Case Studies

Design and Build Decarbonisation Project

Client: Bassetlaw District Council
Location: Queen’s Buildings, Worksop
Project Type: Design and Build Decarbonisation Project

Project Overview

In January 2022, the Council was awarded over £1 million under the Government’s PSDS to enhance energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and lower energy costs across its facilities. Queen’s Buildings, identified as the Council’s highest energy-consuming site, was prioritised for a comprehensive decarbonisation project.
As the principal contractor, we undertook the design and build of this transformative project, leveraging innovative technologies and sustainable building practices to achieve ambitious carbon reduction targets.

Key Objectives

• Replace outdated, high-energy systems with sustainable alternatives.
• Improve energy efficiency across the building.
• Maximise the use of renewable energy sources.
• Meet the Council’s environmental goals by significantly reducing carbon emissions.

Scope of Works

1. Heating and Hot Water System
The existing gas heating and hot water system, which had reached the end of its operational life, was replaced with eight air source heat pumps, providing a highly efficient, low-carbon heating solution.

2. Renewable Energy Integration
A solar panel system was installed to harness renewable energy, reducing dependency on non-renewable power sources and lowering energy bills.

3. Energy Efficiency Enhancements
To further improve energy performance, the following upgrades were implemented:
Replacement insulated roof: Remove old roof covering, insulate and re instate new covering.

Double-Glazed Windows: Reduced heat loss.

LED Lighting: Energy-efficient lighting solutions to minimize electricity consumption.

Floor and Loft Insulation: Improved thermal performance of the building envelope.

Building Management System Upgrade: Advanced controls for efficient energy use.

Environmental Impact

The decarbonisation works have delivered a dramatic reduction in carbon emissions at Queen’s Buildings, cutting annual emissions from 238.85 tCO2eq to 83.98 tCO2eq—a reduction of 65%.

Challenges and Solutions

Challenge: Working in a live building with numerous different departments occupying the building all requiring heat throughout the project.
Solution: A temporary boiler plant was installed onto the roof and temporarily connected to the existing system. This was removed and reinstated as phases of the project completed.

Challenge: Integrating modern systems into a historically high-energy-consuming building.
Solution: A bespoke design that balanced advanced technology with the building’s existing structure.

Challenge: Minimising disruption to Council operations during construction.
Solution: A phased approach and efficient project management ensured smooth delivery.

Outcome

The project has not only exceeded expectations in terms of energy efficiency and carbon reduction but has also established Queen’s Buildings as a flagship example of sustainable refurbishment within the public sector.

Client Feedback

"The decarbonisation project at Queen’s Buildings represents a major step forward in achieving our environmental goals. The upgrades have significantly reduced our carbon footprint and energy costs, while creating a more sustainable future for our Council operations."