Archway Learning Trust has been awarded £1,097,266 to replace gas boilers with new air source heat pumps at one of its secondary schools in Bilborough.
The funding is through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme which is initiated by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and delivered by Salix Finance. The scheme provides grants for public sector bodies like schools to upgrade their heating systems so that they are cleaner, cheaper and powered by renewable energy.
The boilers at Bluecoat Beechdale Academy were identified as being “life expired” during a recent condition survey. Implementing an air source heat pump system will provide a low carbon system capable of outputting the required heat to replace the existing gas boilers.
In addition to the air source heat pumps, the funding will also go towards replacing the secondary distribution pipework around the school and upgrading the controls system to allow the new heating system to be managed effectively.
Principal at Bluecoat Beechdale Academy, Sarah Bailey, said:
“As a large school we are always looking at ways to become more environmentally friendly and reduce carbon emissions. We are delighted to play our part in a wider decarbonisation strategy whilst providing a warmer and more comfortable school for our students and staff.”
Archway Learning Trust is contributing £600,000 towards the £1.7m total project cost with works due to be completed by March 2024.
Salix Director of Programmes Ian Rodger said: “Congratulations to Archway Learning Trust for its success in achieving funding through Phase 3b of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.
The project at Bluecoat Beechdale Academy will help reduce carbon emissions, make the building more energy efficient as well as being a more comfortable place for both students and staff to work.
Our team at Salix will work closely with the Trust to ensure the project meets its targets and achieves what it has set out to do.”
