Colchester Institute
Key information
Scheme:
Phase 1 Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme
Technologies used:
Building Energy Management System (BEMS), Air source heat pump, Double glazing
Region:
East of England
Client type:
Further education institution
Estimated savings
£24,462
Annual savings
£3.7m
Total grant value
290
Annual carbon savings tCO2e*
Working with Salix
Project overview
Colchester Institute is the largest vocational training provider in North Essex and supports over 8,000 further education, higher education and apprenticeship learners.
The £3.7m grant, provided by Salix on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero will allow for the replacement of gas boilers with air source heat pumps and single-glazed windows with insulation panels throughout the main block.
The further education, higher education and apprenticeship students will be the main benefactors of the new low-carbon technologies with the main buildings seeing a transformational change in learning environments.
The upgraded windows and insulation will improve temperature control, therefore, making the current conditions experienced including cold draughts in the winter and overheating in the summer, a thing of the past.
As part of the College’s commitment to carbon reduction, each area of study has been tasked with creating a course module that focuses on sustainability. Bespoke tutorial sessions looking at ‘Green’ issues will be introduced in the 2021-22 academic year.
Interview with the Vice Principal of Colchester Institute, Gary Horne, on the college's work toward decarbonising its heating methods following a £3.7 million grant from the Phase 1 Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.
We have an ambition to support the Government’s carbon reduction targets as far as possible, and this project provides the perfect platform to take this forward.
Technical breakdown
- Investment in green technologies which will improve the energy performance of principal buildings
- Replacement of gas fire boilers with air source heat pumps
- Insulating spandrel panels
- Double glazing
- Building and Energy Management System to automate and take control of operations
Future Plans include:
- Kickstart journey on the FE Climate Action Road Map developed by Climate Commission and the Nous Group which provides guidance on how best to respond to the climate emergency
- Collaborating with Trident Utilities to develop net zero strategy which incorporates the provision of monthly data dashboards and progress certification
- To introduce 4 days when all teaching will be off campus, significantly reducing campus on-site power and heating requirements
- Installing building management systems to reduce energy usage
July 2021
*tonnes of Carbon Dioxide, calculated using Green Book emissions factors for electricity published by the government.
In partnership with
