All over the UK, the essential drive towards net zero carbon emissions is rapidly growing & it is possibly safe to say nowhere is as important than within our educational hubs, whether that be schools, colleges, or universities. These establishments aren’t just centres of education where we inspire future minds; they’re also substantial consumers of energy, and as such, they play a crucial role in the change to low carbon heating solutions.
A technological advancement leading this evolution are heat pumps, whether it be Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) or Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP). These impressive technologies are demonstrating how they can be a crucial & key component of sustainable heating solutions within the education sector.
The future success and longevity of this movement rests on a significant upcoming, & welcomed, change: the adoption of natural refrigerants
To secure the future of heat pumps within the education sector, a shift away from synthetic refrigerants and harmful F-gases is essential and a crucial step in the right direction. This is not only an environmental imperative but also a regulatory one, this is due to the UK’s strict phase down rules being applies. Adopting natural alternatives is now a mandatory and progressive decision.
Embracing heat pumps with natural refrigerants like CO₂, propane, and ammonia provides the education sector a sustainable, compliant, and efficient option. This move is not just about carbon reduction; it’s a powerful way to lead by example.
ASHP vs. GSHP: Understanding the Fundamentals
ASHPs and GSHPs operate in a similar way: they pull low grade heat from the environment, then upgrade it to a higher temperature for heating buildings and hot water. It’s essentially a refrigerator working in a backwards manner.
- Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) pull heat directly from the outside air, even in the colder months. These systems generally have an outdoor unit—much like an air conditioning unit—which then absorbs heat, which is transferred indoors to heat radiators or underfloor systems etc.
When it comes to educational establishments, ASHPs are an ideal solution with their limited outdoor space & a less disruptive installation process. They’re perfect for smaller buildings, individual classes, and modular buildings, offering efficient heating without the extensive groundwork.
- Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs), alternatively, utilise the earth’s consistently stable temperature. They use a network of pipes which are buried, either horizontal in trenches or vertical in boreholes, to circulate a fluid that absorbs heat from the ground. This warmed fluid then travels through an indoor heat exchanger, similar to an ASHP, to provide heating and hot water to the premises.
For the education sector, GSHPs are a great option for larger blocks, campuses, new builds, or institutions with vast outdoor space. Their ever-reliable performance makes them an excellent choice for heating entire school compounds, university accommodation, or large sporting halls, providing a stable & long-term heating solution.
The Unmissable Benefit: Natural Refrigerants – Your Future-Proof Choice
Now here is where the true benefit for the UK education sector comes into play. With most, if not all, older heat pump systems, they still rely on synthetic F-gases (HFCs) with high Global Warming Potential (GWP), CO2PEC’s Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) and Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs) exclusively use natural refrigerants like Propane (R290) and Carbon Dioxide (CO2 or R744). So, why is this so important for hubs like schools, colleges & universities? Here are some reasons why choosing natural refrigerants is a smart move …
Environmental Leadership
By selecting natural refrigerants, you can show your clear commitment to the environment & make a statement. These refrigerants have incredibly low Global Warming Potential (GWP), drastically shrinking the carbon footprint of your heating systems and aligning perfectly with net zero targets. This also sets a good example for students and staff alike.
F-Gas Regulations Compliance
The UK’s F-gas regulations are now getting even stricter, little by little phasing down high GWP synthetic refrigerants. The systems currently in place & still using these F-gases will face rising costs, potential servicing bans, and inevitably obsoleteness. By investing in heat pumps that use natural refrigerants you are future proofing your heating infrastructure which ensures compliance in the long run and helps you to avoid expensive retrofits at a later stage.
Enhanced Performance & Efficiency
Natural refrigerants often have better & more efficient heat transfer; this leads to higher Coefficients of Performance (COPs). The benefit of this to you means simply more heat for less electricity, directly translating into considerable energy bill savings for educational institutions that can be reinvested into vital learning resources. For example, CO2 heat pumps can yield very high temperatures for water, which is perfect for older school buildings with traditional radiators.
