already learnt so much about our industry and what problems we have, as well as the factors that contribute to a solution. I have had the chance to meet so many interesting people from all walks of life, each with their own story and perspective. I am currently completing my report that will detail what I have learned from my research, this will then be disseminated with the hopes of inspiring change.

What were the highlights of the trip?

I would have to be visiting the museum of the future in Dubai.

What challenges did you face?

The most challenging aspect was establishing contacts in various locations as a newcomer. However, once you manage to connect with one, they often serve as a gateway to others.

Did you meet any industry specialists while you were there and what did you learn?

I did get to meet industry specialists and learn about leveraging automation for routine tasks and exploring how technology can be employed to reduce time and enhance efficiency would indeed be beneficial.

What projects did you learn about?

I gained valuable insights into the digital health (DH) sector in Scandinavia and was impressed by the region’s tech startups that are already utilising artificial intelligence (AI). The region’s openness to experimenting with new technologies stood out to me. I also discovered the technological advancements being employed in the Middle East and the significant investments made globally in solar plants for both electrical and thermal energy production.

The Museum of the Future in Dubai caught my attention by showcasing the potential of emerging technologies across various fields, from healthcare to agriculture, building materials, and engineering. This initiative underscores the region’s ambition to lead in these transformative sectors.

In Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, I learned more about the technologies in use and appreciated how the city itself was designed with sustainable practices in mind, from its architectural design and engineering systems to its operations. Its role as the host of COP28 was particularly enlightening, showcasing the ability to accommodate 85,000 people in the most sustainable manner possible.

My visit to a university in Jakarta was equally inspiring, where I saw firsthand the integration of AI into its building infrastructure. This university has received multiple awards for its sustainable design and the innovative use of natural processes to minimize its carbon footprint.

How is AI implemented in different countries/climates of the building services sector?

There are numerous applications of AI across our industry, ranging from energy management and modelling to optimizing thermal comfort in buildings, managing district heating and cooling networks, predictive maintenance, and building automation. Ultimately, it’s about leveraging data to optimize processes, making them more efficient and faster. This enables us to concentrate on more critical tasks.

How do you plan to use your experiences and new knowledge going forwards?

I aim to finalise my research findings and present recommendations and insights that will inspire and educate, as well as explore ways to implement these into our own work to continue the futureproofing of our systems. I intend to build upon what I have learned to further my development.

Our Pre-Fabrication Department is at the heart of designing and developing innovative components and solutions which are embedded within decarbonisation projects we’re delivering across the UK. Responsible for the off-site prefabrication of energy centre pipework, skids, containerised plantrooms, and support frames, the team ensures seamless integration with our on-site installation team.

The department is headed up by Pre-Fabrication & Installations Manager, Lee Brindle, who has worked at Vital Energi for the last 12 and a half years. We caught up with him to find out what makes the team unique, the innovative solutions they’ve created, the advantages of having an in-house Prefab team, and more.

Tell us a bit about the people in your team…
The team is 26 strong, and is made up of pipefitters, welders, and coded welders, who hold official certification proving they can perform welding to specific industry standards and procedures. We also have 7 apprentices, who are on Vital’s bespoke net zero apprenticeship programme.

What are the biggest projects you’ve worked on?
Some of our biggest projects include Drakelow, Muntons Biomass Project, Simpsons Malt, Liverpool Waters, plus a whole lot more. Our work at Muntons included large sections of the biomass boiler system, pipework, and plant room components being manufactured at our prefabrication facility rather than on Muntons’ site to speed up efficiency and minimise disruption.

What is your most innovative solution?
The Balnagask Prefabricated Plantroom for the Torry Heat Network Project. This was a purpose-built enclosure which was fully fitted out mechanically, and we also had a specialist in to complete the electrical installations, power, lighting etc. Once completed and pre-commissioned, an escorted vehicle took it all the way to site in Aberdeen. It was then dropped into position on its pre-formed concrete base and connected to the district heating network.

What are the main advantages of an in-house prefab team?
The main advantages of having an in-house prefabrication team are greater control over the process, increased efficiency and speed, enhanced quality, and better cost management. By keeping the manufacturing process internal, a company can streamline production and improve project outcomes.

How do you collaborate with other departments across the business?

We collaborate with teams across the business such as Procurement, Design, and Commercial. We work closely with our Design teams as they act like architects creating detailed plans and equipment schedules, while the Pre-Fab team are the builders who turn those plans into physical equipment.

