Innovative use of geothermal energy to improve energy efficiency and cut carbon emissions\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Our team was appointed on a Pascall + Watson-led design group to provide mechanical, electrical, civil and structural engineering<\/a> services \u2013 as well as Project Supervisor Design Process (PSDP) services \u2013 for the restoration and deep energy retrofit of this landmark building. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The building’s age and historical value meant that traditional retrofit methods were not always applicable, necessitating innovative approaches that balanced energy efficiency with conservation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We conducted an extensive feasibility study that examined a range of options to determine the best heating method for the building. This involved assessing each option based on several criteria, including energy consumption, carbon dioxide (CO2<\/sub>) emissions, and the impact on both the building\u2019s conservation and the broader campus environment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The analysis revealed that, as well as having the lowest carbon dioxide emissions of all the heating options, a ground source heat pump <\/strong>(GSHP) system was the most effective method for this building. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As a result, a GSHP was installed to provide heating for the entire building. This included a closed loop collector system with 21 boreholes each 170 metres deep. Together, they can deliver 425 megawatt hours (MWh) of renewable heating annually. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to this, we also carried out extensive thermal analysis to optimise the fabric upgrades while respecting the sensitive nature of the existing fa\u00e7ades. This has led to a 40 per cent thermal performance improvement<\/a>. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to the provision of new rooms, apartments and research facilities for students and staff, the deep energy retrofit has transformed the Rubrics building into a model of sustainable conservation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The new geothermal system provides 100 per cent of the building\u2019s heating and is expected to reduce primary energy use and CO2<\/sub> emissions from the refurbished building by 75 per cent<\/a> compared to previous levels, setting a new standard for energy-efficient retrofits in heritage structures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The heat pumps also use waste heat recovery to generate domestic hot water for most of the year, meeting 80 per cent of the building\u2019s hot water needs<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Already, the Rubrics has earned prestigious recognition. At the AUDE Awards 2023, it was commended in the University Impact Initiative of the Year category and won the Retrofit of a Building award at the Towards Net Zero Awards 2023. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/aecom.com\/content\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/20240214_164315-1-1024x768.jpg\")
An award-winning model of sustainable conservation\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n