Thornbury Primary Leadership Academy

Decarbonisation works of existing gas system comprising of LTHW & DHW (heat pumps)
50kWp

Solar PV

Live

Fully Operational School Environment

Location:

Bradford

Project Value:

£490k

Sector:

Education

Project Status:

Complete


Scope

The decarbonisation works comprise the complete removal of the existing gas boiler plant and its replacement with a modern, low-carbon heating system, including air source heat pumps (ASHP), solar PV and intelligent building controls.


Project Overview

Alternative Heat, as Principal Contractor, delivered a multi-strand decarbonisation project for Thornbury Primary Leadership Academy, part of Star Academies in Bradford, supported through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme and funded by Salix.
The project involved the complete removal of the existing gas boiler plant and its replacement with modern, low-carbon technologies, including air source heat pumps (ASHPs), radiator upgrades, solar PV systems and Building Management System (BMS) enhancements.
Thus, creating an integrated energy solution to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and support the school’s long-term sustainability objectives.
All works were carried out within a live and fully operational school environment. A phased programme of delivery and close coordination of works minimised disruption to teaching and learning, while maintaining high standards of health, safety and safeguarding throughout the project.

The completed scheme has significantly improved the energy performance of the school, reduced reliance on fossil fuels, and supports Star Academies’ wider commitment to sustainability and carbon reduction.

Scope of Works

Key project elements included:

  • Installation of LTHW (Low Temperature Hot Water) Air Source Heat Pumps within a purpose-built external compound, complete with acoustic treatment
  • Integration of DHW (Domestic Hot Water) Air Source Heat Pumps into the existing plantroom
  • Full plantroom upgrades including volumisers, and new BMS panel to drive the system
  • Installation of buried M&E services
  • Targeted upgrades to existing systems, including radiator replacements and Air Handling Unit (AHU) efficiency improvements
  • Delivery of a 50kWp rooftop Solar PV system to support on-site generation