Shires MAT, a multi-academy trust, faced a significant challenge at Ridgeway High School in the West Midlands. The school’s ageing heating system was at the end of its life, necessitating a major upgrade. Barker advised the school on securing funding from the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) as well as full design and implementation of the project.
Ridgeway High School needed a modern, efficient heating system to replace its outdated one. The goal was to reduce carbon emissions and operating costs while ensuring a reliable and fit-for-purpose solution. Barker was chosen for their expertise in delivering cost-effective and sustainable solutions for educational institutions.
Several options were considered, including a like-for-like gas replacement, a hybrid heat pump, and a full Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP). The challenge was to find a solution that balanced installation costs, carbon emissions, and long-term operating expenses. Barker recommended a hybrid system, which offered significant carbon reductions and favourable installation costs compared to the alternatives. This solution also provided substantial savings in long-term operating costs, which the school used to fund a CIF loan, contributing to the capital cost of the installation.
The new hybrid heating system at Ridgeway High School will reduce annual carbon emissions by 22 tonnes and generate operating cost savings of £9,000 per annum. The project delivered a modern, reliable, and efficient heating system, significantly reducing the school’s carbon footprint and operational expenses. The successful implementation of this project underscores Barker’s commitment to providing sustainable and cost-effective solutions for educational institutions.
“In terms of operational cost savings, environmental outputs and adaptability to future trends, our hybrid system hits all the marks without the heavy cost of a fully 100% heat pump solution.”
Kirsty Anthony