What makes the team unique?
Flexibility! Our team can adapt quickly to changing priorities and we all work proactively to meet our clients’ expectations

What advice do you have for someone who wants a career in prefabrication?
Since prefabrication takes place in a factory setting, the work environment is controlled, but it still requires the discipline and technical knowledge of on site environments. Those wishing to begin a career in prefabrication would be enrolled on the same courses as those working on site, such as their heating and ventilation qualification, therefore the skills are transferable. We actively employ apprentices, which is the best route as they can gain hands on experience, while learning the theory side of things at college.

We’re gaining ground on our project at Northwick Park Hospital where we’re installing a unique blend of heat pumps, battery storage, and solar to support London North West Healthcare NHS Trust’s transition to net zero.

The 200kW water source and air source heat pumps are now in place and ready for commissioning, the 2MW battery energy storage system is connected to the grid ready for configuring, and the 643kWp solar will soon generate electricity and power the hospital site.

Once complete, this self-funding fully integrated energy solution will guarantee savings of £1.9m a year for the Trust and save over 2,500 tonnes of carbon each year. The solution has been designed with the ability to grow too, and the infrastructure is scalable, enabling it to meet the ongoing challenges and opportunities that arise on the Trust’s road to net zero.

Read more about the project here.

We believe in treating customers fairly and that everyone has the right to accessible heating. External market research has highlighted a gap in customer care within the heat network market, revealing that many customers are unfamiliar with district or communal heating systems, and they are often unclear on where to find support if needed.

That’s why we’ve created Vital Community Energi, a resource where customers can see exactly where their energy comes from, understand how their bill is calculated and to give customers access to information through a dedicated website, tailored guides, and multiple communication channels.

This customer focussed approach builds on Vital Energi’s established strengths of project funding, project feasibility, design responsibility, asset ownership and the optimisation of low-carbon energy projects. Through our Energy Services Company (ESCo) solutions, we help partners reduce operational and financial risks while promoting long-term energy savings and enhanced environmental sustainability.

Key benefits of Vital Community Energi:

Heat Trust Compliance – Developed in line with Heat Trust Scheme Rules, Vital Community Energi ensures above all, that customers are treated fairly. It helps you prepare for regulation by providing clear and effective customer engagement strategies.

Risks Mitigated – The risks of operating your heat network are mitigated and managed. We will allow you to concentrate on your day-to-day activities, taking full responsibility for managing fuel procurement, developing robust revenue streams, offsetting capital costs, providing metering billing services and ensuring the system performs optimally over its lifespan.

Dedicated Customer Website – Customers can benefit from the dedicated website, which can be translated into 104 languages, has a dynamic FAQ section and secure login area, enabling customers to access tailored information and support.

Enhanced Customer Journey – A seamless user journey is created with bespoke onboarding collateral, a suite of educational animations and multiple communication channels, to ensure your customers have a great experience of living on a heat network.

If you would like to discuss how Vital Community Energi and our complete energy solutions can help your scheme get ready for regulation, please get in touch.

We had a fantastic time at the “Future of Energy Event”, hearing from inspiring people about the part heat networks, energy conservation measures and renewable energy is playing on the road to net zero.

We’d particularly like to thank:

• Steve Hunt of Ener-Vate
• Des Keighan from Swansea Bay University Health Board
• Claire Barrett and John Hamilton from Westminster City Council
• Tim Ward from Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS)

for their contributions to the day. The speakers talked us through some fundamentally important topics such as drivers, policy and stakeholder engagement.

Our clients provided us with some lessons learnt and best practice from the projects they have delivered and how they hope they can help other public sector organisations follow in their footsteps.

One particular highlight was introducing two of our green energy apprentices to the attendees. Harvey and Leah took part in a Q&A, spoke eloquently about their careers so far and their hopes for a net zero future.

Members of the Vital Energi team gave guided tours around the Manchester Civic Quarter energy centre as part of the event, highlighting that decarbonisation is already happening.

On 17th September, Vital Energi hosted its Future of Energy event at Kings Cross, London, bringing together over 100 leaders and stakeholders from housing associations, universities, consultants, developers, investors, and policy makers. The day explored one central question: what is the future of energy?

The event was chaired by Strategy & Partnerships Director, Elliott Sharpe, who shares a roundup of the event, along with his reflections and highlights.

We wanted to bring the industry together to share insights, challenge assumptions, and inspire collective action. Decarbonisation is not just a technical challenge, it is a social one too. Our role (collectively) is to deliver solutions that benefit people, communities, and future generations.

