Autumn milestone nears for ambitious zero carbon school as it sets an example to others
Our Salix team proud to work with Brighton and Hove school powering ahead with modern technology
A 60-year-old primary school is leading the way locally on the net zero agenda – becoming Brighton and Hove's first net-zero school.
Salix has been working with Peter Gladwin Primary School, Portslade, as it delivers a Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme project.
The school received a grant of £120,913 under the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, with other funding from Brighton & Hove City Council, funding energy-efficient measures including LED lighting and air source heat pumps.
Our team recently visited the school to see progress first-hand and to understand the challenges of implementing energy efficiency measures on a small site as it looks forward to seeing the system fully operational after the half term.
During the visit to Peter Gladwin Primary School, we were able to meet the expert teams behind the ambitious decarbonisation project
Photo credit: Salix Finance
The teams at Peter Gladwin and Brighton & Hove City Council seem to have achieved their goals and keep everyone engaged in the work, including the children.
Client Support Officer Olly Hannon said: “There are very specific challenges when delivering the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme at a school, such as timescales and having to work around the students.
“The teams at Peter Gladwin and Brighton & Hove City Council seem to have achieved their goals and keep everyone engaged in the work, including the children.”
While other schools in Brighton and Hove have some areas heated by low-carbon heat pumps, Peter Gladwin is the first in the council’s portfolio to fully decommission its gas boilers. The new system is estimated to reduce the school’s carbon emissions by around 19 tonnes per year.
The school is now being showcased to other schools and organisations as an example of what can be achieved. Its new heating system combines air-source heat pumps with solar power from local co-op BHESCo, replacing outdated gas boilers.
Cabinet Member for Net Zero and Environmental Services, Councillor Tim Rowkins, said: "This is our first school in the city with a fully decarbonised heating system. It’s going to be more energy-efficient and reduce emissions.
“This is what net zero delivery looks like in practice, with everyone working together - funding from both central government and the council, solar power run by local community energy co-op BHESCo, and the work being done by local contractors.
“It is really exciting to see the new system take shape and I can’t wait to see it up and running, keeping the staff and children warm this winter.”
Head of Net Zero at Brighton & Hove City Council, Alice Berry added: "This project will significantly reduce the school's carbon footprint and demonstrates the city's commitment to decarbonisation and net zero goals.
“The school was already very much engaged in the net zero discussion and had previously installed solar panels to make its energy more efficient.”
Under Phase 3c of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, the school has installed modern air-source heat pumps and upgraded radiators, while the installation of LED lighting and the decommissioning of the gas boilers are nearing completion. The low-carbon system is expected to be fully operational after the autumn half term.
Peter Gladwin School’s air-source heat pumps use the latest technology, allowing them to respond quickly to changing conditions and closely match fluctuating heating demand. This reduces energy consumption while maintaining a consistent, optimum temperature throughout the school.
The school took the first steps towards decarbonisation in 2024 with the installation of a 50kW rooftop solar panel array. The system is owned by Brighton & Hove Energy Services Co-op (BHESCo) who operate the array on behalf of the council.
Thank you to the Brighton and Hove for hosting our team members during a visit to Peter Gladwin School.
