 Hebburn Eco Centre | The Hebburn Eco Centre replaced its 20-year old ground source heating system with a cascade air source heat pump solution from Mitsubishi Electric. |
The Eco Centre was pioneering in 1996 when it opened to show the benefits of renewable technologies and sustainable design. Groundwork South Tyneside and Newcastle (STAN) designed and built the centre and it is still a leader in Europe as an example of sustainability.
The building is home to the Groundwork Trust, and the Trust lets out 16 offices, board and conference rooms to the local start up businesses to help the community create new jobs. Built out of recycled materials, re-used bricks, and re-smelted aluminium cans, its 'green' credentials are strong. The building is well insulated too. Electrical power comes from wind turbines and solar PV panels.
Jason Oakes, Business Development Director of Oakes Energy, who installed the four Ecodan units, said:
The building is home to the Groundwork Trust, and the Trust lets out 16 offices, board and conference rooms to the local start up businesses to help the community create new jobs. Built out of recycled materials, re-used bricks, and re-smelted aluminium cans, its 'green' credentials are strong. The building is well insulated too. Electrical power comes from wind turbines and solar PV panels.
Jason Oakes, Business Development Director of Oakes Energy, who installed the four Ecodan units, said:
“The ground source system had worked well but it was getting on a bit, so Groundwork took the decision to replace it with an air source system”.
“What they needed though, was a new system that could work with the existing infrastructure and one that could cope with a variable demand for heating throughout the year”.
The heat pump solution
Working with Minden Wood Consultants, Oakes Energy decided the best solution for the centres new heating system was to use four Ecodan 14kW air source heat pumps working in a cascde system.
Nick Harley of Minden Wood Consultants said:
Nick Harley of Minden Wood Consultants said:
“We looked at all the available options and the Mitsubishi Electric solution combined the best performance available with the complete flexibility needed for the building’s multi-occupant use.”
Executive Director of Groundwork South Tyneside and Newcastle, Andrew Watts said:
“Our Eco Centre has always represented the embodiment of these ideal, being environmentally friendly to its core and a place where people who hold these strong working beliefs come together.
“It was a landmark building when constructed and it remains so today, but to ensure it continues to leave the most positive environmental footprint possible has meant a change to the heating system and a more modern upgrade.
“The added benefit of using the Ecodan system is that it offers greater control for individual offices and also qualifies for the non-domestic Renewable Heat Incentive, so this can help supplement the running costs for the next 20 years”.
