Bournside School in Cheltenham partnered with CEG and E3 Cube to implement a low carbon heating system. The project involved the installation of a Ground Source Heat Pump connected to boreholes, with a new distribution system and fan coil units throughout the school.
To further enhance efficiency, PVT panels were integrated to offset running costs and store excess thermal energy in the boreholes for use during colder months.
To execute this project, we drilled 64 boreholes, each 157m deep, totaling over 10km of active ground collector pipework, which feeds into a 1,088kW CO₂ Ground Source Heat Pump system. The collected energy is transferred to an external plant room housing the CO₂ Heat Pumps. A new internal distribution system and fan coil units were installed to meet the school’s heating demands. Additionally, 216 Solar PVT panels with a total electrical output of 108kWp were installed across two buildings. These panels contribute to running cost savings and redirect thermal energy back into the boreholes to improve overall system efficiency.
Several challenges were addressed during the project. The CO₂ system required careful design, as return temperatures needed to stay below 35°C. This was resolved by installing fan coil units that effectively manage heat distribution. Another challenge involved maintaining access to the school’s sports pitches. Construction was planned in a way that minimized disruption to sports activities while ensuring all design modifications met structural requirements.
The project was successfully completed, providing Bournside School with an efficient, low carbon heating system. The school now benefits from significant cost savings, reduced environmental impact through the use of natural refrigerants with low Global Warming Potential, and increased comfort levels for students and staff, including passive cooling in previously overheated areas. The integration of Solar PV further offsets energy costs, making the system both financially and environmentally sustainable.
