Cornafulla National School underwent a deep retrofit
This 1980s national school underwent a deep retrofit as part of the 2021 Schools Energy Retrofit Pathfinder programme. Extensive fabric upgrades resulted in a Building Energy Rating (BER) uplift from a C1 to a B1.
Background
Cornafulla National School was selected through the 2021 Public Sector Pathfinder Programme to undergo a deep retrofit. The school was comprehensively assessed to identify suitable upgrade measures. These needed to deliver value to both the school and the programme learnings.
The project
Fabric upgrades included:
- Applying external wall insulation of the 1983 building and pumping the cavity wall of the 2011 extension
- Air tightness upgrades around all windows and doors in the building
- Replacement of all external doors in the building
Mechanical and electrical upgrades included the installation of:
- LED lighting system with occupancy and daylight control
- 6kWp Solar PV system
- EV charging points
- Building Energy Management System
- Air source heat pump, new buffer tank, and low temperature radiator distribution system to replace oil boiler
- MVHR system to improve ventilation and indoor comfort
Energy improvements
| Measure | Pre works status | Post works status |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Consumption | 251,315 kWh | 138,226 kWh |
| Carbon Emissions | 52 tCO2 | 23 tCO2 |
| Building Energy Rating | C1 | B1 |
| Lighting Upgrade | Unknown | LED with occupancy and daylight controls |
| Walls U Value | 0.37 W/m2k pumped cavity wall | 0.16 W/m2k achieved through external wall insulation |
| Air tightness | 7.82 m3/h/m2 | <5.0 m3/h/m2 |
| Heat Loss | 95 W/m2 | 53 W/m2 |
| Heating System Type | Oil fired boiler | Air source heat pump and low temperature distribution system |
| Heating System Efficiency | Unknown | SCOP 2.86 |
| Ventilation System | Natural | Mechanical ventilation and heat recovery |
| Domestic Hot Water | Boiler | Dedicated air source heat pump |
| Solar PV | 0kWp | 6kWp |
| EV Charge Point | None | Installed |
Results and key achievements
- 45% estimated energy savings (113,089 kWh per year) and 58% reduction in CO2 emissions
- Most space heating demand met by a renewable heat solution
- Digital display of solar PV generation for staff and students to see
- 8 week turnaround for retrofit works
- Positive feedback from teachers and students of improved comfort in teaching and learning environment
Get involved
The Energy in Education programme offers a range of supports to help schools to improve energy management practices, reduce operating costs and protect the environment.
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