Decarbonisation Solutions for Schools

Synopsis

Can an Energy Pod System be Used as a Means to Decarbonisation?
Ian Keeling, Principal Engineer, Cundall

As a national imperative there is a drive to reduce carbon emissions to meet the UKs carbon budgets. Using the Government’s thought leadership in Modern Methods of Construction the ‘Energy Pod’ project seeks to explore the opportunity to set out a standard design for low carbon modular off site produced plant rooms to act as a plug and play technology to decarbonise
operational buildings and sites.

The Energy Pod Research and Innovation Project takes on a whole system approach to decarbonisation. It is not, however, intended to address all elements from day one by itself. It is recognised that very few schools will be in a position to transfer immediately to an all-electric solution (such as Heat Pumps), due to the cost of the fabric improvements that are required to
make such systems viable.

The premise of the Energy Pods solution is to put in place a planned routemap for the initial installation of the Pods, but also the longer term interventions to fully decarbonise a site. The project team has developed the designs to prove the viability as a platform system, and has also put together a Design Guide for engaging Schools and Multi-Academy Trusts with the
Energy Pods pathway. This presentation will detail the current designs, as well as the proposed routes to get involved.