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Lingfield Primary’s Net-Zero Blueprint: UK-Made Heat Pumps and Solar Decarbonise School
1. Introduction
What if you could replace an aging gas heating system with a symbol of progress? That’s exactly what Lingfield Primary School in Surrey did. Faced with rising costs and ambitious sustainability targets, the school, like many public buildings, needed a solution. But instead of just a quick fix they embarked on a full-scale transformation.
Partnering with Surrey County Council alongside CO2PEC and supported by the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS), they didn’t just replace their old system; they future-proofed their building with efficient & British-made low-carbon technology designed to last for decades.
Could this be a blueprint for other public-sector buildings looking to do the same?
2. Problem & Motivation
Lingfield school previously had a gas heating plant which can be a drain on both resources and the environment. Gas heating gives inefficient performance, and its costly upkeep can put a strain on a school’s budget, while the carbon footprint directly conflicts with environmental goals. This created a requirement for a more sustainable and reliable solution.
The solution was to replace fossil fuels with electric and renewable-ready systems. The equipment used for this project was British-made Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs), chosen for their superior technical fit and minimal supply-chain carbon footprint compared to imported alternatives.
3. A Holistic Decarbonisation Approach
We delivered the project as a complete, end-to-end package. Our turnkey service meant the school avoided juggling multiple contractors and enjoyed a seamless process from feasibility to final commissioning.
Key services provided included:
- Feasibility Study & Design – Tailoring the system to Lingfield’s unique site requirements.
- Manufacturing & Supply – Sourcing British-made ASHPs, built to high efficiency standards and designed for UK conditions.
- Mechanical & Electrical Installations – Including plant room fit-out, the entire heating system and domestic water system.
- DNO (Distribution Network Operator) Upgrades – Ensuring the electrical infrastructure could handle the increased renewable load.
- Renewables – A supply & install large-scale solar PV installation to offset running costs and emissions.
- Fabric Upgrades – Secondary glazing and cavity wall & roof insulation to reduce heat loss.
- Smart Control Systems – For real-time performance monitoring and optimisation.
- Aftercare Support – Ongoing maintenance and system health checks to ensure long-term performance.
4. Technical & Green Features
Can a school’s heating system be a lesson in sustainability? The transformation at Lingfield Primary proves it can… The heart of the new system is an array of three British-made Clade Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) units; x2 Acer LN75kW and x1 Acer LN50kW; chosen specifically for their robust efficiency for the UK’s climate. One major benefit of sourcing these locally is that the project not only got reliable performance but also significantly reduced the carbon footprint associated with shipping equipment from abroad.
The upgrades went beyond just the heating as a 146 high performance panel JA Solar PV system, each panel rated at 460W, was installed to generate clean electricity on-site. This helps to power the new heat pumps and reduce reliance on the national grid. To ensure the panels’ longevity and prevent future maintenance issues, bird netting was also fitted.
Even Lingfield’s’ building fabric had a crucial upgrade. Secondary glazing along with cavity wall & roof space insulation were added to dramatically cut heat loss making the heat pumps’ job easier and more efficient. Inside the classrooms new high efficiency radiators and re-piped systems distribute warmth evenly.
The result is a fully integrated & smart system where every component works in harmony to generate renewable energy, boost efficiency and save money.
How many other schools benefit from this and achieve similar results?
5. Outcomes & Benefits
Lingfield’s new system delivers multiple wins:
- Lower Carbon Emissions – Transitioning from gas to British-made electric heating slashes annual CO₂ output.
- Reduced Running Costs – On-site solar generation offsets electricity costs, while efficient heat pumps require less energy overall.
- Improved Comfort – More consistent heating across all areas of the school.
- Supply-Chain Sustainability – Choosing UK-manufactured ASHPs reduced transport emissions and supported British industry.
Janice Blatcher, Lingfield Primary School’s Business Manager, summed it up:
“CO2PEC have been great to work with, they have been very knowledgeable and professional throughout the installation of our Air Source Heat Pumps, Solar Panels and all other supporting services.”
6. Broader Significance & Takeaways
What if decarbonisation wasn’t just about replacing one component but about transforming an entire building? The Lingfield project is a perfect example of the ‘whole-building approach’ to sustainability. Instead of just tackling isolated measures the turnkey delivery addressed generation, distribution and efficiency all at once.
By choosing British-made technology, the project not only reduced operational emissions but also minimised the embodied carbon of the equipment itself. It’s an important reminder that “low carbon” doesn’t just mean how a system runs; it’s also about how it’s made, shipped and supported.
With some available funding schemes available for qualifying projects; schools, councils and public buildings have a clear pathway to follow Lingfield’s lead and achieve meaningful, measurable carbon reductions.
7. Conclusion
Lingfield Primary School swapped its dirty gas boiler system for a smart & renewable-powered heating system. This decarbonisation journey shows the benefits of local, integrated and long-term planning. With British-made heat pumps, solar panels and building fabric upgrades all working in harmony, the school will manage to cut costs, improve comfort and taken a decisive step toward a net-zero future.
Lingfield’s heating system is now a win-win: green for the environment and green for the school’s energy bills.
Ready to make your own leap toward a sustainable future? CO2PEC is here to help institutions just like yours. For more details on the Lingfield project, you can read the full case study here.
To discuss a project or find out more about our solutions, get in touch with us:
Website: co2pec.com
Contact number: 01753 905675
Email address: enquiries@co2pec.com