Our panel of “Tomorrow’s Trailblazers” – opened the event with our very own group of apprentices and graduates who shared their expectations of today’s decision-makers and their call for a clear and urgent pathway to net zero. Their insight and resilience highlighted that the future of the industry is in capable hands.

A heavyweight discussion followed, featuring representatives from AECOM, Triple Point, DESNZ, the National Wealth Fund, and Vital Energi, examining how investment, policy, and technical modelling can align to unlock value in energy networks. A key takeaway was lets not make social value a box ticking exercise and lets create meaningful impact! We also have our fingers crossed that the Warm Homes Plan will announce support in the cost of heat challenge hat networks are currently facing.

In the afternoon, attendees heard stories from Leeds PIPES customers, with speakers from the public and private sectors emphasising the importance of trust, alignment, and a framework for engagement in delivering lasting decarbonisation. Regulatory challenges were also debated in depth, with a focus on how housing associations and the wider sector must prepare for a rapidly evolving policy landscape.

We then showcased real-world case studies, from Islington Council and the City of London demonstrating that decarbonisation does not have to come at a premium. By combining bold strategies with practical action, we illustrated how meaningful reductions in carbon, consumption and cost are already being achieved and can help fund future decarbonisation works and pay for themselves.

We wrapped up by sharing why we do what we do, not just what we do, or how we do it – it’s not just the technology, but the purpose behind it. A social value video (below) reminded us that the energy transition is about more than networks, batteries, or heat pumps: it’s about making a tangible difference to communities and future generations.

We started the day by asking the audience what their vision was for the future of energy. But little did they know, the answer was sat right in front of them all the time, hidden inside their goodie bag. Our amazing children at the Youth Zone in Blackburn created the artwork that became the keyrings in our delegates’ gift bags. Each with a little message, a reminder right from the start that the future we’re building is not just technical – it’s about people and communities too.

Throughout the event, one clear theme emerged: technology is vital, but purpose is essential.

The day closed with networking and a strong sense of shared optimism, proving that the Future of Energy is not just a vision, it is already taking shape through collaboration, innovation, and purpose.

What stood out to me on the day was the strong sense of unity in the room. It felt as though everyone had come together with a shared determination to tackle the energy challenge we face – one that goes beyond climate to include affordability and the wellbeing of our communities.

There was also a powerful reminder that this transition is about people as much as technology. From the importance of supporting communities today to empowering the younger generation who will shape tomorrow, the event had a real human spirit running through it. That spirit of collaboration and purpose is what I’ll carry forward from the Future of Energy.

More than 5km of pipework has now been installed, as major milestones achieved.

Ambitious plans to bring an affordable new source of low carbon heating to Solihull town centre are pushing ahead, working in partnership with Solihull Council, we continue to make significant strides with its flagship low carbon energy network.

We have successfully installed more than 5km of the planned 5.5km underground pipe network, including a recently completed 600 metre stretch along Homer Road. In parallel, progress at the state-of-the-art Energy Centre at Tudor Grange Park is powering forward, with Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) already installed and key infrastructure taking shape.

Once operational, the system will deliver sustainable heating, hot water and power to a range of town centre buildings via a cutting-edge district energy network, connecting users to a cleaner, more efficient supply directly from the new Energy Centre.

Backed by a £9.6 million loan from the National Wealth Fund, this pioneering project remains on track and continues to build momentum. It forms part of a wider strategy to reduce boroughwide carbon emissions and strengthen Solihull’s energy resilience for decades to come.

One of the first buildings to benefit from the network will be The Core Theatre on Homer Road. Further buildings connecting in this initial phase include Solihull College & University Centre, Tudor Grange Academy and Tudor Grange Leisure Centre, laying the foundation for future phases and broader network expansion.

Councillor Karen Grinsell, Leader of Solihull Council, said:

“This project is a clear demonstration of our commitment to cutting carbon emissions, enhancing energy efficiency, and investing in a sustainable future for our town centre. It’s extremely encouraging to see the rapid progress on the ground – with over 5km of pipework already laid and heat pumps installed at our new Energy Centre, we are well on our way to realising this bold vision.”

Councillor Andy Mackiewicz, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Planning, added:

“Heating is the biggest contributor to the UK’s carbon footprint. By shifting to a networked low carbon energy solution, we’re tackling this issue on a wider scale making it more practical and cost effective for multiple buildings to benefit. The air source heat pumps at the heart of our Energy Centre will play a major role in delivering clean power where it’s needed most.”