There is a growing trend in the UK for schools and colleges to adopt energy-efficient solutions, save money and reduce their environmental impact.

Collaborating on this decarbonisation project
Decimo Project Engineering, a construction and project management company, collaborated with Caice, a specialist designer, manufacturer and installer of acoustic louvre enclosures, to address the heating needs of St Botolph’s Primary School in Norfolk.

Designed to suit an existing concrete slab in a school playground
The challenge set for Caice by Decimo Project Engineering was to design, manufacture, deliver and install an acoustic louvre enclosure to house four heat pumps based on an existing concrete slab in the primary school playground, next to the building.

During their site survey they found that the enclosure required notches and trims to suit guttering, low level roofs, low level walls and a patio area. So they designed the acoustic enclosure based on their site survey and this was approved, a little smaller and taller than originally quoted against their client’s drawings and included a door and all associated steelwork/purlins.

Thoughtful design and planning for easy maintenance
The primary issue was the confined space within the school’s playground, which required careful design and planning. The acoustic enclosure was designed with the correct airspace and maintenance clearance, considering the tight space constraints and to meet all requirements.

Successful installation with minimal disruption to the school and children
Then the installation had to be carried out during term time and weekends to minimise disruption to the school’s daily activities. Access was not easy, but they overcame this through good communications with their client. The acoustic louvre enclosure meets their requirements and fits into a very small patio area of a primary school.

Acoustic louvre enclosures for heat pumps for a quieter, more sustainable future in education
Each year more schools and colleges are installing heat pumps to save energy and benefit the environment, and this project with Decimo Engineering Projects at St Botolph’s Primary School is just one of successful stories that they have been involved in.

By prioritising sustainability and energy efficiency, the school not only reduced its environmental footprint but also demonstrated a commitment to providing a greener and more sustainable learning environment for its students.

This underscores the potential for educational institutions to make meaningful contributions to energy conservation and environmental protection through the adoption of modern, eco-friendly technologies like heat pumps, photo voltaic panels, LED lighting and improved insulation.

A cleaner, greener school with a smaller carbon footprint
The pupils have always shown an eager interest in the environment and protecting the future of the planet. In 2021 they asked, “are we doing enough and shouldn’t we be doing more?” So the adults commissioned a survey to identify what could be done to reduce the environmental impact of the school. This resulted in the completion of a decarbonisation project funded by a £1 million Government grant.

“Our ultimate aim has been achieved. We have reduced our carbon footprint, we are cleaner, greener and hope to be warmer in the winter.”