Safety and Sustainability
Propane (R290) and Carbon Dioxide (CO2) are naturally occurring substances. While they require expert handling, their safety profiles are well studied &understood, they crucially don’t create persistent waste in the atmosphere. This is a night & day contrast to some synthetic refrigerants that can break down into harmful substances which is a big No No for the environment.
If you are considering these benefits, are you in a position to explore how natural refrigerant heat pumps can transform your institution’s heating strategy?
Addressing Common Concerns – Heat Pumps: Your Burning Questions, Answered (Literally!)
While there are many clear environmental and monetary benefits of heat pumps, it’s natural to consider potential challenges down the line, at CO2PEC our aim is to clarify, not to deter & to be transparent over all aspects involved in your potential Heat Pump journey:
- The Initial Investment:
It is true, ASHPs and GSHPs have a higher upfront cost than traditional fossil fuel boilers. However, the correct way to look at this is as a long-term investment in sustainable infrastructure, there are considerable operational savings from reduced energy bills to consider.
- Installation Considerations:
When it comes to GSHP installations there are extensive groundworks to bear in mind which can potentially be a concern for existing school sites. But with this in mind, modern drilling techniques can help to reduce & minimise disruption. For new builds, it’s simply an integrated part of the construction process & wouldn’t be an issue. ASHPs, while these are considerably easier to install, they do need careful consideration over location placement to minimise any potential sound disruption for nearby classrooms.
- Design & Expertise:
Ideal heat pump performance rests on the shoulders of a proper system design and installation; it’s not just a “one size fits all” solution. It requires a specialist team with knowledge to accurately determine a building’s specific heating needs, insulation levels, and hot water demands. This is why partnering with experienced providers such as CO2PEC is key on your heat pump journey.
Your School, Your Heat Pump: A Match Made in Eco-Heaven (Almost!) – What is the best option for you?
If you have done your homework and are still unsure on the best choice between an ASHP and a GSHP for a UK educational institution, this can depend on a number of different factors which we have listed below:
- Available Space:
If tight for space at your school or college, Air Source Heat Pumps are often the most practical and economical solution. These compact outdoor units can be strategically placed without extensive intrusive groundworks.
- New Builds vs. Retrofits:
Ground Source Heat Pumps are a great option for new educational buildings where ground loops can be smoothly integrated into the construction phase. For existing buildings, if enough land is available and a long term, highly efficient solution is organised, GSHPs are highly recommended & would be the preferred option here. When it comes to retrofitting, ASHPs are generally quicker and less disruptive for these projects, making them a popular choice for decarbonising existing stock.
- Heating Demand & Building Type
Larger sites or extensive schools with high & consistent heating demands throughout the year will very much benefit from the stable efficiency of GSHPs. Smaller schools or buildings with more sporadic heating needs might find ASHPs to be a more quick and economic fit.
- Budget:
While GSHPs, more often than not, have higher upfront costs due to the groundworks, they can offer lower running costs and a longer lifespan. A thorough financial analysis, considering both capital expenditure and long-term operational savings, is essential. CO2PEC will help you and advise on options that are available to you.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, for the UK educational sector, the shift to heat pumps is more than just an environmental necessity; it’s a strategic financial decision which will pay off in the long run. It’s about investing now for the longevity of your building, ensuring the future comfort of both pupils and staff, and creating an environment where learning can truly thrive.
By choosing systems that use natural refrigerants, schools, colleges, and universities can lead the way for the future. This secures long-term compliance, reduces operational costs, and fosters a healthier, more sustainable learning environment for generations to come. While the choice between air or ground source will vary by institution, the commitment to natural refrigerants should be the universal standard.
So, there you have it! We’ve unpacked the world of heat pumps and natural refrigerants, hopefully leaving you more informed and less, well, hot under the collar!
If you are in a position to delve deeper and see how your institution can make this smart, sustainable, and future-proof change, then head over to CO2PEC.com for more information. And, for those ready to act swiftly, please note that we hold some units in stock, enabling a quick turnaround from enquiry to site installation. Let’s make your school’s heating system something to really brag about!
Feel free to contact our knowledgeable team on 01753 905675, alternatively you can email us enquiries@co2pec.com.
